Explore our comprehensive course offerings for the academic year. Click on a topic to view detailed information within the course catalog.
In a safe environment, we will do whatever it takes for the academic and character success of every student to develop as a lifelong learner and responsible citizen. In order to accomplish this, we will engage every student every day in intellectually challenging and meaningful learning to give all students the resources necessary to prepare them to achieve their greatest potential and to meet the expectations of the future
Vision: Summit School District students, staff and community members work together in an atmosphere of care and respect to offer each student an array of educational programs designed to foster his/her unique academic, vocational, and personal strengths.
Our aim is to develop internationally minded people who help to create a better world.
Developing Caring Learners for the 21st Century. Creating a Better World. One Student at a Time.
Every Summit School District student will develop as a caring learner by demonstrating at least a year’s growth in academic achievement and by showing an increase in behaviors associated with positive character development. This growth will be measured by a body of evidence in an end-of-year review.
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective
Summit High School Touchstone: PRIDE (Positive attitude, Respect, Inclusion, Dedicated to Excellence)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) provides a high quality international education whose aim is to create a better, more peaceful world through education. At the heart of the IB is the Learner Profile, which places the student at the center of everything we do to plan for that student’s educational experience. The Learner Profile is the IB Mission Statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century, and is the unifying force to bring students, teachers, parents and administrators together as lifelong learners.
Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others.
We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights Brisenoof people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
All students in Grades 9 and 10 study the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) course and complete the academic requirements in earning the MYP Certificate. The MYP is a program for students aged 11 to 16, which insists on a thorough study of various disciplines. The accent is on their interrelatedness. MYP is a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections among eight traditional subjects and the real world and become critical and reflective thinkers. Teachers use criteria established by the IB to assess all student work. The IB validates the school’s assessment standards by providing external monitoring. Authorized schools are visited and evaluated regularly. A team of professional educators reviews the delivery and effectiveness of the programme and makes recommendations for improvement. MYP teachers in grades 9 and 10 teach through the six Global Contexts and use an inquiry-based method of instruction.
IB Diploma Program (IBDP)- Grades 11, 12 (Fees required for assessments—Due October 31).
The IB Diploma Program (IBDP) is a choice for all students who wish an academically challenging course of study, either in single courses or as a full IBDP student to attempt to earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma in addition to the SHS Diploma. Students taking a single DP class may earn individual course college credit. Always check with the university to confirm credit granted for IB courses completed.
The IB’s Diploma Programme (DP) is designed as an academically challenging and balanced program of education with class assessments and final examinations that prepare students for success at university and life beyond. The DP’s grading system is criterion referenced, which means that each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools around the world. Some DP courses prepare students for taking AP exams. Some DP courses are also CMC courses.
The full IB Diploma Programme is a two-year course of study. All courses are for the college-bound or high interest student. Teachers may recommend students for single IB courses, which may earn students college credit.) Fees: Families pay for all exams. In the case of IB exams, registration is due to SHS by October 31 for May testing. Because the IBO requires that IB exams be paid for by October 31, students electing to forfeit the exam after October 31, also forfeit the exam payment. Students designated as free or reduced lunch participants might have discounts, depending on state funding.
Group 1– Literature A (HL)
Group 2– Language B (Spanish or French) (HL or SL)
Group 3– History of the Americas (HL) or Psychology (SL)
Group 4– Biology (HL) or Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
Group 5– Math Applications (SL), Math Analysis (SL)
Group 6– Visual Arts (HLA or HLB) or Music (HL) or ESS (SL) or Psychology (SL)
Students attempting the full IB diploma must have each of the six groups covered with at least 3 at HL and 3 at SL. Higher Level courses are two-year courses; Standard Level courses are either one- or two-year courses. Each course requires assignments and exams that will be assessed by international standards and sent out of Summit County to be assessed. Assessments are paid for by the student and are due by October 31.
IB grades are on 1-7 scale. Twenty-four out of 45 possible points, with a total of 12 HL points or 16 HL points, and successful completion of TOK, CAS, and the Extended Essay, earn the student the IB Diploma. Those students earning the IB Diploma with no score lower than a 4 and attending a Colorado University may earn 24 college credits or more (School of Mines is an exception). Course students may earn individual college course credit. IB DP credit is recognized world-wide and may earn college credit or placement for students.
IB Diploma, AP, and CMC concurrent enrollment classes carry a +1.0 weight.
Because dropping IB classes for full IB Diploma candidates is a big decision, and because SHS wishes to serve its students with their best interests in mind, students wishing to drop a DP course shall:
1. Meet with the teacher of the class the student wishes to drop to ensure that all avenues to help the student achieve have been taken. Have an exit meeting with at least the parent, IB coordinator, and guidance counselor.
2. Fees: Families pay for all AP* and IB exams**. Reductions are made for those on free or reduced lunch when the state offers funding. In the case of IB exams, payment and registration are due to SHS by October 31 for May testing. Because the IBO requires that IB exams be paid by October 31, students electing to forfeit the exam after October 31, also forfeit the exam payment.
*AP 2023 fees are $97 per exam. Fees usually go up each year by at least a few dollars.
**IB 2022 fees were $119 per subject. Fees usually go up each year by at least a few dollars.