As frigid mornings grip Leadville at 10,200 feet, families continue making big decisions about education, many of which involve leaving the traditional public school path behind. In recognition of National School Choice Week (January 22–28), Leadville Today explores the shifting landscape of student enrollment and educational preferences across Lake County.
The Rise of Alternative Education Paths
For a growing number of families, traveling over icy passes or choosing home-based education is worth the effort. While the Lake County School District (LCSD) has made significant facility upgrades in recent years—including a remodeled high school and improved playgrounds—the number of students opting for out-of-district or alternative education continues to climb.
Currently, LCSD reports 911 students enrolled across its three primary schools: West Park Elementary, Lake County Intermediate, and Lake County High School. Yet data collected from surrounding districts reveals a total of 186 Lake County students attending schools elsewhere.
Out-of-District Growth: Buena Vista Leads the Way
The Buena Vista School District (BVSD) is now the top choice for out-of-district Leadville students, with 61 enrolled—up from 55 just months ago. Of these, 41 take a school bus from a newly designated stop along Highway 24. The breakdown includes 23 elementary students, 20 in middle school, and 20 in high school, including those attending an alternative program.
Historic enrollment data shows a sharp rise after 2014—the same year LCSD unveiled its remodeled high school. Between 2011 and 2014, BVSD saw fewer than 31 Leadville students. That number nearly doubled in the following two years.
Other Regional Options: Summit and Eagle County
To the north, 32 Lake County students are currently enrolled in the Summit County School District. Many of these families already commute to Summit for work and now bring their children along to access a broader range of educational opportunities.
Meanwhile, 22 students endure one of the longest and most hazardous school commutes—over Battle Mountain or Vail Pass—to attend schools in the Eagle County School District (ECSD). One student reportedly travels nearly 75 miles one way, highlighting the lengths some families will go for their preferred school environment.
Local Charter Growth: Greater Heights Academy
Closer to home, Greater Heights Academy, Leadville’s charter school and partner with Hope Online Learning, now serves 52 students across two campuses. Their mission focuses on academic excellence and social responsibility in a nurturing, small-classroom setting.
The student distribution includes:
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Kindergarten to 5th Grade: 35 students
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Grades 6–12: 17 students
Parents who enroll their children here often cite safety, individualized attention, and values-driven education as their primary motivations.
Homeschooling: A Quiet but Steady Alternative
Homeschooling has also gained momentum in Leadville, with 19 students currently being educated at home. Today’s homeschoolers benefit from extensive online resources, local support groups, and the ability to participate in district extracurricular programs. While it’s a demanding path, many parents are finding it rewarding and well-suited to their child’s needs.
Organizations like Christian Home Educators of Colorado and PEAK Parent Center offer comprehensive support for those considering this educational route.
Private Option: High Mountain Institute
Although the High Mountain Institute (HMI) is located in Leadville, it serves primarily out-of-state students. It offers a rigorous, nature-integrated program for high schoolers, with a limited number of Lake County students participating annually through its popular “HMI Year.”
Final Numbers and the Bigger Picture
Adding together all alternative education choices:
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Buena Vista: 61 students
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Summit County: 32 students
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Eagle County: 22 students
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Greater Heights Academy: 52 students
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Homeschoolers: 19 students
That totals 186 students educated outside the Lake County School District—nearly 17% of local school-aged children.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right educational path is deeply personal. Parents weigh academics, safety, class sizes, commute, extracurriculars, and community values when making these choices. While Lake County continues investing in public education, it’s clear that school choice is now a permanent and growing feature of the local landscape.
As National School Choice Week unfolds across Colorado—with over 520 events—families are encouraged to research thoroughly, connect with others who’ve made the leap, and explore the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView Data Center for in-depth information.
Because at the end of the day—no matter the school—education should empower.
