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Hearts & Minds

Eagle County School District believes in a foundation of instruction that grows students to have creative minds, compassion for others, an enthusiasm for learning, and the courage to act on their dreams. We prepare our students to be successful in their careers or college experiences, and to contribute to their communities in positive and effective ways. As educators, we understand that we have to reach the hearts of our students before we can reach their minds. That means helping them feel welcomed, loved, respected, and safe. Once we've formed individual relationships, then we can move forward with our goal of creating global-ready graduates who become successful citizens in a pluralist democracy.

Community Schools

Central to our hearts and minds philosophy are community schools. Community schools become the hub and heart of a community – the one place folks can come together in support of one another and their families. Students thrive in community schools in part because they foster a spirit of inclusion and belonging. Because of their geographical orientation, friends in school also become friends in neighborhoods. From an operational perspective, leaders of community schools can tailor instruction and supports to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. District wide, 3 to 4% of families may prefer a school other than their community school for a variety of reasons. Parents can apply to another school through Open Enrollment. Selection for attendance is based on physical building size limitations, staff availability, community population growth trends, and instructional needs. Families new to the district complete New Student Registration, which includes an option to apply for a school other than their community school.

Demographics

We have a diverse student population, in terms of both demographics and economic backgrounds. Just under 32% of our students are English Language Learners, compared to the state average of 13.8%. While geographically located near affluent communities like Vail and Beaver Creek, 34% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Our unique demographics position us well to offer dual language instruction in elementary grades to put students on an early path to biliteracy. Our schools and students are supported by active PTAs, local non-profit foundations, youth service focused organizations, and a variety of private-public partnerships and individual philanthropists.

 

Community Support

Eagle County School District partners with several organizations in our community to provide financial support, enrichment programs, before and after school programming, dual-enrollment classes for high school students, education-focused summer activities, and outdoor recreation experiences. 

Nondiscrimination Statement
The Board is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment where all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. The schools in the district are subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education services. Accordingly, no otherwise qualified student, employee, applicant for employment, or member of the public may be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any district program or activity on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law.

Strategic Plan

First page of the downloadable PDF file of the ECSD Strategic Plan.

Awards & Recognition
The District has had four Colorado Principals of the Year, one Superintendent of the Year, and one English Language Director of the Year. Our schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, John Irwin Schools of Excellence, and with the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement award from the Colorado Department of Education.

For additional and detailed information about school performance, visit the Colorado Department of Education website.