In May 2023, ConnectED began partnering with Adams 14, in Commerce City, CO, about twenty minutes northeast of downtown Denver. As part of the district’s turnaround strategy, it sought to work with ConnectED to design and implement five academies in Adams City High School and Lester Arnold High School. The schools opened this fall with all ninth graders enrolled in one of the five academies, and the district is already seeing positive results. Student attendance is up, and after the first quarter, there was a significant increase in the percentage of ninth graders on track to graduate.

On a grander scale, in early November, District Superintendent, Dr. Karla Loria, presented to the Colorado State Board of Education, reporting on the impressive progress the district has made K-12 on key performance indicators, including student achievement and high school graduation. As a result, the district has emerged from turnaround status into Priority Improvement. The district has been assisted by several other partners, including TNTP and PBL Works. However, the primary credit must go to the community, the Board, district and site leaders, teachers, and students. They have much to celebrate in this holiday season!