When it comes to college prep, students at Mapleton Early College (MEC) are getting a head start. The school focuses on independent project-based and real-world learning, while also teaching teens how to balance their class schedules.

Students also have the opportunity to take college courses and earn their associate’s degrees as they prepare for graduation.

“Staff at Mapleton Early College hold students to the highest of standards and engage them in their learning with instruction that is both rigorous and relevant,” said Superintendent Charlotte Ciancio. “Students participate in internships, complete college classes and thrive in a college-going culture. Because of these opportunities, MEC students excel academically and can compete with other students on a global scale.”

MEC’s dedication and commitment to students’ post-high school academic success earned the school a Silver Schools of Opportunity designation by the Schools of Opportunity project, funded by the Ford Foundation and the NEA Foundation. The program was piloted in Colorado and New York, and it highlights excellent practices designed to expand student opportunity and access to academic success.

Only 17 high schools in Colorado and New York earned the designation.

“Students enter Mapleton Early College knowing they will be expected to work at a college level, and leave the school college ready,” Ciancio said. “The Schools of Opportunity designation honors the effective work taking place at MEC and the practices we continue to support in Mapleton.”

To say James Long, MEC director, is proud of the designation is an understatement. He credits the commitment and dedication from his staff for the recognition.

“Our approach to our students is taking the time to really focus on every single student,” he said. “We’re truly focused on helping students achieve their goals and get a great education, as well as help them prep for their future, whether that’s college, the work force or the military.”