Superintendent's Message
I am honored to be the superintendent for Clear Creek School District. Clear Creek is an incredibly special place: I continue to be inspired by the community collaboration & focus on youth. Blessed by some of the most beautiful trails and mountain vistas in the area, CCSD students enjoy not only the benefits of a small community, they are growing up with an appreciation for the environment and outdoor activities. We embrace student interests and nurture creativity.
Things are a little different in CCSD: classes average 12-18 students. A football or basketball game is a community event. You might see the star basketball player as the lead in the play on the same weekend. Student concerts in the park attract not only families but also local residents, business owners, and visitors to the town. Kids are "known" and families are often second and third generation Golddiggers.
Middle and high school students share one campus on Floyd Hill. Outdoor experiences that bring 6th graders together from across our three elementary schools foster relationships before students begin middle school together. Students can choose from advanced placement/honors classes, career connected classes, outdoor adventure classes, and more. Project Bike Tech, just one of the options, provides opportunities to learn bicycle repair, maintenance and business skills.
Two of our elementary schools, King Murphy and Carlson, are moving to an expeditionary learning model with a focus on getting outdoors. King Murphy has a newly built trail, leading to an outdoor learning space, thanks to a partnership with Clear Creek Open Space. Brand new preschool classrooms will open in the winter of 2023, doubling our capacity to serve our youngest learners. King Murphy’s before and after school care includes preschool age children, a rarity in the mountains.
Carlson, currently located steps from downtown Idaho Springs, partners closely with local businesses and organizations to enhance learning. Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District is blocks away, and provides after school care as well as invigorating enrichment opportunities for kids. In fall 2024, Carlson students will move just under one half mile away into a newly renovated school that is tucked into the mountainside. We are grateful for the Clear Creek voters who in 2021 passed a $33 million bond!
Georgetown Community School is a charter school located in the heart of Georgetown, with one of the most beautiful views in the county. Supported by a deeply dedicated community, Georgetown offers a small, nurturing learning environment in a historical building that has produced generations of scholars.
Thanks to the support of our community, there are new playgrounds at all elementary schools, co-designed by students. Secondary students now play on our new synthetic turf field, where families enjoy the new athletic stadium with an awe-inspiring view, a well-equipped announcer's booth, and concessions/restrooms.
We continuously recognize the gift of place, the gift of people, and the gift of community in Clear Creek.
Join us on our journey.
Warmly,
Karen Quanbeck
Superintendent & Lead Learner
