Montbello High School was named a national Center for High School Success Demonstration School today, shining a spotlight on the intentional work they have done to implement a 9th grade on-track approach and increase on-track rates from 65% to 82% since 2022.
Students who finish 9th grade “on track” are three times more likely to graduate on time than their off-track peers. Schools from around the country and state will visit Montbello on April 30th to see their work firsthand. This is the second Colorado school to receive this designation. The other school is Poudre High School in Fort Collins.
DPS School board members joined Superintendent Dr. Alex Marraro and Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Tony Smith in celebrating with the Montbello team today as the banner presentation.
Since partnering with CHSS in 2022, they have increased 9th Grade On-Track Rates from 65% to 82%. Montbello has implemented innovative strategies such as “Kid Talks,” which provide targeted support for students through collaboration with teachers and families in addition to targeted interventions, transition supports, school-based teaching teams, and certain instructional approaches. Despite challenges during its early years operating in a temporary space and merging multiple campuses, Montbello High School has fostered a strong school culture rooted in equity, student-centered support, and community engagement. Read more about their work and succcesses in this question and answer with Assistant Principal, Jeronimo Alvarez.
