• SHMS offers accelerated and honors classes in math and language arts, as well as offering a full year of world language for incoming sixth graders.
• In addition, SHMS has a district-leading Response to Intervention (RtI) process which offers data driven analysis and support for students along with special programs and classes (team taught and clinic level) for students who need extra support, are performing below grade level, or have extenuating circumstances.
• Southern Hills was also chosen in 2008-09 as a pilot school for implementation of the Positive Behavior Support System. This program, fully implemented and operating today, is aimed at providing a framework and strategies for working with students from a supportive side and is also used to improve the overall climate of the school.
• SHMS has large, and active, Talented & Gifted Program with an on-site coordinator (almost full time!). Over 130 identified students were active in TAG offerings this past year.
• SHMS is proud of its communication to our parents. Along with frequent communication from the principal through School Messenger, SHMS provides a daily homework service to parents.  Through this service, daily homework for all teachers is posted on a central site on the SHMS website. In addition to the homework, daily student announcements and other information are included for easy access to the “happenings” at SHMS - Parents love this service!
• Tutoring Support (in multiple subjects), a before-school program for struggling students, is offered two times per week and staffed by parents and student volunteers from the University of Colorado.
• Zero Hour (before school) and Homework Club (after school) meet daily for referred students throughout the school year. Emphasis is placed on work completion and content acquisition through a personalized support program. The effects on student achievement are monitored and coordinated with classroom teachers.
• School spirit is enhanced through activities that include dress-up days, before-school, lunch time and after-school activities. Student fundraising and community outreach, for organizations like Safe House, the Leukemia Society, EFFA and Iraqi children, accumulated collections in the thousands of dollars through penny competitions and food/clothing drives.
• SHMS is the host site for one district magnet special education program, a multi-intensive program with approximately 10 students who are actively involved in the daily activity/classes within the school. Special Olympics and Circle of Friends are programs that bring together students for social and athletic events.

Special Programs and Opportunities

• Math Counts
• Math Olympiad
• TAG Club
• Word Masters Challenge
• Spelling Bee Competition
• History Day
• Science Fair
• Quiz Bowl
• Computer Club
• Jazz Band
• W.E.B Spiders group
• Talent Show
• Musical Production for all grades
• Special Olympics
• Circle of Friends
• Annual Food Drive
• Community Fundraising
• Games Club
• Bolder Boulder Training
• Quiz Bowl
• Yearbook and Publications
• Student Council
• Theatre Club
• Skateboarding Club
• Knitting Club
• Mountain Bike Club
• Comprehensive intramural and interscholastic sports (e.g., soccer, football, flag football, basketball, wrestling, track and field, volleyball) for sixth, seventh and eighth-graders.)