Snowy Peaks High School Launches Blended Learning Program

Snowy Peaks High School in Frisco, CO, has introduced a new blended learning program, which lets students access personalized online learning from home or school in addition to participating in face-to-face instruction and group work.

Snowy Peaks is an alternative high school that launched in Summit School District in the 2011-12 school year as part of the district's dropout recovery plan. This year the school opened its new 3,000 square foot Blended Learning Lab, "at an estimated cost of between $35,000 and $40,000, in addition to a grant provided by the Education Foundation of the Summit," according to a report in the Summit Daily newspaper.

The Blended Learning Lab is located in a middle school and features a seminar area, computer lab and collaborative work space as well as recliners, two microwaves and a coffee station. Students receive face-to-face instruction and work on group projects at the lab, and they also use an online learning platform to work through the curriculum at school or at home under the guidance of their teachers.

In conjunction with the launch of the Blended Learning Lab this fall, the school implemented the Edgenuity Web-based learning platform. Students can complete advanced placement, elective, career and technical education and credit recovery courses through the platform.

According to Jim Smith, principal of Snowy Peaks, the school has seen a significant improvement in student achievement since implementing the blended learning program. "We've seen a 0.9 GPA increase in one year with this new program," Smith told the Summit Daily. "It was like a 'C' average to almost a ‘B’ average."

Snowy Peaks High School serves approximately 50 full-time students and employs eight faculty and staff members. The school boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of fewer than 10-to-1.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • teacher and children working with a LEGO Education Science kit

    LEGO Education Debuts Science Kits for Hands-on Learning

    LEGO Education has announced a new learning solution to engage students in hands-on science learning. Available in three kits by grade band, LEGO Education Science provides 120-plus standards-aligned science lessons, teacher materials, and select LEGO bricks and hardware.

  • school building split in half, with one side collapsing into a dark hole

    Office of Educational Technology, National Center for Education Statistics Fall Victim to ED Cuts

    The U.S. Department of Education has announced cuts of nearly half of its staff, numbering more than 1,300 workers, according to AP reporting. While official details on the cuts are not available, early commentary on LinkedIn has revealed drastic cuts in the areas of educational technology and data.

  • Two digital hands made of interconnected lines and nodes shaking hands firmly against a minimal technological background

    IBM to Acquire AI and Data Solutions Provider DataStax

    IBM has announced the planned acquisition AI and data solutions provider DataStax, in a move aimed at enhancing its watsonx portfolio and advancing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enterprises.

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Debuts Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has announced the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.