Bixby School's Executive Director Retiring After 43 Years

The year was 1970 and education experts were worried about issues such as overcrowded classrooms due to the Baby Boom generation, U.S. students “keeping up” in math and science, especially with their Soviet counterparts, and television turning our collective minds to mush.

Into this moment stepped two visionary teachers with a dream to create a school in which all children would be recognized and respected as unique individuals and given interesting problems to tackle along with the tools, experience, and processes to do it. They also wanted to provide a solid foundation in a liberal arts tradition so that students could pursue their passions without predetermination. Those two teachers were Harlan (Bart) Bartram and Pat Baker who, with several families, created Bixby School, initially located at the corner of 30th Street and Bixby Lane and since 1979, at 4760 Table Mesa Drive where it serves preschool through 5th grade children.

Soon after Pat graduated from college, she was recruited to teach in Jefferson County Schools. It was while teaching 3rd grade that she got a surprise visit by some administration “muckity-mucks" (including Bart) who had planned on touring a different classroom until, after arriving, learned the teacher was absent. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, after 43 years as Executive Director of Bixby, Pat Baker is retiring. In celebration of her life's work and legacy, an open house party is planned for May 17th, 3:00-6:00 p.m., on the Bixby School grounds. All friends of Bixby are invited.

Contributions in Pat's honor can be made to the Bixby Future Fund held at the Community Foundation of Boulder County, 1123 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302. The purpose of this fund is to ensure that generations of children to come may benefit from Bixby’s philosophy and exceptional teaching practices.

Bixby's Mission: To cultivate critical thinking; promote independence and self-confidence; instill empathy, respect and responsibility; and inspire a love of learning.