What grades will Thunder Vista P-8 open with?
Thunder Vista will open with all grade levels, preschool through eighth grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
How do I enroll my child at Thunder Vista?
We are currently accepting registrations for the upcoming school year. Please confirm Thunder Vista is your boundary school by using the Adams 12 district boundary locator.
For registration questions and enrollment papework, please contact our Registrar, Chris Mountain, at 720-972-2900.
Where can I find school supply lists?
The Thunder Vista Supply List is available under the Family Resources Tab at the top of the page.
What is the preschool admissions process and will there be tuition-based preschool?
Thunder Vista will offer a tuition-based preschool option for families of students who may not meet the criteria of the Colorado Preschool Program or qualify for Special Education services.
Details about the tuition based preschool program at Thunder Vista:
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Cost - $325 per month
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Days per Week - 4 (no school on Wednesdays)
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½ Day Sessions Only - Morning 8:00-11:05 and Afternoon 12:05-3:10
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Ages: Age 3 on or before October 1 of the current school year
For more information or to obtain registration paperwork, please contact the our Registrar, Chris Mountain at 720-972-2900.
Why is the size of Thunder Vista Middle School expected to be smaller than traditional middle schools?
P-8 schools, by nature, offer a smaller middle school experience for students and differ from larger, more traditional middle school settings. Below are some important facts about 6th-8th grades in a P-8 setting:
• The new school in the Anthem community was originally planned to be an elementary K-5 school. Given the large enrollment numbers that currently exist at Rocky Top, the district chose to secure land and plan a large enough building to support a P-8 school. This decision was made, not only in service to the Anthem community, but also in the interest of addressing the middle school overcrowding that is occurring in the northern part of the district.
• The average number of middle school students at other district K-8 schools (STEM Lab, STEM Launch and Hulstrom K-8) is about 260 students. Most middle schools at a P-8, run four rounds, as is currently planned at Thunder Vista. This allows for about 120 students per grade level at 6th, 7th and 8th grade and usually leads to an enrollment range of 300 to 400 students in these three grades.
• There is not necessarily an ideal middle level enrollment number. Instead, what matters is the intentional planning, commitment and culture that a strong staff creates for kids, in partnership with families.
• A four round 6-8th grade allows us to offer all core and elective classes (Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music and Physical Education)
• Final elective offerings were determined after multiple community engagement sessions. Thunder Vista will receive allocations to provide PE, Art and Music, just like other schools in Adams 12. Other potential electives will include Spanish, Computer Science and Band courses.
How does the District determine class sizes?
When class sizes exceed District thresholds in a given grade, the district investigates to see if there is additional staffing that can be provided or if some readjustment of staff locations can help. Exceeding the above threshold does not mean the district will immediately provide relief. It means the district will provide relief if possible after looking at other class size issues across the district against available funds and available teachers that are not yet placed.
What programs will be at Thunder Vista?
The new P-8 will be a comprehensive school with a consistent standard based curriculum very similar to the other schools in the district.