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Mountain Peak (MPPS) |
Public Schools |
Charter Schools |
| Class Size |
MPPS guarantees small class sizes, no more than 15 students in K-6, and smaller numbers in preschool. |
Class sizes range from 22-40 students per class depending on the school. |
Flagstaff-Class "guidelines" are stated at 23 for Kindergarten, 25 for elementary, and 27 for grades 6-7. Most classes are larger than this.
Twin Peaks-no class size guidelines published. Policy based on 50 per grade for elementary. |
| Physical Education |
MPPS offers daily physical education for all classes preschool through 6th grade.
Daily PE relieves stress, develops important motor skills, and promotes healthy lifelong choices. Healthy bodies create healthy minds. |
Most schools offer PE once or twice a week for elementary students.
PE is generally not offered for Kindergarteners. |
Flagstaff-once a week.
Twin Peaks-twice per week.
No PE for Kindergarten. |
| Standardized Testing |
A nationwide accepted standardized test is given in the spring. Generally completed in less than two weeks with no disruption to classes. |
CSAP tests are given as required by the State of Colorado. With up to two weeks scheduled for administering the tests and anywhere from 2-6 weeks of prepping the students to take the tests, valuable time is taken away from other subjects and activities. |
CSAP tests are given as required by the State of Colorado. With up to two weeks scheduled for administering the tests and anywhere from 2-6 weeks of prepping the students to take the tests, valuable time is taken away from other subjects and activities. |
| Individualized Curriculum |
MPPS draws upon various curriculums allowing our teachers to individualize instruction for each student based on their ability, not grade level. |
Non-individualized grade level instruction. |
One curriculum, Core Knowledge, used for all students. Ability grouping is available, but not individualization. |
Science/
Social Studies |
Offered in all grade levels at MPPS, including preschool. |
Depending on the school, generally not offered until at least 4th grade. |
Offered as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum beginning in Kindergarten. |
In-service/
Late Start/
Early Release Days |
MPPS has only 2 in-service days per school year and no late start or early release days. |
In 2009/2010 St. Vrain schools has 2
in-service days and 8 late start days. |
In 2009/2010 Flagstaff has 2 in-service days and 9 half days of school.
Twin Peaks has 3 in-service days and 5 early release days. |
| Entrance Age |
MPPS accepts children for Kindergarten who turn 5 on or before December 31 provided they are academically and socially ready. provided they are academically and socially ready. |
Students must turn 5 on or before October 1 for Kindergarten entrance and 6 on or before October 1 for 1st Grade entrance. |
Students must turn 5 on or before October 1 for Kindergarten entrance and 6 on or before October 1 for 1st Grade entrance. |
| Responsibility |
MPPS, being a tuition based private school, is ultimately responsible to our students and parents to give them the best educational environment for their money.
We have the flexibility to create specialized curriculums to best meet the needs of our students.
Standardized testing is used to reinforce the results. |
The substance of what children learn is mandated by the state and the schools' ultimate responsibilities are to the State via CSAP results. |
Since they are subject to district guidelines because they are "public", they are also ultimately responsible to the State via CSAP results. Specialized programs, subject to board approval, can be offered. |
