Education is important to the Routt County community and the Steamboat Springs School District is a testament to that. Last month, 2,618 students started a new school year, in a district that continuously ranks within the top 10 in the state academically.

Considerable accolades have been earned based on academic excellence and growth, with awards in the 2017/18 school year including: the High Flyers Network, John Irwin and the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards and the AP® District Honor Roll. 

State assessments in 2017 showed students achieved an overall mean score on the SAT of 1072, 57 points above the state average and 65 points above the national average. 

“Not only does Steamboat attract good teachers, but our kids come to school ready to learn,” said Amy Piva, an 8th grade teacher at Steamboat Springs Middle School. “If a student needs something, the community will make sure they get it and I think that’s what sets us apart and makes the district successful.”

Last November, locals passed a seven-year, $12.9 million bond and ongoing mill levy to renovate and make basic improvements to district facilities. “Our community sent, and continues to send, a strong message about the value it places on education generally and, more specifically, on the success and safety of our students and the longevity of district facilities,” stated Brad Meeks, the district superintendent.