Academics
Overview
Ensuring all students are successful
At 5280 Recovery High School, recovery is just the beginning. Students are pushed to thrive academically at our school, which has been rated Green on the Colorado School Performance Framework for three years running. Our project-based learning model offers a hands-on approach that allows students to learn by doing.
Students receive more individualized attention and in-class, personalized support.
No one falls through the cracks, and our smaller school creates a community of trust.
“My entire experience at 5280, I got the one-on-one support I needed, whenever I needed it. We learned about real world problems and how to function as an adult.”
Benefits of PBL
Prepares students for college success, with many PBL schools reporting high college acceptance rates.
Helps students build stronger, more diverse resumes through real-world projects and experiences.
Provides a portfolio of work that students can showcase in college applications and interviews.
Encourages entrepreneurial thinking, with some students starting businesses while in high school.
Develops practical skills that translate directly to college, careers, and the real world.
Our approach: project-based learning (PBL)
We are an innovative, high-quality project-based learning (PBL) high school, where students are engaged in collaborative problem-solving almost every day. Hands-on learning, designing, and creating are integral aspects of PBL.
- Purpose
Students explore meaningful, real-world questions or challenges, and create something in response.
- Creation
Learning happens through hands-on projects that require students to build, design, and solve.
- Connection
Projects draw on multiple subjects and help students see how learning applies beyond the classroom.
- Collaboration
Students work individually and together, developing communication and teamwork skills along the way.
- Skills
Project-based learning develops critical thinking, problem solving, and real-world skills needed for the future.
- Growth
Students take on meaningful responsibility, building confidence as they discover what they’re capable of.
PBL FAQs
Common questions about project-based learning
Here are answers to some common questions we receive about our school and how we support students. If you have a question that’s not included and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to info@5280highschool.org.
What kind of careers do students seek after an education of project-based learning?
PBL creates students who are innovators, creators, artists, scientists, writers, historians, designers, and entrepreneurs. PBL engages students in real-world work that professionals in the field do on a regular basis, so students become effective problem solvers, communicators, designers, thinkers, and collaborators – and graduate ready for success in almost any career that strikes their interest.
Do teachers teach the Colorado Academic Standards?
Yes, the learning of specified subject-matter concepts and standards is at the heart of PBL. Teachers weave their content standards into the projects for their class. Standards that do not fit within a project are taught outside of projects.
Do students take tests?
Yes, 5280 Recovery High School administers required state standardized tests as required by law. Tests like the SAT or ACT are important in applying to college and it’s critical that students are adequately prepared to take them and do well.
However, we believe that tests are not the only way to assess what students have learned and do not base grades on written tests. Instead, we assess PBL projects and other demonstrations of student learning and participation, including self-assessment in student-led conferences twice a year.
Is PBL effective for students who learn differently?
PBL allows all students to be challenged at the appropriate level and to grow, making it a great learning style for students who require different approaches, have a learning disability, or are gifted. PBL inherently personalizes the learning and allows students to engage with the project at a level that is both accessible but also rigorous to them. 5280 is a full-inclusion school, with support staff assisting students with IEPs and 504s directly in the classroom, both individually and in small groups.
Student Projects
Student work is done for a public audience
Project-based learning is shared with a public audience, creating authentic and purposeful learning for both the student and the audience. At the end of each semester, students publicly exhibit their work, developing communication, presentation, and public speaking skills along the way.
Jambox
Libros De Ninos
Into The Wild
PBL for All
Find more personalized, rigorous learning among students with diverse strengths, interests, and passions.
Why Choose PBL
Project-based learning is proven to be effective for students
Research shows that project-based learning supports stronger academic outcomes, skill development, and student engagement.
Project-based learning resources
Find out more about how project-based learning helps students develop the skills they need to live and succeed in our highly technological society.