St. Vrain Valley gives ninth graders a summer jump on high school

Many of the state’s high schools now give rising ninth graders a day to get to know their new schools before the rest of the students start back after summer break.

But along with the typical ninth grade transition day, the St. Vrain Valley School District goes a step farther by offering an optional, two-week summer JumpStart program for its new freshmen. Close to 600 students enrolled in JumpStart at the district’s eight comprehensive high schools. The $263,000 program, which wrapped up this week, is provided at no cost to families and combines algebra and language arts readiness with opportunities to connect with teachers and classmates. Successful completion earns students an elective credit.