Lyons Middle Senior High School is celebrating a season of academic recognition, recently earning top honors at both the state and national levels. The school was named among the top 5.8% of public high schools nationwide in the U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools Rankings, reflecting Lyon Middle Senior’s strength in college readiness, state assessment performance, graduation rates, and support for all learners. “At Lyons, our culture of success is built on high expectations, unwavering support, and a growth mindset that empowers every student,” said Chris Carter, an AP Calculus teacher at Lyons Middle Senior.
Lyons was also awarded the 2024 John Irwin School of Excellence Award by the Colorado Department of Education. This honor, given to only about 8% of Colorado schools, recognizes sustained academic achievement over time, specifically in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. To receive the award, schools must earn an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the state’s School Performance Framework, reflecting consistent excellence rather than short-term gains. “We do have high expectations, and we make sure that we put that rigor into everything we do, but we also provide lots of support—whether it be one-on-one help, or revisiting earlier material,” said Anna Marie Strzyz, an English and elective teacher at Lyons Middle Senior.
In addition to these recognitions, Lyons has greatly broadened its Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities. In the past three years, access to AP classes has expanded from eight to 18 course offerings through a partnership with the Advanced Global Interactive Learning Environments (AGILE) program and St. Vrain Virtual High School.This growth reflects Lyons’ commitment to preparing students for postsecondary success and lays the foundation for even greater achievement in the years to come. For Oz, a senior at Lyons Middle Senior, “AP courses have made school more enjoyable because they’re challenging and exciting.”
Together, these successes highlight not only the hard work of Lyons’ students, but also the dedication of staff and the strong support of families and the broader St. Vrain community. “Our teachers really care about our students, not just with their academic achievement, but as whole people. That really boosts students’ desire to succeed,” said Aimee Brown, a high school counselor at Lyons Middle Senior. Through rigorous academics, consistent achievement, and a focus on student growth, Lyons Middle Senior High School stands out as a model of excellence at both the state and national levels.