2005 Award Winners
Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards
Professional Development
Cresthill Middle School

Cresthill Middle School,
Highlands Ranch, Colo.

School Statistics
Total Enrollment: 901
Type of School: Public
Location/Size of School: Urban Fringe, Large City School
Receive Free/Reduced Lunch: 5%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1

Cresthill Middle School is one large professional learning community with many smaller communities inside. Neighborhoods of 225 students, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff remain together for two years. Cresthill conducts quarterly school-wide analyses of student achievement data. The team then works together to fix any gaps. Cresthill also has a full-time building resource teacher to work with teachers on best practices. Cresthill expands the philosophy of differentiated learning to staff members as well by offering Continuous Quality Improvement for all, with individualized mentoring, feedback, and professional development that is relevant from the start.