Course Planning & Possibility in Action at Summit High School

Sometimes it’s hard to see how everything fits together—requirements, pathways, course choices, and what comes next. At Summit High School (SHS), we are developing tools and systems to support students and families as they navigate those decisions with confidence.

Across Summit High School, students are actively meeting with counselors and selecting courses for the 2026–27 school year. This planning season is about more than choosing classes—it’s about helping students imagine their futures and intentionally design pathways that reflect their interests, strengths, and goals.

That work is guided by the expertise of the SHS counseling team, teachers, and administrators, and anchored in the newly released SHS Course Catalog. Together, they support a robust, student-centered academic framework—one that outlines graduation requirements while highlighting advanced coursework and hands-on pathways that prepare students for life beyond high school.

The Summit High School Course Catalog is designed to walk families through this process step by step—clearly outlining which courses are required, the order in which they should be taken, and the options available at each stage. 
 

Future-Ready Pathways: Learning That Connects to Life

Summit High School’s Future-Ready Pathways connect classroom learning to real-world, high-demand careers—often with hands-on experiences, certifications, and college credit built in.
Pathways include:

• Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing
• Computer Science
• Health Science
• Skilled Trades
• Human Services & Education
• Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship
• Outdoor Leadership
• Natural Resources

Many courses are offered through Concurrent Enrollment with Colorado Mountain College, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit—often guaranteed to transfer within Colorado during their school day.

Students can also engage in advanced learning through the IB Diploma Program, AP courses, industry-recognized certifications, and work-based learning opportunities—graduating not only prepared, but already ahead.

Graduation Requirements: Strong Foundation, Meaningful Choice

To earn a Summit High School diploma, students complete 50 credits. Beginning with the Class of 2027, all students also complete a required senior capstone—a culminating experience built over four years through the Pathway to Profile. Through a portfolio of learning connected to their pathway, students demonstrate the Summit Graduate Profile: being curious, courageous, globally aware, growth-oriented, and prepared.

Additional graduation requirements include:

Together, these requirements ensure academic depth while allowing students flexibility to explore what excites them most. At SHS, course selection is not just about earning credits—it’s about discovering who you want to become.

Trailblazers of Tomorrow

As students and families explore the course catalog together, many are surprised by the breadth of opportunity available—rigorous academics, real-world learning, college credit, career exploration, and strong student support systems.

Whether students are just beginning to think about high school in middle school or finalizing plans for the year ahead, our counselors and educators are here to help every learner design a path that fits who they are and where they want to go.

At Summit, the future isn’t something students wait for—it’s something they create.

• English – 8 credits
• Math – 6 credits
• Science – 6 credits
• Humanities – 6 credits
• World Language – 4 credits
• Health/PE – 3 credits
• Pathway / CTE / Fine Arts – 4–7 credits
• Electives – 10 credits (electives are any class taken above the required class number)

With optimism and deep belief in every student,
Dr. Tony Byrd
Superintendent, Summit School District