Soaring Heights PK-8

What Soaring Heights PK-8 does

Soaring Heights PK-8 is a public PK-8 school located in Erie, Colorado, operating within the St. Vrain Valley Schools district. Founded in 2018 and led by Principal Kelby Benedict, the school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a STEM-focused curriculum anchored by a neuroscience-based learning framework. It has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2025-2026 designation cycle, highlighting its continuous innovation in teaching and learning through technology. The school is physically proximate to Erie High School, which enables curriculum acceleration pathways such as 8th graders taking Algebra II.

The school's core educational product combines a 1:1 iPad environment, a fully equipped makerspace (3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, programming devices, VR headsets), daily Innovation Time structured around a five-stage design thinking process, and a vibrant enrichment surface including performing arts, athletics, social-emotional learning (In-Focus), daily movement programming, and a digital library accessed via the Sora platform. Underlying systems include ClassLink SSO, Infinite Campus (SIS), Schoology (LMS), Seesaw (elementary portfolios), and WebEx for virtual meetings. Strong community partnerships with Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Health Foundation, Sphero, Ocean First, and Nepris extend real-world learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

As a public school, Soaring Heights PK-8 is funded primarily through local property taxes, state education funding, and federal education programs; core PK-8 education is tuition-free. Ancillary fee-based services include Community Schools Childcare (registration $50/child or $75/family; $16-$40 per session depending on time and notice), and free summer enrichment is offered through Project Launch. Enrollment occurs through the standard St. Vrain Valley Schools district process, primarily serving the Erie feeder area. The school is not a commercial entity and operates under public-sector governance with no traditional revenue, customers, or funding rounds.

Name

Soaring Heights PK-8

Legal name

Soaring Heights PK-8

Website

https://shpk8.svvsd.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Soaring Heights PK-8 is a public PK-8 STEM-focused school in Erie, Colorado, part of St. Vrain Valley Schools. It serves preschool through 8th grade students with a neuroscience-based curriculum, makerspace, daily Innovation Time, and a 1:1 iPad environment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public K-8 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Educational Services (611), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Curriculum, Lesson Planning & Instructional Content Platforms (EDAJAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Career Readiness & College Prep (In-School) (EDAJAFAM)

Keywords

• Public K-8 education
• STEM curriculum
• Neuroscience-based learning
• Makerspace education
• Before and after school care

Headquarters

HQ city

Erie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: As a public school within St. Vrain Valley School District, the school is funded primarily through local property taxes, state education funding, and federal education programs. Education is provided at no cost to students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Soaring Heights PK-8 is a public STEM-focused preschool through 8th grade school that delivers tuition-free core academic instruction grounded in a neuroscience-based learning framework, daily Innovation Time, and a 1:1 iPad environment. It supplements core academics with a fully equipped makerspace (3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, VR), performing arts, athletics, social-emotional learning through the In-Focus program, a digital library, and a daily movement program. Fee-based Community Schools childcare, summer camps, and Innovation Academy STEM camps extend the offering beyond the standard school day.

Product overview

Soaring Heights PK-8 is a public STEM-focused school offering a unified PK-8 educational program with a neuroscience emphasis. The core educational product encompasses daily Innovation Time, a fully-equipped Makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, and VR technology, and a 1:1 iPad environment. The school supplements its core academics with add-on programs including Project Launch summer learning, Community Schools childcare and camps, Innovation Academy STEM camps, middle school athletics, performing arts (band, orchestra, choir, theater), a digital library, social-emotional learning through the In-Focus curriculum, and a daily movement program. The PK-8 model provides smoother transitions, curriculum acceleration options, and diverse programming in a single school setting.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PK-8 STEM Education with Neuroscience Focus Comprehensive STEM-focused educational program from preschool through 8th grade that emphasizes neuroscience to help students understand how their brains work, build strong habits, resilience, and self-awareness. Provided tuition-free to all enrolled students within the Erie feeder area.
• Daily Innovation Time Daily dedicated time for students to pursue design thinking projects, robotics, coding, and creative problem-solving aligned with themes of land, space, and ocean. Available to all enrolled PK-8 students.
• Makerspace Hands-on learning space equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, programming devices, and virtual reality headsets where students develop skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through design thinking activities. Available to all enrolled PK-8 students.
• 1:1 iPad Environment Every student has an iPad enabling digital creation, real-time collaboration, scientific data collection, AI-supported coaching, simulations, robotics, and daily multimedia production. Available to all enrolled PK-8 students as part of the Apple Distinguished School framework.
• Project Launch Summer Programs Summer learning programs for elementary students (Project Launch) and middle school students (Middle School Project Launch) providing academic support, enrichment, STEM blocks, and accelerated math programs at no cost to families.
• Community Schools Childcare and Camps Before and after school childcare and summer camp programs for students ages 5-12, offering extended care, enrichment activities, recreation, and nutritious snacks at the school site. Includes registration fee of $50/child or $75/family, morning session $16/day, afternoon session $20/day, drop-in sessions $32 morning / $40 afternoon, and $30 late pickup fee.
• Innovation Academy and SuperSTEM Camps Hands-on STEAM learning experiences offered by the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools, taught by student designers and teachers, incorporating human-centered design thinking.
• Middle School Athletics Middle school athletic offerings including Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Cross Country, Wrestling, Track and Field, and Unified Basketball for students in grades 6-8.
• Performing Arts Program Visual and performing arts options including Beginning and Advanced Choir, Introductory and Advanced Band and Orchestra, Music Tech, 3D Art, Art 1, Art 2, Advanced Art, Photography, Musical Theater, and Movie Making.
• Digital Library St. Vrain Valley Schools offers one of the largest digital libraries of any public school district in the U.S. with thousands of books available for checkout through the Sora platform.
• Social Emotional Learning (In-Focus Program) The In-Focus program structures lessons to help students engage in social and emotional learning, developing healthy identities, managing emotions, and building supportive relationships.
• Movement Program Daily 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity through a rotating movement calendar, plus weekly All-School Movement with coordinated fitness routines set to music.

Quantifiable outcome

• Apple Distinguished School recognition for 2025-2026
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Crocs, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Partnership with 6th grade students for classroom economics project where students designed custom shoes. Winning design by Olivia Sanders and Taylor Wharry was manufactured and presented to students.
• Anschutz Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong community partnership providing neuroscience expertise and educational collaboration opportunities for students at the PK-8 school with STEM and neuroscience focus.
• University of Colorado DenvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership supporting educational programs and potentially providing expertise and resources for the neuroscience-focused STEM curriculum.
• Colorado Health FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership supporting health and wellness initiatives aligned with the school's focus on whole-child development and neuroscience education.
• Ocean FirstminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting ocean-themed project-based learning experiences in the makerspace curriculum.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Peak to Peak Charter School: Peak to Peak is a K-12 public charter school in Louisville, Colorado, also within the Boulder County area. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 as a nearby K-12 public school choice competing for similar STEM-oriented families in the SVVSD/Front Range corridor.
• Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST): DSST is a Denver-based STEM-focused public charter school network serving grades 6-12. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 as a regional STEM public school network with a similar college-prep mission and explicit focus on science and technology integration.
• Challenge School: Challenge School is a K-8 public charter school in the Cherry Creek School District, Colorado, serving gifted and high-achieving students. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 as a K-8 public school in Colorado with an academically accelerated profile and parent-driven enrichment focus.
• STEM School Highlands Ranch: STEM School Highlands Ranch is a K-12 STEM-focused public school in Colorado. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 as a regional counterpart serving STEM-oriented families in the Denver metro area with comparable programmatic emphasis on science, technology, and innovation.
• Aspen Academy: Aspen Academy is a K-8 public charter school in the Denver metro area with a STEM/global leadership focus. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 because both are K-8 STEM-oriented public schools blending rigorous academics with character and leadership development.

Direct peers

• BASIS Charter Schools: BASIS is a STEM-focused K-12 public charter network recognized for accelerated academics and strong college-prep outcomes. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 because both center STEM/college-readiness from the early grades and use a structured, content-rich curriculum.
• E.L. Haynes Public Charter School: E.L. Haynes is a K-12 public charter school in Washington, DC with a STEM emphasis and strong college-prep outcomes. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 because both are public K-12 schools integrating STEM, college readiness, and whole-child programming across a unified campus.
• KIPP Schools: KIPP is a national K-12 public charter network known for extended learning time, structured culture, and college-prep focus. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 as both are public schools with extended programming (Innovation Time, makerspace) and a whole-child orientation.
• High Tech High: High Tech High is a K-12 public school network integrating project-based learning, design thinking, and technology. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 because both embed design thinking, makerspace-style fabrication, and tech-enabled student creation into core instruction.

Emerging players

• AltSchool: AltSchool is a small K-8 school network that pioneered personalized, technology-rich learning environments. Comparable to Soaring Heights PK-8 on the dimensions of 1:1 device use, design thinking, and makerspace-style fabrication within a K-8 setting.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SHPK8innovation
• Facebookfacebook.com/SoaringHeightsPTO
• Instagraminstagram.com/shpk8pto
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/soaring-heights-pk-8

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Soaring Heights PK-8