Unified Programs at NHS

Niwot High School is known for its diversity. With students from over 50 different middle schools, it is a melting pot filled with unique students from all walks of life. One of the places you can find that diversity is in Niwot's Unified Programs.

Niwot's Unified Program is composed of two parts: Unified Sports (district-wide) and Unified Theater (Niwot and Frederick High School). Both of these programs give students with disabilities opportunities that many other schools do not offer.

Unified bowling was first brought into CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) in 2019, which then became a quick addition to the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) sports programs.

Niwot's Unified Programs are affiliated with the Special Education Department, which strives for inclusivity, with many different classes and activities that are focused on student development, growth, and connection. With much of the Special Education Department focusing on skills for obtaining and maintaining jobs, personal finance, and post-secondary education exploration, the Unified Programs give students a chance to have fun and connect with others during high school while learning how to succeed after it.

Unified Sports give students with disabilities a chance to compete and connect with other students by partnering them with other students. This is a unique opportunity that allows them to compete in the SVVSD Unified Basketball Tournament, Regional Unified Bowling, and States Unified Bowling.

Unified Theater gives students with disabilities a chance to act, sing, and dance on stage in front of an audience. These Unified programs pair with the other skills that the Special Education Department teaches students with disabilities,s including self-advocacy skills, social skills, and communication skills. Each sport and activity helps students with disabilities grow as people while having fun at the same time.

Niwot's Unified programs not only have a positive impact on students with disabilities, but also have an outstanding impact on students without disabilities. Bela Mendes, who participates in both Unified Bowling and Basketball, says, "I do it because it's a unique opportunity to embrace the strengths and resilience of all athletes through pure joy, and showed me real teamwork."

Having two different Unified Sports and being one of two schools in the district with Unified Theater, Niwot High School is at the forefront of Unified programs. Niwot's Unified program shows a school that keeps taking steps toward a more equal and inclusive world.