student achievement

Strong, Research-Based Curriculum

High Point Academy’s highest priority is always student achievement.

High Point Academy is a charter school focused not only on high academic standards but also on character.

We’ve chosen strong, research-based curriculum, and we use data teams to make sure that our staff teaches it in the most effective ways possible. Several of our staff members offer after-school tutoring. In technology class, our students learn the skills they need to be tech-savvy 21st century citizens. We use Infinite Campus to record and share students’ grades. Finally, our policies page shows our commitment to anti-bullying, responsible use of social media, respectful staff-parent interaction, school uniforms, and a healthy school environment.

Academics

Curriculum

High Point Academy offers an academically challenging curriculum that results in high student achievement. To accomplish our mission, we have selected strong, research based curriculum and instructional methodologies. Specific programs and curriculum include:

  • Our rich and engaging curriculum aligns to the Colorado State Standards and Common Core Scope and Sequence to provide students with a rigorous, yet well-rounded education to support student readiness for high school and beyond; emphasizing 21st century skills of collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
  • Units of Study for Teaching Reading and Writing from Lucy Calkins and Columbia University, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. This curriculum builds strong foundational reading and writing skills and teaches explicit reading and writing strategies to ensure students grow into strong readers and writers as they move up the ladder of text complexity.
  • Performance Based Instruction in reading/language arts and math students are assessed frequently and instruction is targeted to needs.
  • Our math program is Math Expressions (K-5) and Agile Mind (Middle School) which links closely to our state math standards.
  • Strong emphasis on Physical Education and Wellness which is a school-wide focus.
  • FOSS Next Generation – STEM Explorative Learning Science Curriculum: FOSS is built around firsthand exploration of phenomena, using classroom-proven theories and practices to engage all our students.
  • Social Studies: TCI is a hands-on and interactive curriculum to inspire lifelong love of learning and use of teachable moments to bring the curriculum to life.
  • School is about more than just academics. Second Steps and Steps to Respect gives students the social skills they’ll need to succeed in all areas of their lives.
Standards Based Grading

Standards Based Grading at High Point Academy

At High Point Academy we Reach, Empower, and Achieve. We know our students deeply, we provide exceptional instruction that supports students, and our students achieve at the highest levels. In order to realize these ideals we must do more than report the average test scores of a student over the course of a quarter. A single letter grade for a subject may not communicate enough information about what a student knows and is able to do. Recognizing the challenge of accurately communicating student progress, High Point Academy is moving toward a Standards Based Grading system of assessment and grade reporting. Standards Based Grading is a way of thinking about grading and assessment that more clearly communicates with students and parents how well learners currently understand the course objectives. Rather than totaling points earned on assignments, teachers measure what students know and can do compared against Colorado Academic Standards in each subject area. In a Standards Based Grading system students do not wait until the end of the quarter to learn what their final grade is. Instead, teachers consistently share with students their progress toward a given Learning Target. Students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their growth throughout a unit of study. In addition, families have a more complete picture of student success through Student Led Conferences and Standards Based Grading report cards that identify student achievement in each of the standards associated with a subject area. When accessing your child’s grades by looking at progress reports, Infinite Campus, and report cards, you will come across some common codes that will indicate your child’s progress in their content classes. These codes are EXC, ACC, DEV, BEG, and INS.  See below for some more information about what these codes mean.

Academic Grades

EXC Exceeding Exceeding grade level standards and expectations – Student consistently meets most requirements for exceptional work related to course standards and demonstrates a deep level of knowledge and skill for this point in the school year
ACC Accomplished Accomplishing grade level standards and expectations – student consistently meets most requirements for proficient  work related to course standards and demonstrates grade level knowledge and skills for this point in the school year
DEV Developing Developing understanding of grade level standards and expectations – Student consistently meets some requirements for proficient work related to course standards and demonstrates some grade level knowledge and skills for this point in school year
BEG Beginning Beginning to understand grade level standards and expectations – student consistently meets  few requirements for proficient work related to course standards and demonstrates little grade level knowledge and skill for this point in the school year
INS Insufficient Evidence Insufficient evidence has been gathered to indicate an accurate grade

As we improve our instruction, assessment, and grading practices through the use of Standards Based Grading we believe that we will Reach our students, Empower all students, and our students will Achieve their goals for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions – click here

Colorado Department of Education – The Standards-Based Teaching/Learning Cycle – click here

Specials Courses

We provide a diverse range of specials including Spanish, wellness, physical education/fitness, music, art, and technology to ensure development of well-rounded students.

Teacher Professional Development

On Mondays, High Point Academy students are released at 1:00 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m., in order to provide our staff with designated time to meet for professional development. During these meetings teachers work together to enhance their instruction and curriculum. Their findings have a clear impact on instructional practices, intervention programs, and allocation of resources. By devoting designated time to professional development meetings, High Point Academy ensures that teachers communicate, collaborate, and ultimately drive student performance to the highest level possible.

Tutoring and Study Resources

Some of High Point Academy’s teachers offer additional tutoring to students after school and during school holidays, including summer. Each teacher sets up her own tutoring schedule, location, and cost. To arrange additional tutoring for your child, email info@highpointacademy.net or call the school at 303-217-5152. You can learn more about each teacher on our staff bio page. Please note that teachers cannot provide fee-based tutoring for their own students.

Study Resources

The following websites offer useful practice in literacy, math, spelling, and CMAS preparation.

Literacy (especially useful for ESL students):

Math (K – 3rd grade)

Spelling (K – 8th grade)

Infinite Campus

To check your student’s grades, login to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account at this link https://cocloud1.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/highpoint.jsp. Don’t have an account? Contact info@highpointacademy.net with your full name, your child(ren)’s full names and grades. Make sure you download the Infinite Campus Parent App! Don’t have the app? Get it here:    APPLE      GOOGLE