High School Curriculum
Grades 9–12: A rigorous, content-rich program built on a strong K–8 foundation — preparing every student for postsecondary success, technical careers, and lifelong excellence.
Building on a Strong Foundation
As students move into high school, the program deepens the content-rich foundation established in K–8 while expanding opportunities for specialization, real-world application, and postsecondary preparation.
Garfield County School of Innovation's educational philosophy rests on a balanced approach: students must first acquire solid foundational knowledge before they can effectively apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. Project-based and real-world learning are most powerful when built on a strong base of content knowledge.
Key Features of the High School Program
Rigorous Academic Content
Continued emphasis on deep, content-rich coursework across all disciplines — building on the Core Knowledge foundation established in K–8.
STE³M + Business Pathways
Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Business pathways that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Expanded Engineering Coursework
Advanced engineering design challenges, manufacturing, and technical problem-solving that build on the engineering foundation begun in first grade.
Aviation Tech Lab
Ground school instruction and flight simulators — preparing students for aviation careers and CNCC concurrent enrollment opportunities toward an AAS in Aviation Technology.
Entrepreneurship & Business
Real-world entrepreneurship education, business projects, and student-run incubators that develop leadership and economic literacy.
Capstone Projects & Internships
Structured capstone projects and internship opportunities for upperclassmen that connect academic learning to professional experience.
Concurrent Enrollment & CTE
Opportunities for concurrent enrollment and Career and Technical Education Labs as partnerships are developed with local colleges and industry.
Character Development (RISE-K)
Ongoing development of the five RISE-K traits — Respect, Integrity, Servant Leadership, Excellence, and Kindness — woven throughout the high school experience.
Two Graduation Pathways
Families choose the level of academic rigor that best fits each student's goals — with the flexibility to move between pathways with counselor support.
Standard Diploma
Re-2 AlignedFully aligned with the existing graduation requirements of Garfield School District Re-2. Students who complete this track meet all district credit, course, and college-and-career readiness expectations and remain fully portable within the district and the State of Colorado.
| Subject Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 |
| Math | 3.0 |
| Science | 3.0 |
| Social Studies | 2.5 |
| Civics | 0.5 |
| Physical Education | 1.0 |
| Health | 0.5 |
| Technology | 0.5 |
| World Language | 1.0 |
| Electives | 10.0 |
| Total Credits | 26.0 |
*World language and physical education requirements may be waived through a formal application process.
Scholar's Diploma
GCSI Scholar DesignationA more rigorous option with elevated requirements and a deliberate emphasis on mathematics, science, and advanced STE³M coursework. Students pursuing the Scholar's Diploma complete additional and/or more advanced credits in math and science, engage in deeper research or capstone work, and demonstrate readiness for competitive college programs and technical careers.
| Subject Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 |
| Math | 4.0 |
| Science | 4.0 |
| Social Studies | 2.5 |
| Civics | 0.5 |
| Physical Education | 1.0 |
| Health | 0.5 |
| Technology | 0.5 |
| World Language | 2.0 |
| Electives | 10.0 |
| Total Credits | 29.0 |
*World language and physical education requirements may be waived through a formal application process.
College and Career Readiness
The Colorado State Board of Education has adopted state graduation guidelines that identify college and career readiness measures in English and Math. Garfield County School of Innovation has selected its own measures from these state guidelines, which conform to the Garfield County Re-2 graduation requirements.
Students must complete at least one English measure and one Math measure and meet or exceed the measure's corresponding cut score or criteria to demonstrate college and career readiness. Exceptions may be granted by the principal when a student has demonstrated readiness through an assessment included in the state graduation guidelines but not listed in the district exhibit.
Character Education: RISE-K
Character development is not an add-on — it is woven into every aspect of the high school experience.
Respect
Treating every person with dignity — peers, teachers, community members, and self.
Integrity
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Honesty, accountability, and moral courage.
Servant Leadership
Leading by serving others first. Students learn that true leadership is measured by impact on the community.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standard in academics, character, and personal growth — not perfection, but continuous improvement.
Kindness
Choosing compassion and generosity in every interaction, building a school culture where every student belongs.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our full education plan, CTE pathways, and concurrent enrollment opportunities — or submit your Letter of Intent to reserve your student's place at Garfield County School of Innovation.