Cherry Creek High School: Excellence, Inclusion, And Belonging

When you step onto the campus of Cherry Creek High School, you notice more than just academic rigor—there's a culture where achievement and belonging intersect. Here, you're not just another student; you're part of a diverse community that values both excellence and inclusion every day. If you're curious how this environment shapes student success and fosters real growth, there's much more behind its reputation than meets the eye.

Historical Foundations and School Growth

The origins of Cherry Creek High School can be traced back to the late nineteenth century, beginning with a single-room schoolhouse that accommodated the area's earliest students.

As the Cherry Creek community evolved, influenced by both rural school closures and subsequent population growth, the demand for a local high school became evident. By the 1950s, transportation difficulties to distant schools had become a significant challenge for middle and high school students.

In response to these needs, community planning efforts culminated in the establishment of Cherry Creek High School in 1955. This new institution aimed to create an environment conducive to educational equity and student wellbeing.

Since its inception, the school has undergone various expansions and enhancements, largely facilitated by the ongoing support of the district's administration and school board. These improvements have encompassed library services, educational programs, and performance metrics, reflecting a commitment to the continual development of both academic and support services within the school community.

Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Cherry Creek High School is guided by a defined purpose that influences each student's educational experience. The school's mission emphasizes Equity, Wellbeing, Mental Health, and Engagement, ensuring that these principles are integral to its educational framework.

The vision and core values—such as a growth mindset, the importance of Relationships, and a commitment to Inclusion—are designed to enhance the overall educational culture within Colorado's schools, applicable to both middle and high school levels.

Cherry Creek's staff and educators strive to cultivate a Community where students, irrespective of their backgrounds or languages, feel their identities are acknowledged and respected.

The "Pathway of Purpose" initiative encourages students to pursue both academic excellence and personal development. This initiative is aligned with the Education Strategic Plan of the school district, ensuring that the services provided are coherent with broader district values and communication strategies.

Overall, Cherry Creek High School's mission and vision reflect a structured approach to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Strategic Priorities Driving Student Success

Cherry Creek High School prioritizes three core areas—Literacy, Health and Wellbeing, and Disproportionality—that significantly impact student achievement. The institution is implementing a Culture of Equity within its strategic planning, which is underpinned by the collaboration of staff, educators, and Library Services within Educational Operations.

The district's Education Strategic Plan encompasses the entire school community, spanning from Middle to High School, and places a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing and language support systems.

Moreover, community engagement initiatives, coupled with nutritional information systems, allow schools to actively monitor student health and academic performance. The Continuous Performance Improvement Planning and associated Communication Services, along with the District Library, contribute to fostering a supportive environment.

This framework is designed to ensure that all students feel recognized and included within the Cherry Creek School District and throughout the State of Colorado.

Academic Achievement and Graduation Milestones

Cherry Creek High School has achieved a graduation rate of 91.2%, placing it at a commendable position within the state of Colorado. This figure is indicative of the school's sustained focus on academic rigor and inclusive practices.

Annually, the institution awards approximately $50 million in scholarships, highlighting its commitment to facilitating access to higher education for its students.

The school boasts 918 Advanced Placement Scholars, reflecting its emphasis on preparing students for college-level academics. Additionally, several students have attained prestigious awards, such as those from the Boettcher, QuestBridge, and Daniels Fund scholarship programs, which underscores the school's effectiveness in fostering high academic achievement and success among its student body.

Support from staff and educators is integral to this achievement, guided by the district's strategic plan which prioritizes student well-being and mental health alongside academic performance.

Furthermore, the collaborative efforts within the community, alongside services offered by the district, contribute to creating a supportive environment that promotes lasting academic success and personal development for students.

Advancing Literacy Across All Levels

Cherry Creek High School has observed a significant improvement in literacy metrics, with a reported increase of over 10% in literacy scores for the 2024-25 academic year. This improvement is evident across all grade levels, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

The school has implemented a new curriculum that prioritizes language development, equity, and adaptable teaching methodologies.

Progress is monitored through Library Services and Educational Operations, utilizing data from Communication Services and district resources. Additionally, community partnerships and strategic planning have contributed to a 17% reduction in the number of students requiring reading intervention plans.

Cherry Creek and schools across Colorado maintain a focus on fostering a culture dedicated to performance, resource allocation, and family engagement, which is intended to enhance overall student achievement.

Supporting Health, Wellbeing, and Belonging

At Cherry Creek High School, initiatives aimed at enhancing health, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging have been implemented to benefit all students.

The use of universal screeners for social-emotional learning has shown a measurable increase in students' feelings of belonging within the school environment. This commitment to student wellbeing is apparent not only in the high school but also in Independence Elementary, which is recognized as a model for promoting wellbeing among Colorado schools.

Both staff and students at Independence Elementary utilize action plans and Mental Health Performance resources, facilitating a supportive educational atmosphere.

Additionally, community engagement initiatives, newly introduced school programs, and District support services contribute to the cultivation of a positive school culture.

Equity and inclusivity are prioritized across Cherry Creek's educational institutions, including Mill Creek Middle School and others, as they collaborate to foster a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

This focus on comprehensive wellbeing and community involvement underscores the district's commitment to creating a supportive educational framework.

Promoting Equity and Reducing Disproportionality

Addressing equity and reducing disproportionality in education presents ongoing challenges, but Cherry Creek High School has demonstrated measurable progress in these areas. Expulsions have decreased by 74.4%, and incidents of repeated student behavioral issues have declined by 21.8%.

The staff and educators are dedicated to implementing equitable special education practices that cater to all racial and disability categories.

In addition, Prairie Middle School serves as a notable example within the Creek Schools for its leadership in discipline reform across Colorado. The school employs strategic planning and continuous performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being, fostering a positive school culture, and improving academic outcomes.

Cherry Creek School District's commitment to equity strives to support the growth of every student and contribute to developing a more inclusive community.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Cherry Creek High School actively engages in partnerships with families and local organizations to extend educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. These collaborations are designed to promote equity and foster a sense of belonging among students. Notable partnerships include those with communication services, the district library, and community groups such as the Unified Athletics program from Smoky Hill High School, all of which emphasize inclusivity within the educational framework.

The school has also organized events at Mill Creek and workshops focused on Language and Culture at Horizon Community Middle School, both of which contribute to advancing equity and supporting mental well-being among students.

Additionally, the involvement of educators and staff in initiatives like map-based school planning, nutrition information systems, and language support programs creates a robust framework for enhancing student engagement and performance.

Overall, Cherry Creek High School demonstrates a commitment to inspiring students throughout Colorado by fostering a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusivity. These efforts reflect a strategic approach to community engagement that aims to address and support the varied needs of its student population.

Recognition, Awards, and Notable Programs

Recognition at Cherry Creek High School encompasses a range of achievements that extend beyond conventional academic metrics. The institution honors excellence through various programs, including the Boettcher, QuestBridge, and Daniels Fund Scholarships, which provide significant opportunities for students pursuing higher education.

In 2025, Smoky Hill High School was awarded the Unified School of the Year, reflecting the district’s commitment to equity and well-being.

Moreover, initiatives such as Unified Athletics and the development of STEM materials demonstrate the district's emphasis on inclusivity and comprehensive educational standards.

Strategic school planning further reinforces these efforts, fostering an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging. The engagement of staff in areas such as culture, mental health, and educational operations is crucial in maintaining and enhancing this supportive atmosphere within the school community.

Overall, the various recognition programs and initiatives at Cherry Creek High School exemplify a commitment to fostering academic and social inclusivity among students.

Conclusion

At Cherry Creek High School, you’ll find a community committed to your growth and success. With strong academics, inclusive practices, and robust extracurricular options, you’re supported every step of the way. You belong to a school that values well-being, equity, and ongoing improvement. By engaging with its diverse opportunities and dedicated staff, you’ll be prepared for the challenges ahead, both academically and personally. At Cherry Creek, your excellence, inclusion, and sense of belonging truly matter.