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Summit County School District: Everything Parents Need to Know 

For families considering a move to the Colorado mountains, Summit County School District is one of the first things worth understanding. The schools here serve the towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. And they cover every grade level. Starting from preschool all the way through high school.

The district, officially known as Summit RE-1, has nine schools and serves approximately 3,500 students. According to Summit School District, the student body has 962 multilingual learners. This reflects the diverse community that makes up Summit County. About 41.4% of students are Hispanic and Latino. 53.5% are white. Blacks are 0.9%. Asians are 0.8%. While others, 3.4%

This article covers all nine schools, the programs the district offers, and what it is actually like to raise a family here. If you are buying a home in Summit County and want to understand the school picture before you decide on a neighborhood, this is a good place to start.

What Is Summit County School District?

Summit County School District, also called Summit RE-1, is a public school district based in Frisco, Colorado. It is the only school district serving Summit County. Every public school your child would attend here falls under this one district. Summit School District has 9 schools: 6 elementary and 3 secondary.

According to the Summit School District dashboard, the district serves around 3,500 students across nine schools in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. The district employs about 507 full-time staff members. While data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the Summit School District spends approximately $14,704 per student each year. Its annual revenue is $70.9 million, with 75% coming from local sources.

The district is rated Accredited with Distinction by the Colorado Department of Education. This is the highest rating a Colorado school district can receive. Graduation rates consistently exceed state averages, particularly for historically underserved student groups.

The district's strategic plan focuses on three areas: academic success, equity-seeking systems, and family and community partnership. One Card, a student ID program, also doubles as a Summit County Library card. This gives all students free library access across the county.

What Schools Are in Summit County School District?

Here is a quick overview of all nine schools in Summit County School District, organized by level:

Breckenridge Elementary School

Address: 312 S Harris St, Breckenridge | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 339 students.

Breckenridge Elementary is located in the heart of Breckenridge, within walking distance of Main Street. 

It is one of two elementary schools serving Breckenridge families, along with Upper Blue. The school has a gifted and talented program and participates in the district's dual language offering at the elementary level.

The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. It also uses an applied learning approach. Students take part in hands-on activities that connect classroom lessons to real-life experiences.

Teachers encourage students to develop problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and perseverance. Many learning activities also make use of the local community and outdoor environment.

Breckenridge Elementary focuses on the whole child. Staff work to build strong relationships with students and families. The goal is to help every child feel welcome, supported, and ready to succeed.

Upper Blue Elementary School

Address: 1200 Airport Rd, Breckenridge | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 221 to 295 students

Upper Blue Elementary sits on the north end of Breckenridge near the recreation center. It has the lowest student-to-teacher ratio of any elementary school in the district at 10 to 1, according to US News Education.

Upper Blue Elementary School serves about 230 students in the Breckenridge area. It is a small elementary school with a strong focus on community and student support.

The school offers programs like art, physical education, STEM, media, and technology. They also offer special Education, Gifted and Talented services and literacy support. Learners are also taught English language acquisition and counseling. Paraprofessionals also support students and teachers across all grade levels.

Upper Blue Elementary focuses on meeting the needs of all learners. Instruction is differentiated to support different learning levels and styles. The school encourages students to build confidence, work hard, and take ownership of their learning.

The school promotes a positive and inclusive environment where students are supported academically and socially. Teachers and staff work closely with families and the community to support student growth.

Dillon Valley Elementary School

Address: 108 Deer Path Rd, Dillon | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 339 students

Dillon Valley Elementary School serves students in Dillon and nearby communities. The school enrolls more than 400 students in grades Pre-K through 5.

The school is best known for its Dual Language Academy, which began in 2005. Students learn in both English and Spanish with the goal of becoming bilingual and biliterate while achieving strong academic results.

Dillon Valley Elementary also uses hands-on learning to help students connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences. Teachers encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking across all grade levels.

The school focuses on educating the whole child. Staff work to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where every student is supported both academically and personally

According to the Summit School District dual language page, the goal is to produce bilingual, biliterate students who develop cross-cultural skills alongside grade-level academic proficiency in both languages. 

If bilingual education is a priority for your family, Dillon Valley is the school to know.

Dillon is a short drive from both Silverthorne and Frisco, making it accessible for families across the middle of Summit County.

Summit Cove Elementary School

Address: 727 Cove Blvd, Dillon | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 222 students

Summit Cove Elementary School serves about 250 students in Summit Cove, Keystone, and Montezuma. It is a community elementary school with a focus on hands-on learning.

Families in the Dillon and Keystone areas are typically assigned here. The school participates in the district's broader gifted and talented and special education programming.

Students learn through inquiry-based lessons. They are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and solve problems in real-world ways.

The school has a strong STEM program. Students work on coding, robotics, design thinking, and other creative projects. Literacy, math, and social-emotional learning are also key parts of the curriculum.

Summit Cove Elementary focuses on the whole child. Teachers support both academic growth and personal development in a safe and supportive environment.

Frisco Elementary School

Address: 800 8th Ave, Frisco | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 339 students

Frisco Elementary School serves students from Frisco and nearby communities. It is one of the top-performing elementary schools in Summit School District based on academic proficiency scores.

The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. It follows the IB Primary Years Programme and participates in the district's dual language program.

Frisco Elementary also has a strong focus on STEM education. Students take part in hands-on projects that combine science, technology, engineering, and math. Many lessons use the design thinking process to help students solve real-world problems.

Teachers encourage students to ask questions, think critically, and take action. The school also works to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued and challenged to reach their full potential.

Frisco Elementary is one of the higher-performing elementary schools in the district. The school consistently ranks alongside Breckenridge Elementary in academic proficiency scores according to SchoolDigger. 

Silverthorne Elementary School

Address: 101 Hamilton Creek Rd, Silverthorne | Grades: PK to 5 | Enrollment: approximately 339 students

Silverthorne Elementary serves families in Silverthorne and the surrounding area on the north side of Summit County. It is the closest elementary school to the Outlets at Silverthorne and the Blue River corridor. 

It offers International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Language, and Outdoor Education programs.

The school focuses on bilingual learning in English and Spanish. The goal is for students to become bilingual and biliterate while also building strong academic skills.

Outdoor education is a key part of learning. Students take part in activities that connect classroom lessons with the outdoors in Summit County. STEM, technology, and social-emotional learning are also included in daily instruction.

Silverthorne Elementary promotes collaboration, respect, and cultural awareness. Teachers work closely with families to support student success in a safe and inclusive environment.

Summit Middle School

Address: 158 School Rd, Frisco | Grades: 6 to 8 | Enrollment: approximately 737 students

Summit Middle School is the only middle school in the district. Every sixth grader in Summit County moves here from their elementary school, no matter which town they live in. The school is located in Frisco and serves around 737 students.

Summit Middle School focuses on academic and personal growth during the middle school years.

The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. Students learn through inquiry-based and transdisciplinary instruction across core subjects, along with a wide range of elective courses.

Social-emotional learning is included in daily instruction. The school also focuses on authentic, real-world learning in all subject areas.

Summit Middle School offers many after-school activities. Parents and staff also support the school through active groups and community involvement.

It is the sole feeder school into Summit High School. According to US News, 40 percent of middle school students test at or above proficient in reading and 24 percent in math. 

Summit High School

Address: 16201 CO-9, Breckenridge | Grades: 9 to 12 | Enrollment: approximately 1,060 students

Summit High School is the main high school for all of Summit County. It is located between Breckenridge and Frisco on Highway 9. The school serves students from every town in the county. 

According to the Colorado Department of Education, it is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and offers 50 combined AP, Colorado Mountain College concurrent enrollment, and IB Diploma Program courses. 

It also has a Dual Language Program, Career and Technical Education pathways, and a Pre-Collegiate program.

It is one of the most comprehensive high school academic offerings you will find at a school of this size in a mountain community.

Snowy Peaks Junior and Senior High School

Address: 158 School Rd, Frisco | Grades: 7 to 12 | Enrollment: approximately 79 students

Snowy Peaks is the district's magnet school, and it is genuinely different from every other school in Summit County. It is small by design, enrolling around 79 students in grades 7 through 12. 

According to Snowy Peaks Junior and Senior High School, the school is built around individualized, student-centered learning that gives each student a customized educational experience.

Students can take classes through Colorado Mountain College's concurrent enrollment program. They can earn credits online through Edgenuity. They can also design independent study projects around their own interests. 

It is a good fit for self-directed learners who want flexibility and a close-knit community. GreatSchools rates it 8 out of 10.

What Programs Does Summit County School District Offer?

One of the strengths of Summit RE-1 is the variety of programs it offers across its nine schools. Here is a quick summary of what is available.

• Dual Language Program: Starts in kindergarten at Dillon Valley Elementary and continues through high school. The program teaches in both English and Spanish with the goal of producing bilingual, biliterate graduates. Summit High School has the largest dual language offering at the secondary level in the district.
  
• International Baccalaureate: Summit High School is IB authorized and offers the full IB Diploma Program alongside individual IB courses for students who want the rigor without committing to the full diploma.
  
• Advanced Placement: AP courses are available at Summit High School across multiple subject areas. AP credits can reduce college tuition costs.
  
• Concurrent Enrollment with Colorado Mountain College: Students at Summit High School and Snowy Peaks can take actual college classes through Colorado Mountain College while still in high school. Credits count toward both high school graduation and a future college degree.
  
• Career and Technical Education: CTE pathways at the high school level prepare students for specific career tracks. The district is expanding CTE offerings as part of its current facilities master plan.
  
• Gifted and Talented: Available at all schools across the district. Students identified as gifted receive differentiated instruction and enrichment programming.
  
• Special Education: Comprehensive special education services are available at all nine schools. The district has a Child Find program to identify students who may need support early.
  
• Pre-Collegiate Program: Helps students who may be the first in their families to attend college navigate the application and preparation process.
  

Good schools are one of the biggest reasons families choose to put down roots somewhere. Summit County has a school system that works for a variety of learners. From dual language kindergarteners to IB Diploma students heading to selective colleges. 

If you are thinking about buying a home in this area and want to know which neighborhoods feed into which schools, Resort Real Estate Inc. can help. We have two decades of experience in Summit County real estate and know exactly how school boundaries line up with property locations. Reach out at 970-389-8899 or email nbassova@gmail.com to talk it through.

What Are the School Start and End Times in Summit County?

According to the official Summit School District bell schedule, here are the school day hours for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Secondary Schools:

• Summit High School: 7:45 AM to 2:55 PM
• Summit Middle School: 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM
• Snowy Peaks: 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM

Elementary Schools:

• Breckenridge Elementary: 8:40 AM to 3:55 PM
• Upper Blue Elementary: 8:40 AM to 3:55 PM
• Summit Cove Elementary: 8:40 AM to 3:55 PM
• Dillon Valley Elementary: 8:40 AM to 3:55 PM
• Frisco Elementary: 8:45 AM to 3:55 PM
• Silverthorne Elementary: 8:45 AM to 3:55 PM

Wednesday is an early release day for all schools.

• Summit High School: 7:45 AM to 2:05 PM
• Summit Middle School and Snowy Peaks: 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM
• All elementary schools: 8:40 or 8:45 AM to 3:05 PM

Wednesday early release is a standing weekly schedule used for teacher planning and professional development. It applies every Wednesday throughout the school year.

Does Summit County School District Have School Bus Service?

Yes. The district runs a bus transportation program for students across Summit County. However, there are a few things parents need to know before assuming their child qualifies.

According to the Summit School District transportation page, bus applications are accepted based on route availability through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Spots are not guaranteed. If a route in your area is full, your child may be waitlisted.

How bus registration works:

• Parents register through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
• Students are assigned a SmartTag RFID card, similar to a ski pass, to board the bus each day.
• The SmartTag card is free when first issued and valid for the student's entire time in the district.
• A replacement card costs $5 if lost or damaged.
• Pick-up and drop-off times are not posted publicly for security reasons. Parents find their child's specific stop and time by logging into the SmartTag Parent Portal.

The district also uses the Smart Tag Parent App, available for iOS and Android. It lets parents track their child's bus, set arrival alerts, and view route information in real time.

Key rules parents should know about Summit County School District

• Students must have their SmartTag card in hand to board. No card, no ride.
• No eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the bus.
• Students must sit in their assigned seat.
• No skis, snowboards, sleds, or sports equipment allowed on the bus.

For delays or closures due to weather, call the transportation information hotline at 970-368-1777. You can also reach the Transportation Department at 970-368-1070.

One piece of good news worth noting is that as of the 2025 to 2026 school year, Summit School District is adding four electric school buses to its fleet. 

The $2.2 million project is fully funded by grants from the EPA, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Xcel Energy, at no cost to the district or taxpayers.

Does Summit County School District Offer Free Lunch?

Yes. Summit School District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free and reduced-price meals to qualifying families.

According to the Summit School District food services page, families can apply for the Free and Reduced Meal Program online. Eligibility is based on household income and size. Applications can be submitted at any point during the school year. Once approved, benefits apply immediately.

For families who do not qualify for free or reduced meals, the district uses an online lunch payment system. Parents can add money to their child's lunch account at any time through the Pay Fees portal. Lunch menus are posted online through Nutrislice, where you can view daily and weekly menus by school.

The district also has a food allergies policy. Parents of children with food allergies should contact their school's food services team directly to discuss accommodations before the school year begins.

What Is the Summit County School District Calendar?

The district publishes multi-year school calendars so families can plan ahead. According to the Summit School District calendar page, calendars are currently available for the next couple of school years.

The district also runs a Wednesday early release schedule every week throughout the year. This is important for working parents to plan around. Every Wednesday, all schools dismiss 50 minutes to 1 hour earlier than their regular schedule.

For current and future year calendars, snow day updates, and event schedules, visit the Summit School District calendar page directly.

What Are the Academic Standards in Summit County School District?

The district is rated Accredited with Distinction by the Colorado Department of Education. That is the top rating available under Colorado's system. This rating reflects consistent performance across the district's schools.

According to US News Education, 43% of elementary students test at or above proficient in reading and 34% in math across the district. At the middle school level, 40 percent are proficient in reading and 24 percent in math. 

These numbers are in line with Colorado state averages and reflect a district that serves a genuinely diverse student population, including many students who are still developing English proficiency.

Graduation rates are a stronger signal for this district. According to the Colorado Department of Education, Summit RE-1 graduation rates consistently exceed state averages, particularly for historically marginalized student groups. That is a meaningful indicator of how the district invests in all of its students, not just the ones who already arrive with advantages.

What Is It Like to Raise a Family in Summit County, CO?

Summit County is an amazing place to raise children. The outdoor access is exceptional. Kids here ski, hike, bike, and paddle as part of their normal week. The community is small enough that families know each other across schools and neighborhoods. And the pace of life, even during busy ski season, has a mountain character that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

The school calendar here mirrors the mountain lifestyle. Snow days are real. Skiing is a serious activity. Field trips go to places like the Country Boy Mine and the local Nordic center. The community has an outdoor classroom feel that urban and suburban schools simply cannot match.

Childcare and housing costs in Summit County are among the highest in Colorado. That is a real consideration for families. But for those who can make it work, the quality of life here is consistently ranked among the best in the state. The Summit Stage free bus system connects kids to school, activities, and community programs across all four towns without needing a car.

How Do Summit County Schools Connect to Real Estate Here?

School boundaries in Summit County follow town and neighborhood lines closely. Where you buy largely determines which elementary school your child attends. Here is the general breakdown:

• Families in Breckenridge are served by Breckenridge Elementary or Upper Blue Elementary depending on their address.
• Families in Frisco attend Frisco Elementary.
• Families in Dillon attend Dillon Valley Elementary or Summit Cove Elementary depending on their neighborhood.
• Families in Silverthorne attend Silverthorne Elementary.
• All middle schoolers across the county go to Summit Middle School in Frisco.
• All high schoolers attend Summit High School between Breckenridge and Frisco. Or choose Snowy Peaks as an alternative if that model fits their learning style.

For buyers who have specific school preferences, knowing the boundary lines before you search is important. The boundaries can shift if the district moves forward with consolidation plans. Always confirm current school assignments directly with the district before making a final purchase decision.

If raising a family here sounds like the right move, the next step is finding the right home in the right neighborhood.

Resort Real Estate Inc. has over two decades of experience helping families find homes across Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Copper Mountain. We can help you find a home that puts your children in the right school zone for your family's needs. Reach us at 970-389-8899 or email nbassova@gmail.com. Or browse current Summit County listings to see what is available right now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summit County School District

How many schools are in Summit County, Colorado?

Summit County has nine public schools, all within Summit School District RE-1. There are six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. The six elementary schools are Breckenridge Elementary, Upper Blue Elementary, Dillon Valley Elementary, Summit Cove Elementary, Frisco Elementary, and Silverthorne Elementary.. Frisco Elementary. And Silverthorne Elementary. The middle school is Summit Middle School in Frisco. The two high schools are Summit High School and Snowy Peaks Junior and Senior High School, both in Frisco.

What school district is Breckenridge, CO in?

Breckenridge is in Summit School District RE-1, also called Summit County School District. All public schools in Breckenridge, including Breckenridge Elementary, Upper Blue Elementary, and Summit High School, fall within this district. The district headquarters is located in Frisco.

Are Summit County schools good?

Summit School District RE-1 is rated Accredited with Distinction by the Colorado Department of Education. Which is the highest rating available. Graduation rates exceed state averages across most student groups. Summit High School is IB-authorized and offers 50 AP, CMC concurrent enrollment, and IB Diploma Program courses. The district also has dual language programming starting in kindergarten, gifted and talented services, and a specialized magnet school in Snowy Peaks. For a mountain district of this size, the academic offering is strong.

What high schools are in Summit County, Colorado?

There are two public high schools in Summit County. Summit High School is the main high school, located between Breckenridge and Frisco on Highway 9. It enrolls about 1,060 students in grades 9 through 12 and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Snowy Peaks Junior and Senior High School is a magnet school in Frisco serving grades 7 through 12 with about 79 students. Snowy Peaks offers an individualized, student-centered learning model with concurrent enrollment at Colorado Mountain College and flexible online learning options.