Whitman Fine Properties

Aspen High School was just ranked #1 high school in Colorado and 58th in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.

The Best High Schools project identifies the country’s top performing public high schools. The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all their students-from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving- in preparing them to demonstrating proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work.

The magazine analyzed schools in a three step process using mostly 2009-2010 data. The first two steps looked at how schools scored in areas such as mathematics and reading compared to other states, factoring in social and demographics that account for low scores. Schools that scored in the top 25% were then judged on “college readiness” which was based on International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement test data. The numerical result of these benchmarks created the rankings.

The reports states that 85% of Aspen High Seniors took IB tests, and 84% passed those exams.

To see the full article published in the Aspen Times Click here.

We think Aspen is a  wonderful, safe place to raise your kids and prepare them for college!

Roaring Fork Valley residents will receive a significant discount on their Aspen Music Festival tickets this summer. The AMFS Local’s Pass offers ten admissions for only $15.00 each ($150) through May 31. The price increases June 1 to $175 and to $200 July 1 and after. This picture pass allows the purchaser to receive six tickets for concerts and four tickets for rehearsals/master classes.

The offer is good for all events except operas, benefits, special events, house musics, Opera Scenes master classes (weeks 4 through and Sunday afternoon concerts. Passes may be purchased by calling 970-925-9042, or beginning May 14, directly at the Harris Concert Hall box office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A valid local driver’s license showing residency in the Roaring Fork Valley is required for purchase. Limit one per person.

The AMFS also offers the Kickoff Pass, good for all regular events from the beginning of the season, June 29 through July 12. The pass is just $190 and concert options include two Friday Aspen Chamber Symphony concerts and two Sunday Aspen Festival Orchestra concerts, which include an Aspen Festival Orchestra performance with pianist Garrick Ohlsson, conducted by new AMFS Music Director Robert Spano, plus much, much more.

New for 2011, the Gold Season Pass ($1,250) gives unlimited access to the festival’s 300-plus regular events throughout the summer, with the added benefit of being able to reserve your seats by phone, for free, on the day of the event. This pass is an upgrade from the Full Season Pass ($925) which allows access to all regular events but does not allow seats to be reserved for free with a phone call. Instead, pass holders must appear in person at the box office on the day of an event or validate any time for $15.

Children six through 17 and under can receive a remarkable discount with the $50 Youth Season Picture Pass, the equivalent of an adult Full Season Pass at a discount of more than 90 percent. Children 12 and under can always buy tickets for just $5.  However, these passes and discounts do not offer admission to special events, operas, benefits and house musics.

Passes can be purchased by phone at 970-925-9042 or at the Harris Concert Hall box office.

This spacious one bedroom, one and a half bath condo has dramatic views of Aspen Mountain from both floors. Some of the many amenities include a private powder room, wood burning fireplace, and two patios. There is assigned parking, a private ski locker, and has a washer/dryer in the unit. The Sunrise complex is conveniently located only blocks from the Gondola and from City Market. This is one of the most spacious one bedroom condos (963 sq ft)  at a great price of $890,000. Call me if you want more information on the best deals right now.