Summit Charter School

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Summit Charter School was nominated

Summit Charter School’s approach stands out for its commitment to place-based education, fostering connections to the local environment, and encouraging hands-on, community-focused learning. Their emphasis on small class sizes and active family engagement supports equity by ensuring personalized attention and fostering inclusive relationships. By grounding learning in real-world contexts, they prioritize student-centered practices, helping students develop strong character and prepare for meaningful roles in their communities., Summit Charter School implements an innovative Place-Based Education model that connects learning with the ecological, cultural, and economic context and community that surround it to increase student engagement, boost academic outcomes, and impact communities.

Student experience design

The Summit community engages students in learning experiences that stimulate discovery, inspire excellence, and nurture a positive influence in an ever-changing world. Talented educators and engaged parents partner together to create an exceptional educational environment in which the Kindergarten through grade 12 students are able to develop a level of confidence that invokes success, self-worth, and the opportunity to thrive in all endeavors. A unique place-based curriculum allows students to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom through meaningful hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors and across the community. The Summit educational experience develops students to graduate academically prepared, engaged in the community, and strong in character. ​A picturesque mountain campus and state-of-the art facilities provide an ideal setting for teachers and students to embrace high expectations, build meaningful relationships, and practice the seven virtues that comprise the Summit Pledge. This safe community supports students to embrace challenges, to leverage setbacks as learning opportunities, and to celebrate accomplishments with a balance of pride and humility. Partnership with parents is integral to Summit's educational philosophy, contributing to a student's education both at home, on campus, and in our community.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Community And Business Partnerships	5+ years
All Courses Designed For Inclusion	5+ years
Mental Health Services	5+ years
Place-based Learning	5+ years
SEL Integration School-wide	5+ years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Extended Learning Opportunities

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

1:1 Mentoring

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

High Quality Instructional Materials

Restorative Practices

SEL Curriculum

Student-led Conferences

Students Access Their Own Data

Student-led Goal Setting

Tutoring

key reasons for innovating