History
In the fall of 1973, September High School was one of 5000 independent schools across the nation that opened their doors to students for the first time. Each school had its own set of dedicated families and teachers, and its own vision for independent education. Despite the heartfelt efforts put forth by many people, most of these schools were unable to sustain themselves over time. In fact, by 2001, all but 2% of these schools had to close.
At September High School, we have thrived for over 39 years as Boulder's longest running independent high school. The school has been carried forward on the shoulders of an energetic, committed faculty that has inspired hundreds of students. As we have cared for our community, so has our community cared for us.
Though the words of the mission have evolved over time, our underlying intention has remained the same: September High School is an intimate and supportive community that fosters individual development and reawakens the love of learning. Over the years we have transformed the lives of hundreds of teens in this community, and our community has supported the school's growth into the thriving educational center that it is today.
We believe it is the mutually powerful relationship with our community that has sustained us so well over time. We put everything we can into what we do, and so far, it's working. The school has become a nationally recognized institution. Students from September School graduate with well-rounded academic skills, in-depth exposure to the arts, and the experience of belonging to a community. This combination prepares the student well for challenges beyond high school. Over eighty percent of September School graduates continue their education at the college or university level. When they leave us, they leave prepared not only for college, but prepared for life.
Mission and Goals
September High School is an intimate and supportive community that fosters individual development and reawakens the love of learning. We empower our students to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens.
Academic Goals
- To provide an educational atmosphere that fosters a positive attitude toward lifelong learning
- To encourage academic strengths and interests and provide for their development
- To teach the skills necessary for post high school challenges
- To encourage learning that extends beyond the classroom and beyond the school day
Individual Goals
- To develop self-respect
- To formulate a value system based upon the personal and social consequences of one's behavior
- To learn the communication skills necessary to have meaningful lasting relationships
- To develop internal controls rather than needing to rely on external boundaries
Community Goals
- To recognize personal responsibility in caring for our environment
- To foster an environment that honors individuality, respects differences, and is welcoming to everyone
- To achieve a harmonious co-existence with both our school and the larger community
Educational Philosophy
September School's commitments to small class sizes and a small staff to student ratio allow us to be the intimate and supportive community that our mission statement proclaims. Many new students come to us disenchanted with their former experiences, which is why we focus on reawakening students' love of learning. Staff and students develop close personal relationships based on trust and acceptance. The constant, honest communication between staff, students, and families keeps everyone on the same page, and it helps us build authentic relationships. Even when times are tough, our community works through conflict together, so that we may understand, resolve, and grow through our differences.
At September School we celebrate individuality, and we encourage students to pursue their interests in becoming who they want to be. We welcome all students with patience and nurturing, so that they may feel comfortable sharing their whole selves with the community. We honor the differences between students' abilities and experiences by creating instruction that meets each student wherever he or she is academically, developmentally, and emotionally. Also, by asking students to reflect on and share their passions, September School is able to individually cater to students' interests as we ask them to stretch their boundaries and improve their abilities. Our emphases on goal setting and self reflection provide great platforms for student growth and, by openly seeking student input on issues of instruction and governance, our institution benefits as well.
In the classroom, students are encouraged to share the responsibility of finding solutions to their personal and academic problems. Our students navigate challenges by becoming critical thinkers, which is a process we facilitate by posing open-ended and compelling questions both in and out of the classroom. September School's program engages students by encouraging and expecting their participation in all aspects of their education. Through this process our teens find ways to broaden their thinking, which helps students move beyond both external and self-imposed boundaries.
September School believes that, when given the space and resources to discover and develop passions, students will be inspired to pursue their own lifelong learning paths. Each student is empowered to find his or her own truth as he or she learns the values of and means to self-advocacy. September School graduates leave our classrooms believing that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, and they go into the world seeking experience and knowledge.
Our focus on personal accountability helps our students become responsible, productive citizens. Because they have developed their personalities and talents, September School graduates become effective leaders in and contributors to community. Responsibility, respect, and accountability are common themes within our walls, which helps our students become positive members of society.
September School has over 37 years experience reawakening students' love of learning! We invite you to come and experience for yourself, what makes us unique.
Testimonials
Wow, where would I be without September High School? Well, I guess I would be at (omitted) High School. And that place sucks. How am I going to do well in school if my teachers don't care about me? This was the problem for me at (omitted) High School. I felt like a number, not a person.
When I found September High School, I felt so lucky to have found such a great school—cool teachers, small classes, fun community. All of these things made September High School a great learning environment for me. My teachers motivate me to try. In fact, I motivate myself to try because I care about school now. It is interesting to me, and I enjoy learning. I had an average GPA of below 2.0 at (omitted) and now I am getting above a 3.0. My parents are proud of me, and I don't dread going to school any more.
I love this school.
—Dylan Travis
Our son has always been a good student and well adjusted socially, so we weren't even considering the idea of him going to a different school, especially a private one. But during his first year of high school, his desire to go to school and his general lack of enthusiasm took a dive. When asked about his day, he had little to offer and was basically uninspired, even in subjects where he usually excelled. He came to us and said he needed a change for his sophomore year.
September High School has made a huge difference in all of our lives. Our son enjoys going to school and comes home full of information and stories about his day. We have lively dinner conversations based on something he learned or discussed at school. At September High School, he's learned how to be a critical thinker, to take responsibility for himself, and the importance of good communication and respectful relationships. He feels heard and appreciated by the teachers and staff at September High School, and because of the supportive environment there, he is inspired to do well.
—Parent
What Our Current Students Are Saying About September High School
"This school is incredible. I love the teachers, classes, and the kids. Everyone accepts me for who I am. I feel loved and appreciated here."
—Lauren
"This school has really helped me find myself and feel accepted."
—Trevor
"I love all the teachers. Hands down I'd do anything for them."
—Hart
"September School is cool because the teachers aren't just teachers - they're students just like us."
"Sept School Rocks! We're all one big family - everyone knows everybody and we all pick people up when they're down."
"I love going to September High School because everyone is accepted for who they truly are here and there is no need to put on a faŤade."
—Kaitlyn
"This school is great. In this environment, I can learn easily and quickly while having fun."
—Dan
"This school saved my life."
—Brendan
"Just like a family"
—sophomore student
"In this school there are small classes where you can actually work with your teachers. I like that."
"I finally feel comfortable at school."
"Before Sept I was lost. Now I'm found."
—Ben
"I wake up every day and am excited to go to school, learn, and expand my mind. I love all my teachers and have the utmost respect for everyone here.""
—Reed