Peak to Peak Charter School

Peak to Peak Charter School
Close view of the elementary office entrance at Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colorado, showing the gabled entry tower, patterned CMU facade, flagpole, and bench seating.
Location
800 Merlin Drive

Lafayette, Colorado
80026

United States
Information
TypeCharter school
Established1999 (1999)
School districtBoulder Valley School District (BVSD)
CEEB code060869
PrincipalMelissa Christensen (elementary)
Clara Quinlan (middle)
Joshua Benson (high)
Teaching staff78.47 (on an FTE basis)[1]
GradesK-12
Number of students1,452 (2023–2024)[1]
Student to teacher ratio18.50[1]
ColorsBlack, blue, gray, and white
    
AthleticsSoccer, baseball, golf, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track and field, softball, tennis
MascotPuma
NewspaperPawPrint 5
Websitewww.peaktopeak.org

Peak to Peak Charter School is a K–12 public charter school in Lafayette, Colorado, offering a liberal-arts, college-preparatory curriculum. Founded in 1999,[2] it operates within the Boulder Valley School District and serves roughly 1,400–1,500 students.[3] The school is regularly highly ranked in state and national high-school lists[4] and offers a wide Advanced Placement program and various extracurricular activities, including athletics. Peak to Peak is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education.[5]

History

Origins and charter approval (1997–1999)

Peak to Peak began as a parent-led effort in late 1997 to create a K–12, college-preparatory charter option within the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). A group of roughly a dozen parents and community members drafted the original charter proposal, consulting with faculty from public and private colleges and educators from several BVSD choice schools. The proposal was submitted to BVSD on 26 May 1998 and was approved by the BVSD school board in August 1998. After further negotiations concerning budget and facilities, Peak to Peak's charter contract with BVSD was officially approved by the district board on 13 May 1999 (board vote 5–2).[6]

Opening and early years (2000–2002)

Although the charter contract was approved in 1999, the school initially struggled to find a permanent facility. After a series of site attempts, Peak to Peak leased and renovated a former daycare center in Lafayette and opened for its first day of classes on 4 September 2000.[6] To accommodate rapid enrollment growth, the school operated on multiple temporary sites and used modular classrooms while pursuing a permanent campus site.[6]

Merlin Drive campus and financing (2001)

In 2001, Peak to Peak purchased a 26-acre site on Merlin Drive in Lafayette for its permanent campus. Financing for construction was secured through the sale of an $18.8 million bond on 26 July 2001; the school’s issue was notable because Peak to Peak was one of the earliest charter schools to sell bonds so soon after opening.[6][7] The permanent campus construction was completed in the early 2000s and the Merlin Drive campus became the school’s long-term home.[8]

Growth and recognitions (2003–2015)

Peak to Peak’s academic performance earned the school multiple statewide recognitions, including several John Irwin School of Excellence awards. The school also received regional and national rankings: Peak to Peak was recognized in Newsweek’s and U.S. News & World Report’s national high school rankings in the 2000s (for example, being listed among Newsweek’s Top 100 in 2008).[6][4]

Campus expansions and facilities improvements (2000s–2010s)

To address increasing enrollment and program needs, the Merlin Drive campus was expanded in phases. Major campus additions included a new gymnasium and cafeteria and multiple two-story classroom additions serving the middle and high school; these projects were delivered as part of BVSD/Peak to Peak construction phases and documented in district bond project materials and contractor project pages.[7][9][10]

Contract renewal and governance (2015–present)

Peak to Peak negotiated a ten-year contract renewal with BVSD in 2015 (a shift from prior five-year renewals), which secured funding arrangements, particularly for special education services, and allowed longer-range program planning. The school’s board and leadership periodically negotiate subsequent renewals with BVSD under Colorado’s charter school framework.[6]

Academics

Peak to Peak Charter School provides a rigorous academic program emphasizing college preparation, high expectations, and opportunities for advanced coursework.

Advanced Placement (AP) and College-credit Options

Peak to Peak offers 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects including art, English, mathematics (Calculus AB & BC, Statistics), science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science), social studies, world languages (French, Spanish), computer science, and studio art.[11] Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the cumulative AP exam in May.[11] In 2025, there were 459 students taking AP classes and 1,027 exams, with approximately 79% scoring a 3 or higher; in prior years, pass rates ranged from about 66% to 75%.[11]

Concurrent enrollment is also offered, allowing students to take postsecondary courses to earn both high school and college credit, as part of their individualized career and academic plan.[12]

Graduation, Testing, and Outcomes

Peak to Peak’s graduation rate has been reported at 95–98%, significantly above the Colorado state average.[13][14] Students perform above state averages on assessments: reading proficiency is about 67%, math proficiency around 55%, and science proficiency also relatively strong.[15][13]

Support and Enrichment Programs

The school’s Gifted and Talented (GT) program serves both middle and high school students. It offers Honors and AP level courses, supports such as mentoring, executive function development, enrichment, and accelerated learning when appropriate.[16] Additional academic components include graduation requirements that involve a Capstone project, options for industry certification, and oversight via the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP).[12]

Accreditation and Recognitions

Peak to Peak Charter School is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and operates under the Boulder Valley School District. The school has consistently received high performance ratings from the CDE, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence.[17]

Nationally, Peak to Peak has earned several accolades:

  • U.S. News & World Report ranked the school 210th nationally and 6th in Colorado in its 2022 "Best High Schools" rankings[18][19]
  • The school has been recognized with the John Irwin School of Excellence Award multiple times, an honor given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance[20]
  • In 2024, Boulder Valley School District, which oversees Peak to Peak, was the only Denver Metro district to receive the Accredited with Distinction rating from the CDE, indicating a high level of educational quality[21]

Athletics and Extracurriculars

Peak to Peak Charter School offers a comprehensive athletic program for students in grades 6–12, competing primarily in the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) 3A classification. The school provides a range of sports, including:

  • Fall Sports: Cross Country, Boys Golf, Boys Soccer, Softball, Boys Tennis, Girls Volleyball
  • Winter Sports: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball
  • Spring Sports: Track and Field, Baseball, Girls Golf, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis

These programs are detailed on the school's official athletic calendar.[22]

Notable Achievements

  • 2023–24: In tennis, Molly Kollachov and Josie Adams secured the 3A state championship in #2 doubles, marking a significant achievement for the school's athletic program.[23]
  • 2025: The boys basketball team advanced to the Class 4A state tournament, showcasing the program's competitive spirit.[24]
  • 2025: Peak to Peak's track and field athletes demonstrated strong performances at the CHSAA state championships, with notable results in various events.[25]
  • 2024–25: Alexandra Eschmeyer, a 2025 graduate, was a standout player, earning two-time Boulder Daily Camera Girls Basketball Player of the Year honors (2024, 2025) and scoring 2,066 points, ranking 7th all-time in Colorado state history.[26] She was also named to the McDonald's All-American team and the Jordan Brand Classic roster and selected for the Nike Hoop Summit Team USA roster.[26] That same season, the Peak to Peak girls basketball team advanced to the Class 4A state tournament, defeating Denver West 51–28 in the first round before losing 47–41 to D'Evelyn in the quarterfinals.[27]
  • 2024-2025: Gavin Keogh,[28] a 2025 graduate, was named the Boulder Daily Camera Boys Swimmer of the Year.[29] His performances during the 2024-2025 competitive season, including a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke and a silver medal on the Mixed 4x100 Medley Relay at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships,[30] earned him a team selection to the USA National Team in the 100m backstroke.[31]

Controversies and Incidents

Lunch Account Funds Practices (2013-2014)

During the 2013-2014 school year, Peak to Peak Charter School ended the practice of cafeteria staff stamping students' hands to indicate low or empty lunch accounts.[32] The school attributed this practice to a software issue that prevented staff from identifying students eligible for the free and reduced lunch program, leading to some students mistakenly receiving stamps.[33] The school acknowledged the incident as a "grievous mistake" and resolved the software issue promptly. Additionally, "the school immediately stopped the past practice of hand stamping, and the software issue was fixed. This activity took place during the first few weeks of the 2013-14 school year."[34]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Peak to Peak Charter School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  2. ^ "Peak To Peak Charter School - Top Ranked K-12 in Boulder Valley School District". www.peaktopeak.org. October 4, 2025. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  3. ^ "Search for Public Schools - Peak to Peak Charter School (080249001792)". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Accomplishments". www.peaktopeak.org. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  5. ^ "SchoolView: School and District Data". www.cde.state.co.us. Archived from the original on August 31, 2025. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "History of Peak to Peak". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Peak To Peak Charter School - Bond". Boulder Valley School District Bond Program. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  8. ^ "Peak To Peak Charter School - School Designs". SchoolDesigns. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  9. ^ "Peak to Peak Charter School expansion project - Fransen Pittman". Fransen Pittman Construction. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  10. ^ "Peak to Peak - SchoolDesigns project overview". SchoolDesigns. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c "Advanced Placement Program". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Graduation Requirements". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Peak to Peak Charter School Profile". Public School Review. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  14. ^ "Peak to Peak Charter School". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  15. ^ "Academics – Peak to Peak Charter School". Niche. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  16. ^ "Secondary Gifted and Talented Program". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  17. ^ "Performance Frameworks - Official Performance Ratings". Colorado Department of Education. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  18. ^ "Peak to Peak Charter School". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  19. ^ "Peak to Peak Charter School". U.S. News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  20. ^ "School and District Awards Ceremony". Colorado Department of Education. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  21. ^ "28 BVSD schools receive state awards for student performance". Boulder Valley School District. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  22. ^ "Athletic Calendars". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  23. ^ "Puma Spotlight 2023–24". Peak to Peak Charter School. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  24. ^ "Class 4A Boys Basketball State Tournament Bracket (2025)". CHSAA Now. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  25. ^ "2025 CHSAA Track and Field State Championships Results". The Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Alexandra Eschmeyer – Player Profile". Stanford University Athletics. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  27. ^ "Peak to Peak Pumas Girls Basketball – 2024–25 Season". MaxPreps. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
  28. ^ "Gavin Keogh - 2025-26 - Swimming". NC State University Athletics. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  29. ^ "Boys swimming: Monarch's Gavin Keogh is the Daily Camera swimmer of the year". Boulder Daily Camera. June 5, 2025. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  30. ^ "2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships Results". www.usaswimming.org. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  31. ^ "Eight Named to USA Swimming National Team". NC State University Athletics. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  32. ^ "Peak to Peak defends firing of principal, urges parents to vote in recall election". Boulder Daily Camera. January 6, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  33. ^ Bounds, Amy (January 8, 2014). "Peak to Peak charter defends hand-stamping by food services". Daily Camera. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
  34. ^ Public comments from the General Board Meeting of the Peak to Peak Board of Directors, January 8, 2014, 5:10pm by Mr. Sam Todd. Mr. Todd provided the following Statement Correcting the Misinformation Regarding P2P Food Services Operations: Peak to Peak’s food services philosophy is that no child be hungry while in school. Therefore, all students receive meals regardless of ability to pay. Peak to Peak strives to put our students first in all areas, both academically and with regard to school operations. Our strategic plan symbolizes this by placing “Student Achievement” in the center of the graphic used to help the entire school and community stay focused on our mission and vision. The food services staff is just as dedicated to this mission as anyone on campus. As with so many areas of Peak to Peak’s operation, parent volunteers also play a big part in the cafeteria. Along with those parent volunteers, the Peak to Peak food services staff works very hard to provide a healthy and safe environment for all of our students. As a School Food Authority, Peak to Peak complies with all state and federal laws governing the national school lunch program, including laws that protect students who qualify for the free and reduced school lunch (FRL) program. Further, Peak to Peak is committed to continuous improvement both academically and operationally and works to identify and correct issues in all areas of its operation. This past fall, Peak to Peak was faced with a unique set of circumstances that included: six new food services staff members, implementing a new food services payment system for parents to fund lunch accounts (switching from PayForIt to MyPaymentsPlus), installing a new food services software program (Horizon) and training staff on its use. As with any new software installation, problems came to light, and as quickly as possible, the staff worked tirelessly to correct them. One of the problems identified was the inability for cashiers to identify students who qualified for the FRL program at the cash register stations. In the past, the school had used “hand stamping” as a way to notify paying families that their child’s lunch accounts were running low. However, when the new software was not allowing cashiers to identify free and reduced students, some FRL students were inadvertently hand-stamped as well. This was a grievous mistake, and when it came to light, the food services staff and the software company worked quickly to resolve the issue. The school immediately stopped the past practice of hand stamping, and the software issue was fixed. This activity took place during the first few weeks of the 2013-14 school year. Recent statements printed in the media have misled the public and given the impression that Peak to Peak has sanctioned the practice of stamping the hands of students who qualify for the FRL program. This is simply not true. To set the record straight, if any child’s account goes to a zero balance, the child is still provided lunch. For secondary students who are not on the FRL program, the lunch fee is automatically funded through a house account and the family can then reimburse this account, if able. For elementary students who are not on the FRL program, balances are allowed to go negative and parents are asked to fund accounts, if able. However, no child is denied a meal, nor even knows what transactions are transpiring. Peak to Peak continually reviews and revises processes to ensure that all students are handled equitably and with dignity and respect. To that end, the practice of placing a stamp on children’s hands in order to alert parents/guardians that they are low on lunch funds was stopped early in this past semester. Hand stamping is a common practice used in many schools to alert parents who are not on the FRL program of low lunch account balances. At Peak to Peak, it was never used as a means to identify students who qualify for the FRL program. It is offensive to all those who work tirelessly in food services to suggest they would intentionally do anything to stigmatize or otherwise embarrass any of our students. All Peak to Peak staff members are looking out for children and standing up for their rights. Our entire staff, operationally and academically, is totally committed to providing a safe learning environment, abiding by the highest ideals of good character, and moving all of our students forward.

39°59′27.88″N 105°4′45.07″W / 39.9910778°N 105.0791861°W / 39.9910778; -105.0791861

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