Greetings Salida Schools' Community,
The Spartan Spirit is alive and well at Salida High School, and it is more than cheering at a game. Inside our building every day, students are learning to think critically, engage respectfully with others, and take their place as informed, connected members of our community. As former U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley noted, “We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented, in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.” The community of Salida makes our students thrive and prepares them for an engaged civic life.
We know that public discourse can feel divided and overwhelming in our community and nation. Salida High School is intentionally teaching students how to listen, evaluate information, and communicate across differences. One of the examples of this work is the Senior Seminar course, an experience designed to prepare students for life beyond graduation and for engaged citizenship.
Students describe Senior Seminar as one of the most meaningful and applicable classes they have taken. They report learning how to identify their values, evaluate sources for credibility and bias, and engage in civil discourse around complex topics. As one student shared, the course helped them “set standards for why I believe what I do and how to articulate those reasons,” while another reflected that learning how to “debate without arguing” is a skill they will carry into adulthood. These are real-world skills that colleges, employers, and communities all need students to connect learning directly to life after graduation.
Outside the classroom, Salida High School continues to expand opportunities that connect academics and real-world experience. Through a partnership with Colorado Mountain College, 260 SHS students are currently enrolled in at least one concurrent enrollment course, earning college credit while still in high school.
Additionally, 67 students are participating in paid or unpaid internships with local businesses and organizations, applying academic skills in workplace settings and exploring future career pathways.
The Salida community plays a vital role in this success. In December, more than 50 local business leaders volunteered their time for Junior Career Day, providing students with mock interviews, résumé feedback, and professional networking opportunities. Their willingness to mentor students sends a message that this community values its young people and is invested in their future.
Advisory is a cornerstone of student success at Salida High School and is intentionally designed around four essential areas: belonging and purpose, college and career readiness, academic support, and durable skills. Paired with rigorous academic coursework and work-based learning experiences, a comprehensive advisory curriculum strengthens students’ sense of purpose, connection, and direction for our students.
To further cultivate belonging, SHS has intentionally integrated school-day clubs, ensuring every student has meaningful engagement with both peers and a trusted adult during the school day.
This work is grounded in a simple vision: “We will know all students by name, needs, and strengths.” The goal is that every student can clearly articulate a postsecondary plan and identify at least one trusted adult in the building, and this expectation is reflected in recent accomplishments.
Above the state average on fall PSAT for grades 9–11
Two Boettcher Scholarship semifinalists
Four student finalists selected for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Playwriting Competition
2,359 total concurrent enrollment college credits earned in the previous academic year
League Champions: Boys Soccer
State Runner-Up: Boys Cross Country
Two students named to All-State Choir
One student named to All-State Band and All-State Orchestra
76% of students participated in a fall extracurricular activity
Addition of Girls Wrestling and Club Lacrosse
By selecting one of the seven outlined career pathways, students align coursework with their interests, earn industry credentials, participate in work-based learning, and often earn college credit. This focused approach yielded measurable results last year:
54% of graduates earned at least 12 college credits
51% completed a work-based learning experience before graduation
22% earned an industry-recognized work credential
The partnership between school and community is one of Salida’s greatest strengths. When educators, families, and local businesses work together, students thrive and the entire community benefits.
Salida High School is not just preparing students to graduate. We are preparing them to participate fully in civic life. That matters not only for our students, but for the future of Salida.
Goooo Spartans!
Principal Jesse Hull
Salida High School