Four St. Vrain Valley Schools have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools, celebrating their continued commitment to innovation, creativity, and meaningful use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Longmont Estates Elementary and the Innovation Center have been redesignated as Apple Distinguished Schools, while Columbine Elementary and Soaring Heights PK–8 have earned the designation for the first time.
Together, the four St. Vrain schools were the only schools in Colorado recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools in this designation cycle.
The three-year recognition, which runs from September 2026 through December 2029, is awarded to schools demonstrating continuous innovation and a strong vision for how technology can inspire learning, expand opportunities, and support student success.
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for using Apple technology to create engaging and innovative learning environments where students are encouraged to explore, create, collaborate, and solve meaningful problems.
Across St. Vrain, technology is integrated as one of many tools supporting strong instruction, student creativity, and future-ready learning experiences. The four recognized schools represent different grade levels and learning environments, while sharing a commitment to providing students with opportunities to develop skills, pursue their interests, and engage deeply in their learning.
For Longmont Estates Elementary and the Innovation Center, redesignation reflects an ongoing commitment to evolving their programs and learning experiences through innovative practices.
At Longmont Estates Elementary, students engage with technology as part of classroom learning experiences that encourage creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The Innovation Center provides students from across St. Vrain with advanced opportunities in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aeronautics, entrepreneurship, media production, and other emerging fields. Through hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and authentic learning experiences, students are able to apply their learning to real-world challenges.
Columbine Elementary and Soaring Heights PK–8 join the Apple Distinguished Schools community for the first time, recognizing the work of their students and educators to build innovative and engaging learning environments.
The recognition of four St. Vrain schools highlights the district’s broader commitment to academic excellence by design and providing students with the tools, experiences, and opportunities to shape their futures.
Apple Distinguished Schools are part of a global community of schools recognized for continuous innovation in teaching and learning and for creating exemplary learning experiences through the thoughtful use of Apple technology.