“The school is the community hub."”

Sally Eckert

GOLD HILL - Gold Hill, Colorado, is a treasure. Gold Hill School is a gem in that treasure.

On October 26, the Gold Hill School Alumni hosted a Halloween Magical Maze. This was the first year they have done this event and the purpose was to build community and raise awareness about Gold Hill School and the character and uniqueness of their school. 

The Gold Hill School opened 152 years ago in 1873 as a one-room schoolhouse. They served anyone who wanted an education. As student enrollment increased, it became a two-room schoolhouse, and this is how it remains today. 

Students today are kindergarten through fifth grade. They collaborate and learn together. 

The Gold Hill School website says, “Multiage education reflects real-life social interactions, where students collaborate with peers of varying ages and abilities. In this environment, they develop strong social skills, learn at their own pace, and build deeper, more secure relationships with both their peers and teachers.” 

Since Covid, the enrollment numbers at Gold Hill School have been down. Because of this, Boulder Valley School District made the decision to have only one teacher at Gold Hill School instead of two. 

In normal Gold Hill fashion, when they feel something they love is endangered, they band together and advocate. Beloved former Gold Hill teacher Jojo Morrison was greeting guests as they arrived at the Halloween Magical Maze. 

Morrison and current Gold Hill teacher Chrissy Maedke were co-teachers at the school. Morrison spoke about how today in education people want STEM, STEAM, and project-based learning. “We are the pinnacle of project-based learning,” she said.

Maedke, who has been teaching at Gold Hill for 18 years, added, “And we have always done that. We have an incredible program and community. You have to see the school in action.” 

As Maedke speaks, her love for Gold Hill School shines through. “We embody the magic, joy, and fun of learning.”

This is reiterated on their website as they show the students in action. “Our unique project-based learning program allows students to explore real-world topics through hands-on, experiential studies. From outdoor education to the rich local history, our program goes beyond state standards, fostering curiosity, active learning, and a deep love of discovery.”

A Gold Hill School event is never just a school event: It always involves the community. One of the organizers of this event was Sally Eckert. Her daughters attended Gold Hill School years ago and, like many Gold Hill residents, she continues to support the school.

“The school is the community hub,” she said.

That was clear from the different ages who were at the Halloween event. There were young families who plan to send their child to Gold Hill School, and older folks whose kids were students at the school in the 1980s and '90s. 

Gold Hill School is an integral part of this community, Eckert said. “This school gave my girls confidence and kept them grounded.” 

Gold Hill parent and PTO President Dan Maedke said community members always make food and show up for school events. That is what happens in Gold Hill, he said. “This school shapes people.” 

“We do not see these kinds of schools anymore. It is a multi-aged public school.” He added there is fear that if the school would close, it will impact the town in unknown ways.

This shining gem of a school with its parents and community advocates have gotten the attention of Congressman Joe Neguse. He and his daughter stopped by to enjoy the Magical Maze and get some Halloween candy. Neguse has consistently supported rural schools. 

The Gold Hill School PTO will be holding their Annual Fall Fiesta on November 12 from 5 - 8:30 p.m. at the Gold Hill Inn. This is a decades long tradition in the Gold Hill community to support their school. 

Dan Maedke said the PTO is the backbone of the school’s fundraising needs and volunteering so the students can go on field trips and have the hands-on projects and experiential learning that inspires them. 

Gold Hill School Open House will be taking place December 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. If you cannot make the open house and would like to tour the school, give them a call at 720-561-5940 or email christine.maedke@bvsd.org. 

It is important to note that The Climb bus can transport students from Boulder to Gold Hill Monday through Friday. 

To learn more about this amazing school, the programs they offer, and the community that they are, go to https://ghe.bvsd.org/.