Applewood schools? (Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge: middle school, college, education)

[renlouis]

Looking at the Applewood area. Opinions on the schools that serve this area? My main interests are Jr. High and High schools, but others may be interested in elementary as well. Thanks so much!

[WilliamPacker]

Applewood is between three Jefferson County high schools; Golden, Wheat Ridge and Arvada West. Reputation wise, Wheat Ridge is probably behind those other two. All three are fine schools though. I think A-West is the largest of the three.

I would think Applewood Jr.High age students would go to Drake MS but there are two other that are close by. I'm sure all of those schools are fine.

What are you looking for in a school? If you kids have specific educational interests then you have to research each school individually to see which programs are offered. Although some schools have better repuations than others, your kids education is what you are going to make of it. Any of these schools would get your kids ready for college and beyond.

[renlouis]

Thanks WilliamPacker! My girl's don't have specific needs beyond college prep. I assume all of these schools would have pre-AP and AP classes, but that is something that I will be sure to check. One is involved in choir and one in drama, so I'll be sure to check that too. Thanks so much!!

[sjst1000]

The Manning School is a middle school in Applewood. It is an option school, which means that it doesn't have a district that feeds into it; students can open enroll there, and are accepted by a lottery system. It's my understanding that Manning is a more academically-focused middle school, is smaller in size, and might be a great choice if you're looking for more of a "college prep" background.

[renlouis]

Thank you so much sjst1000 - that sounds really interesting and I will certainly look into it. What high school would you recommend for that area?

[sjst1000]

It's my understanding that kids who attend Manning come from a few different articulation areas. We personally are in the Ralston Valley High School articulation area, and are very happy with the prospect of sending our boys there. Golden High is one of the closer options. Lakewood High has the district IB program, which a number of kids choose. Another new high school option is Peak High School, a program for GT students which is housed within Wheat Ridge High. Just a few thoughts. Best of luck!!

[renlouis]

Does a student have to do anything in Jr. high to be in the IB program in high school? I have heard of this as being a great program, but I don't know much about it. Thanks so much for any info!!