2016 Education Guide

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

It’s your CHOICE! Education Guide INVESTING IN E ARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC ATION COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE • NAVIGATING FAFSA CHARTER SCHOOL INFORMATION • CHOICE ENROLLMENT

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE GAZETTE

It’s your choice! Education Guide 30 EAST PIKES PEAK AVENUE, SUITE 100 COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80903

GENERAL MANAGER Brad Howard brad.howard@gazette.com EDITOR, IT’S YOUR CHOICE Leslie Massey leslie.massey@gazette.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Erik Carlson erik.carlson@gazette.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gina Pietramale TO ADVERTISE: 476-1628

3 You make the choice ....................................................... 4 Army program boosts scores on college-prep exams ...... 5 Early Connections Learning Centers .............................. 5 Investing in early childhood education ........................... 6 Choice enrollment information ........................................ 8 What is a charter school? ............................................. 10 LAUNCH: A new high school ........................................ 12 Navigating FAFSA ........................................................ 13 Earn college credit while in high school ...................... 14 Charter school information .......................................... 15 Countdown to college ......................................................

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 Preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s responsibilities. www.FFC8.org WR ODSWRSV LQ KLJK VFKRRO 6WDWH RI WKH DUW IDFLOLWLHV 3DUWQHUVKLSV WR DVVLVW PLOLWDU\ IDPLOLHV *UHDWHU VXSSRUW IRU VWXGHQWV DQG VWDII +LJKO\ FRPSHWLWLYH VDODULHV

Are your job skills a little… outdated?

Time for a serious career upgrade.

Train for a career in: - Healthcare - Business - Information Technology - Graphic Design Financial aid for qualified students.

Call 800-785-8625

or visit collegeamerica.edu

to learn more.

Our family of non-profit colleges admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

2

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE:

Beware of upcoming changes in financial aid

By Lee Bierer, The Charlotte Observer

Big changes are afoot for the form nearly every college-bound family should fill out — the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges use the FAFSA to determine how much need-based aid each applicant will receive. The form asks about income as well as assets in the names of the parents and the students. The changes in the FAFSA timeline won’t take place until October, 2016 but families need to take note.

Currently the required FAFSA form is not available until Jan. 1 of a student’s senior year. The form specifically asks for your previous year’s tax return, and since many families haven’t completed their taxes by Jan. 1, they have been using an estimate that they later updated.

Under the new timeline, the form

will become available on Oct. 1 of a student’s senior year and will be using the prior year’s tax information. So your 2015 tax forms will be used for 2016 graduates, and the same 2015 tax forms will be used for the 2017 graduates. So, whatever you report on your 2015 taxes will impact your potential aid for the next two years.

Here are some other things to know about financial aid: Capital gains count as income.

That’s important to know if you plan to sell stocks at year-end.

Similarly, capital losses can reduce parental income.

Student income is assessed at a higher rate than parental income.

529 College Savings Plans can impact financial aid. When the 529 plan is in the parent’s name, it is considered a parental asset,

but when it is in the name of a grandparent, it does not show as an asset on the FAFSA. But — and this is particularly important — when you start withdrawing from a grandparent-owned 529, it is counted as direct income to the child, and that is assessed at that higher rate and has a much larger impact on financial aid.

Tip from Terry Savage, a nationally recognized expert on finance and contributor to the Huffington Post www.huffingtonpost.com: “If grandparents hold such an account, don’t start withdrawing until the junior year of college — after you have filed the FAFSA for that year.”

You can’t use 529 plans to pay off student loans. Read the fine print on exactly what you can use the 529 funds for: tuition, room, board,

books and certain other fees.

Another tip from Savage, “Assets owned by a child weigh heavily against the family in the aid formula. UTMA custodial accounts should be spent for the benefit of the child in advance of the FAFSA filing year — or rolled into an UTMA 529 account, where they will be treated as a parental asset.”

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

3

You make the choice

By Leslie Massey, leslie.massey@gazette.com

Colorado’s Department of Education recognizes that students all learn differently. Choosing an academic program that suits your students’ needs is a valuable step in helping them achieve success.

The Open Enrollment, or Choice Enrollment option in Colorado schools allows students to enroll in a public school that is not their designated neighborhood school.

While there are certain criteria to meet, students may apply for enrollment in any public school, in any district. Typically, when a school doesn’t have any more room for additional students, they will establish a waiting list. Once room opens up, schools either accept students on a first-comefirst-served basis or sometimes hold a lottery to determine which students may enroll in the school.

When choosing the right school for your student, families should

look into each school district as well as the individual school to get details about curriculum, unique qualities, technology, class size, and other important questions.

Some guidelines to keep in mind when considering Open Enrollment:

• Open Enrollment applications are for enrollment the next school year.

• Most districts have open enrollment deadlines in January and February, each district (and sometimes individual schools) set their own time frame for accepting open enrollment

applications.

• When you select to enroll your student into a school other than the designated neighborhood school, transportation may or may not be provided.

• If your student participates in varsity sports, you need to check into eligibility limitations.

Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Rule 1800 refers to athletic eligibility in varsity sports whenever a student transfers from one high school to another.

• School districts have the choice deny an open enrollment request for a variety of reasons.

• If a school does not have adequate space for students who want to transfer in, preference is generally given to students within the school district. Check with the school district to find out about their individual policy.

Open/Choice Enrollment Resources

Choice Enrollment Window open until Feb 26

719-234-1200 ASD20.org

ColoradoSchoolGrades.com Provide accessible, easy-to-understand information about Colorado school performance. Read more about the nonprofit coalition behind Colorado School Grades.

SchoolChoiceForKids.org User friendly guide for families to find information about information about Open Enrollment at well as public vs. non-public choices.

Colorado Department of Education – CDE.State.CO.us/choice/openenrollment The unit provides information on public school choice options like charter schools, innovation school, and blended and online learning.

In addition, the unit answers general questions regarding home schools and private schools.

4

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

own entrepreneurial venture while earning their Colorado endorsed High School Diploma.

Army program helps Colorado students boost exam scores

By Debbie Kelley, debbie.kelley@gazette.com

Katie Parker would have been happy with a one-point improvement. She got almost two points and was over-the-moon ecstatic.

“That was way beyond my expectations,” said the former counselor who is now a social studies teacher at Calhan High School in Calhan School District RJ-1.

The school’s 34 juniors took the ACT college-prep exam in April and boosted the average score over the previous year by nearly two points — no small feat in the world of academia.

“We wanted to raise their scores and make the kids more available for scholarship opportunities,” Parker said.

Parker credits a school program

she helped pilot and plans to use again to prepare students for college-prep tests this spring. March 2 Success, a $10 million national push by the Army, helps offset learning gaps for students taking college-prep tests.

Although the program operates out of the Army’s recruiting battalion, it’s available for free to any school and does not involve military commitment from students.

“The reason the Army funds this and we push this is we want a brighter force, and if we can reach the masses, we may find those kids that have not thought about the Army as an option. But if kids want to be a lawyer and go to college, they can do that,” said Capt. JaCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Launch is now Accepting 9th & 10th Grade Applications for 2016.

719-387-9379 • info@LaunchHigh.org • See LaunchHigh.org for details.

Launch High School is downtown Colorado Springs’ new school for young entrepreneurs. Launch will empower its’ graduates with academic & entreprneurial knowledge as well as skills & resources, so they can create & capitalize on opportunities in pursuit of their passions towards social & economic prosperity. At Launch students will start their own entrepreneurial venture while earning their Colorado endorsed High School Diploma.

LAUNCH IS NOW ACCEPTING 9TH & 10TH GRADE APPLICATIONS FOR 2016.

719-387-9379 • INFO@LAUNCHHIGH.ORG SEE LAUNCHHIGH.ORG FOR DETAILS.

“

Finally, a school for students ready to LAUNCH. 6 1 0 2 , 1 b e F s d n e t Open Enrollmen Launch High School is downtown Colorado Springs’ new school for young entrepreneurs. Launch will empower its’ graduates with academic & entrepreneurial knowledge as well as skills & resources, so they can create & capitalize on opportunities in pursuit of their passions towards social & economic prosperity. At Launch students will start their own entrepreneurial venture while earning their Colorado endorsed High School Diploma.

Early connections.

Lifelong results.

We give our students the

Launch is now Accepting 9th & 10th Grade Applications for 2016.

719-387-9379 • info@LaunchHigh.org • Seeand LaunchHigh.org details.

High-quality reliableforearly

opportunities

childhood education and afterschool programs.

for creativity and growth.

Begin your story at earlyconnections.org.

We want them to love coming here every day.

”

EARLY CONNECTIONS LEARNING CENTERS:

High quality early education is crucial to cultivating success

By Leslie Massey, leslie.massey@gazette.com

Research continually points to the benefit of high quality early education. In fact, during the most rapid period of development, (the first five years), there is a window of opportunity to influence a child’s mind. Thoughtful investments made during this time can guide their path to successful outcomes — not only for the children, but also families, as well as communities.

“Right now there are huge challenges for parents in accessing high quality early education,” said Diane Price, President and CEO of Early Connections Learning Centers. “That’s why we are very proud of our program. Everyone has access to our centers. Not just limited income families, but all families — and we are very happy to have that diversity in our classrooms.”

Accepting infants through school

Photo courtesy of Early Connections Learning Centers

age children, Early Connections fosters a partnership with parents to support their efforts in obtaining comprehensive, high quality, affordable child care and education.

“Parents are children’s first and best teacher, and their first and best advocate,” Price said. “They know their child best. We listen to

parents in order to enhance each child’s learning experience.”

Early Connections’ “whole child” approach to education reinforces learning and growth in developmentally appropriate, ongoing, observation-based assessment.

“Everyone is ready to learn,” said Price, “it’s our job to give

kids the opportunity to allow that to happen and once they get into school, they are ready to rock it.”

According to Price, parents should choose high quality learning with a comprehensive curriculum, and a high rating from Colorado Shines. A quality rating and improvement system, Colorado Shines assesses and communicates the level of quality in Colorado’s early education programs.

“By standing shoulder to shoulder with families, we can help achieve mutual goals for the best opportunities for our children,” said Price.

Early Connections is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

“Being a parent is hard,” said Price. “We empower parents to be their child’s biggest advocate.”

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

5

Now Enrolling 2016-17 Preschool Grade 12

WPSD WPSD--Preschool Preschoolthrough throughGrade Grade12 12 Offers choice six different tovaluing earn college crediteducation while attending Provides choice optionsprograms forfamilies families valuing home-based education includinghigh on-line Provides options for home-based including ananon-line school to save on future tuition and time. program, part-time enrollment, and enrichment classes. program, part-time enrollment, and enrichment classes.

Partners with Catamount Institute and Pikes Foundation Offers six different programs to earn college credit Peak while Community attending high school to save Offers six different programs to earn college credit while attending high school to save to bring hands-on, environmental education to all elementary and middle on future tuition and time. onschool future students. tuition and time.

Competes at state and national levels in sports, academic competitions, and activities.

Providesatchoice options forlevels families valuing home-based education Competes state and national in Pikes sports, academic competitions, andtoactivities.

Partners with Institute and Peak Community bring including anCatamount on-line program, part-time enrollment, andFoundation a Homeschool hands-on, environmental education to all elementary students with plans to expand to Partners with Catamount Enrichment Academy.Institute and Pikes Peak Community Foundation to bring middle school. hands-on, environmental all elementary withcompetitions, plans to expand to Competes at state andeducation national to levels in sports,students academic middle school. and activities.

For more information: 719.686.2000 / www.wpsdk12.org

For more information: 719.686.2000 / www.wpsdk12.org 6

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

Investing in early childhood education

By David Merage, The Pueblo Chieftain

Too often, we focus on the issues that divide us. It’s easy to be inundated with partisan rhetoric.

Instead, we should concentrate on something that unites us: investing in high-quality early childhood care and education.

Two recent polls demonstrate broad, bipartisan support in favor of investments in early childhood education.

Actually, that may be an understatement. Attitudes about the importance of early childhood education reach near unanimity, according to the polls. In fact, 90 percent of participants in a recent Colorado poll said the years zero to 5 are extremely or very important to the learning and development of a child.

Furthermore, in a recent poll of Colorado residents by Save the Children Action Network, 61 percent of respondents answered that public education should start with preschool and be offered to all 4-year-olds. That represents a majority of Republicans, Democrats and independents.

Those findings are confirmed by another bipartisan poll released this fall by the First Five Years Fund, which shows strong support for early learning among majorities of critical swing voter groups, all of whom say they would be impressed with a candidate who calls for investments in early education — including 69 percent of Hispanics, 62 percent of millennials and 57 percent of moderates.

Knowing that voters in Colorado and around the country overwhelmingly support this issue, we must harness the political will to make expanding and improving access to high-quality early childhood education a reality.

If we don’t reach kids at an early age — a child’s brain is largely developed by the time they enter kindergarten — their chances of success later in life greatly decrease. The type of environment and the quality of interaction to which children are exposed in the

first five years of life greatly influences the outcomes of their adult lives. We must do all we can to give our youngest residents everything they need for a strong start in life.

Early childhood care and education is a major focus of the David and Laura Merage Foundation, which has been incubating Early Learning Ventures since 2008. The ELV model equips early childhood care and education providers with a strong business operations foundation so that they can offer outstanding care for better child outcomes.

As a successful business leader, I know that high-quality early childhood care and education is critical for a prepared and vibrant workforce. That is why I joined with several others to found Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, a coalition of business leaders, nonprofit and foundation executives who are all committed to making early childhood care, education, health and parenting among the highest priorities of Colorado’s public and private investments.

Research shows children living in poverty without access to high-quality early education programs are 25 percent more likely to drop out of school and 60 percent more likely to never attend college.

Yet nationally, just two out of five American children are enrolled in preschool. The numbers are worse here in Colorado. According to a recent report by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University, Colorado ranked 22nd among the 50 states with only one in five of our state’s 4-year-olds enrolled in preschool.

A comprehensive, national early childhood education program would add $2 trillion to the annual GDP within a generation, according to the Brookings Institution.

We know Colorado voters want presidential candidates to prioritize our kids on the road to the White House.

Now it’s time for the candidates to listen and act. Our kids deserve it.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU’LL MAKE IS THE DIFFERENCE THEY’LL MAKE.

WHEN YOU HELP A PERSON HEAL, YOU’LL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. A professional therapist or counselor doesn’t just help a patient heal. They help families, communities and the larger world learn how to move forward, one day at a time.

With a Master of Arts in Counseling or a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, you’ll soon discover that making a difference in one person’s life can create a world of good.

Discover the difference a graduate degree can make.

Get started at regis.edu/helphealing or call 800.317.6478.

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

7

PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ENROLLMENT GUIDE School District Academy School District 20

ASD20.org

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

CMSD12.org

Application Deadline

1110 Chapel Hills Dr. 719-234-1200 help@asd20.org

Begins in April

All students, K-12, enroll at the District Administration Building

1775 LaClede St. 719-475-6100

Residents get priority & preference given to students of D11 employees and students with siblings enrolled in same school. Valid for duration of the academic level, then re-apply.

1033 N. Franklin St. 719-520-2297

February 12

Ellicott School District 22

EllicottSchools.org

No deadline

Year-round

10850 E. Woodmen Rd. 719-494-8911 enrollment@d49.org

FFC8.org

Applications available in April.

Considered on a firstcome/first serve basis.

Must reapply each year

10665 Jimmy Camp Rd. 719-382-1300

HSD2.org

March 31

D49.org

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 Harrison School District 2

Woodland Park School District RE-2

322 S. Ellicott Hwy 719-683-2700 Based on space availability. Good for the duration of an academic level, then must reapply

Falcon School District 49

Widefield School District 3

For More Info

February 26 by 4 pm

Dll.org

Manitou Springs School District 14

Things to Know Applications considered on space available basis.

Once accepted, no need to reapply each year.

Colorado Springs School District 11

Lewis Palmer School District 38

8

District Website

2948 E. Fountain Blvd.

719-579-2554

February 19

Returning students given priority, must apply every year. All schools take applications

146 Jefferson St. 719-488-4700 choice@lewispalmer.org

MSSD14.org

contact district

Priority given to residents and returning non-residents. Must reapply each year

405 El Monte Pl. 719-685-2014

WSD3.org

In district – last school day in Feb. Out of district – last Friday in May

An application must be completed every school year to the school you wish to attend

1820 Main St. 719-391-3000

contact district

Provides a FREE On-Line Program as a choice option for all grades that is customized for each student

155 Patnher Wy. 719-686-2000

LewisPalmer.org

WPSDK12.org

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

COLLEGE-PREP EXAM PROGRAM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

son Robinson, commander of the Army’s local recruiting office and an Army education manager for south and eastern Colorado.

Parker said while the office has a quota and recruiting is its main mission, “The cool thing is they’re really here for the kids. If the Army isn’t a good fit for the kids, they’re OK with that. They do so many things that are not Army-related.”

Students in the program take a pre-assessment test to see what level they are at in core subjects.

“It gives them an awareness of where they are in their learning, regardless of their grades in class,” Parker said.

The test determines students’ strengths and weaknesses, and students do specific online work to strengthen their problem areas.

“One of the special points about this program is that each student will have a different curriculum predicated on their weaknesses,” Robinson said. “There’s something for everybody.”

Students can take free practice

tests for the ACT and SAT and also can prepare for law and medical school admissions tests as well as Army admissions tests.

Robinson piloted the program in six schools in southern Colorado last school year, including Calhan High, and has expanded it to more than 5,000 students in 30 districts in southern and southeastern Colorado.

A student at The Classical Academy, an Academy School District 20 charter school, jumped his ACT performance from a 24 to a 32 composite score and earned a full scholarship worth $225,000 to the University of San Francisco, Robinson said.

The program is voluntary at some schools and mandatory at others, as part of the regular curriculum. That’s what Calhan High did.

“I built it into the schedule,” Parker said.

Many of the schools involved are in rural areas, Robinson said.

“We want to even the playing

field,” he said. “You have parents who can afford tutors or to pay for a preparation course, but a lot of kids don’t have the opportunity to move forward after high school.

They don’t have the financial means, and we not only educate the students but also the parents.”

An additional 2,000 students will join the program in January, Robinson said, including from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs School District 11. Doherty’s 450 juniors will be given the option of using March 2 Success to prepare for the ACT test in April. The ACT is given to all juniors in Colorado for free.

“The more we can do to give kids a leg up, it’s a win-win situation,” said Scott Crosby, college and career counselor at Doherty.

“Because students traditionally use that test as one of the scores they submit to college, the higher the scores, the more of a chance they have of gaining admission and getting scholarships.”

Crosby said the online access to

the March 2 Success program “fits our school’s vision for next-generation learning and assessment,” giving students “additional opportunity for our students to prepare in an environment that is natural to them as learners.”

Colorado has adopted new graduation requirements to include ACT or SAT tests, so it’s even more important for students to be well prepared for such tests, Robinson said.

“We offer this as a community outreach initiative to hit every student possible,” Robinson said.

“This is a legitimate option for students to increase their standardized test scores. It’s a great opportunity for kids from all walks of life to give themselves an opportunity for success. If they’re not college bound, there’s still something for them, whether it’s learning interview skills or common mistakes. There’s also a plethora of information for parents, to help their kids get to the next step.”

COLORADOSHINES.COM

START EARLY. START STRONG. Experts say 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by age five – a fact that explains why early learning is a critical part of childhood. Choosing the right early learning program is so important that many Colorado parents begin the search for child care options months before their baby is born.

Colorado Shines, the state’s quality rating and improvement system, helps families find the best early childhood program to fit their needs. A FREE program for families to use, Colorado Shines offers reliable and consistent quality ratings that families can trust. Visit ColoradoShines.com to learn more about the Colorado Shines quality rating and improvement system and to search for available programs.

ColoradoShines.com It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

9

IN A NUTSHELL:

What is a charter school?

By Leslie Massey, leslie.massey@gazette.com

ceive, are the necessary characteristics of charter schools. In Colorado, they are not separate, legal entities independent of the school district.

Rather, they are public schools defined uniquely by their charter and limited autonomy, while remaining in the school district.

Recognizing that students learn differently, the General Assembly authorized charter schools to create possibilities for parents, teachers, and community members to foster new, innovative, and flexible ways of educating children within the public school system.

733 Dale St. Fountain, CO 80817 2710 S. Academy Blvd., Suite 130, Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Apply today for the upcoming Fall 2016 Seminar! www.goalac.org 10

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

LEWIS-PALMER SCHOOL DISTRICT

In Colorado, charter schools are public schools operated by a group of parents, teachers, and/or community members as a semi-autonomous school of choice, within a school district. Operating under a contract, or “charter,” between the school community and the board of education, the degree of autonomy on issues such as personnel, curriculum and facilities, is negotiated between the charter applicants and the school district.

School-centered governance and a clear design for what manner and type of education students will re-

◆ Accredited with Distinction by the State ◆ Advanced Placement Honor Roll ◆ In Colorado’s top 10% for College Entrance and State Exams ◆ Outstanding Teachers and Staff 2015 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Kathy Thirkell. ◆ Gifted and Talented Programs on Every Campus ◆ Full-Day Kindergarten and Preschool Options ◆ K-6 Campus Child Care Outside of School Hours ◆ Homeschool Academy Weekly Enrichment

Call (719) 488-4700 or explore our website (www.lewispalmer.org)

Charter Schools:Part of the Public School Family Academy for Advanced & Creative Learning 2510 N. Chestnut Street Colorado Springs, CO 80907 434-6566 www.academyacl.org Grades Served: K-8 Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning is a free charter public school specializing in gifted education. Our curriculum encompasses above-grade level, highly challenging, in-depth content. Academy ACL staff supports the unique needs of gifted learners with gifted educational techniques and an Integrated Curriculum Model.

Imagine Classical Academy Indigo Ranch 6464 Peterson Road Colorado Springs, CO 80923 495-7360 http://d49.org/imagine-indigo Grades Served: PreK-8 At Imagine Classical Academy our philosophy is centered on timeless classical methods with high expectations that allow our students to attain a solid, rigorous educational foundation. In our Preschool thru 8th grade classrooms you will see a focus on virtuous character and a strong appreciation of the Arts and Humanities. Academics include: Core Knowledge, Core Virtues, Fine Arts, German, Latin, Guitar, Technology, Art, and Music. Come in and let us give you a tour.

CIVA Charter High School 4635 Northpark Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 633-1306 www.civacharterschool.org Grades Served: 9-12 CIVA High School prepares outstanding scholars, citizens and artisans via a college preparatory curriculum, with a special emphasis on the arts, character, athletics and international studies. Students are provided Honors and Advanced Placement courses and online college classes while still in high school. Please call to schedule an interview and/or attend our information night on February 17th at 7PM.

James Irwin Charter Schools 5525 Astrozon Boulevard Colorado Springs, CO 80916 302-9105 www.jamesirwin.org Grades Served: K-12 James Irwin Charter Schools is an award-winning network of two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Next August, JICS plans to open a trade school, Power Technical Early College, in District 49. All James Irwin schools emphasize character development, academic excellence and an understanding of our Western Heritage.

James Madison Charter Academy A Performance School 660 Syracuse Street Colorado Springs, CO 80911 391-3977 www.jmcacolorado.net Grades Served: K-6 JMCA is located in Widefield School District, just outside Ft. Carson. Our small size allows for individualized instruction. We are recognized for the academic growth attained by our students and the families-first atmosphere enjoyed by our parents.

JMCA offers: Full-Day Kindergarten, Hands-On Learning, Core Knowledge Curriculum, Core Virtues Program, After-School Activities, Before- and After-School Care. JMCA continues to teach social studies and science, and values the arts as part of our curriculum.

Launch High School Downtown Colorado Springs www.LaunchHigh.org Grades Served: 9-10 in 2016 Expanding to Grades 9-12 Opening in fall 2016, Launch High School will employ an entrepreneurship and innovation framework to develop young talent and ambitions. Our program incorporates blended learning, personalized learning, self-directed learning and authentic project-based learning into one powerful package. As they create their own business or non-profit venture, adolescent students are transformed into young professionals creating exponential value in their community as they pursue their passions. Students will earn an endorsed Colorado high school diploma while acquiring the knowledge, skills and habits of entrepreneurship.

Pikes Peak Prep Charter School

Mountain Song Community School

525 E. Costilla Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 570-7575 www.PikesPeakPrep.org Grades Served: K-12

2904 W. Kiowa Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904 203-6364 www.mountainsongschool.com Grades Served: K-8 Mountain Song Community School is a Waldorf-inspired charter public school dedicated to providing developmentally appropriate, holistic, and academically rigorous education to all children. Our dynamic approaches to education cultivate critical thinking skills, and civic mindedness. To learn more about MSCS and how to enroll your K-8 student for 2016-2017, visit www.mountainsongschool.com.

The Classical Academy 975 Stout Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 488-6229 www.tcatitans.org Grades Served: K-12 Parents look to TCA as a skilled and passionate partner in the educational journey of their school-age children--a journey toward becoming thoughtful, virtuous, and wise individuals, today and tomorrow. Within this values-centered learning community, TCA’s dedicated faculty cultivates and unleashes the natural curiosity of learners through a stimulating, classically inspired curriculum.

Pikes Peak Prep values high quality teachers and is proud to be the ONLY Colorado school with an annually certified National Institute for Excellence in Teaching principal and NIET-certified teachers. Our K-12 curriculum goes beyond the talk of the importance of college and actually pays for college tuition, books and transportation.

Pikes Peak Prep offers a full range of extracurricular activities, too. Please visit our website or call for a tour to understand the Pikes Peak Prep Advantage.

The Vanguard School 1605 S. Corona Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80905 471-1999 www.thevanguardschool.com Grades Served: K-12 Excellence in character is the seed that bears success in all areas of life. Over the past 20+ years, The Vanguard School has endowed students with a truly meaningful education that nourishes both the mind and soul. The Vanguard student stands apart: he exhibits integrity, dedication, and intellectual wonder. We instill in our students a work ethic that enables them to thrive in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits. Our students learn to love and pursue that which is timelessly true, good, and beautiful.

Get to know us at www.CharterPublic.org It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

11

LAUNCH:

A new high school for the tinkerers, the dreamers and the innovators Courtesy of Launch High School

Do you find the traditional education system boring and out of step with our current world?

Want to be a professional entrepreneur and open your own business or non-profit enterprise while you earn your diploma?

Then Launch High School is the place for you!

Launch High School bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real world success by creating tangible connections between education, individual passions and future plans. Our mission is to empower graduates with the academic and entrepreneurial knowledge, skills & resources to create and capitalize on opportunities in pursuit of their passions towards economic and social

prosperity. Our program combines numerous successful learning models that create graduates that are academically, socially and financially successful. The original curriculum is personalized to student’s interests, ability levels and natural pace of learning. While earning their diploma and building their own enterprise students have the use of a Personal Learning Coach at school and access to mentors and advisors in the business community. From day one at Launch your son or daughter uses practical skills and professional tools for authentic projects now and for the rest of their lives. Skills such as: • Developing personal and interpersonal skills for communicat-

We provide individualized instruction for students with learning differences to improve students’ rate of success and confidence!

• Half-day accelerated learning for grades 1-8 • 4 to 1 student teacher ratio • Reading, writing, math and study skills • Direct instruction • Academic year program • After-school small group tutoring • 5-week summer school

To schedule a visit: Call (719) 576-3840 www.hillsprings.org We empower students with learning differences to become confident, independent learners.

12

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

ing, collaborating and networking with individuals and groups in any situation • Leading people by your personal influence while managing complexity and unpredictability • Creating and capitalizing on opportunities while recognizing and managing risks • Sharpening executive functions like working memory, mental flexibility, self-regulation, impulse control and focus Launch High School is a free public charter school authorized by the State of Colorado and validated by our State Board of Education. Opening in 2016 to only 135 ninth and tenth grade students the school provides a small, personal learning environment with individual attention…and Launch will stay that way with less than 300 students in grades 9 through 12 at full capacity.

Even before opening Launch High School is really taking off!

This winter, spring and summer Launch will make several free programs and contests available for any young prospective entrepreneur. Community backing and support for Launch students comes from dozens upon dozens

of businesses and organizations including local entrepreneurs, the Regional Business Alliance and Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group. Additionally, Launch is partnering with prominent commercial and non-profit organizations to construct a brand new facility in the heart of downtown. Until that building is complete in 2017 we will be located in a former school just 3 miles north of downtown. Finally, Launch has already received grants, donations and pledges in excess of $1,000,000 to assist with school development and startup operations. Your son or daughter can benefit from all of these resources and from our unique and exceptional program. Imagine them developing from adolescence into a mature, self-directed graduate ready to take on the world.

Go to LaunchHigh.org to watch our inspiring video and see what we are about. Then go to the parent page LaunchHigh.org/ Parent-Contact/ and sign up for a chance to attend the most innovative and exciting place to learn and grow … Launch High School.

We are the Practical Pursuit of Passion and Prosperity!

Help with navigating FAFSA

By Leslie Massey, leslie.massey@gazette.com

• For federal aid, submit your application no earlier January 1, and no later than June 30, 2017 (on or before midnight).

Your college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of enrollment in the 2016 – 2017 school year.

• File as early as you can. Some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• File even if you think your family’s income and/or savings is too high. Almost every student is eligible for some form of assistance.

• Gather all necessary information prior to completing the FAFSA application for a more efficient, smoother process. Items such as social security numbers for the student and parents, birth dates, income tax information, and bank statements.

• Keep all of that info handy, because a

FAFSA application needs to be completed each school year that the students attends college.

• Include an email address with the FAFSA application to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three- five days. The SAR outlines your eligibility for aid and the next steps.

• List schools on the application who you are hoping to receive aid from. Start with state schools to get in line for state aid, then add other schools.

• Remember filing FAFSA is absolutely free at FAFSA.gov. Be wary of scams and other websites that are not actually FAFSA. Beginning in the 2017 – 2018 school year, students will be able to submit FAFSA applications as early as October 1.

“I’ve always had an interest in math and science, so that always helped pull me into the engineering field.” - 12th-grader Elizabeth Staley

Our Choice Window Is Always Open Elizabeth studies engineering in District 49. Is your student interested in science, technology, engineering or math? We have nationally recognized programs. What about health sciences? We have an entire academy for that. Plus, our early literacy programs help ensure every student succeeds.

We’re guiding students on their own individualized pathway in District 49.

Learn about other pathways and enroll online at D49.org/choose It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

13

Earning college credit while in high school

By Leslie Massey, leslie.massey@gazette.com

COLORADO SPRINGS EARLY COLLEGES

Since the Concurrent Enrollment (CE) Programs Act was passed in 2009, Colorado high school students aged 16 and over have had the opportunity to enroll simultaneously in college courses while still attending high school.

Colorado public schools offer a range of CE programs through agreements with local community colleges, technical or vocational schools, and four-year colleges and universities. Some of the courses are offered take place on the college campus, while some courses can be taken at the high school.

Each year since its inception, more and more students have been taking advantage of CE opportunities. During the 2013 – 2014

14

school year, according to a report by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Colorado Department of Education, 31,000 students state-wide participated in a dual enrollment program, representing 25 percent of all juniors and seniors in public high schools in Colorado.

The report revealed that 94 percent of districts and 80 percent of high schools offer CE programs, and that the students taking part in dual enrollment programs had higher first year credit hour accumulation, grade point averages, and retention rates in college.

For the 2013 – 2014 school year, Colorado high school students attempted a total of 167,050 Con-

I’m Earning My College Degree in High School for FREE! • Tuition FREE Public Charter High School • Bus Transportation provided throughout the greater Colorado Springs area • FREE College Courses on CSEC’s Campus • Personalized College & Career Advising • 2015 School of Distinction Accreditation

Space is Limited!

Enroll Now at csec914.org!

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

current Enrollment credit hours, the average number attempted per student was 8, and 89 percent passed all of their CE courses.

In the Pikes Peak region, school districts participating in dual enrollment programs include: Academy D20, Cheyenne Mountain D12, Colorado Springs D11, Ellicott D22, Falcon D49, Fountain-Fort Carson D8, Harrison D2, Lewis Palmer D38, Manitou Springs D14, Peyton 23 JT, Widefield D2, Woodland Park RE-2, and Calhan RJ-1.

The report also states that since its start, CE in Colorado has realized significant diversification and the composition of the CE program is now closely similar to the general composition of Colorado

public high schools.

Participating in Concurrent Enrollment programs is both financially and academically worthwhile because students get a head-start on accumulating college credit, more specialized courses and topics can be chosen, and it typically saves on tuition costs.

LOCAL CHARTER SCHOOLS School

Grades

School District

Program

Info

Phone

Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning

K–8

CS D11

Gifted and Talented

AcademyACL.org

719-434-6566

Ambassador’s Academy

K – 12

Harrison D2

Character Education

Ambassadork12.com

719-602-8880

Atlas Preparatory School

5 – 12

Harrison D2

College Prep

AtlasPrep.net

719-358-7196

K-8

Falcon D49

Mosaica, Paragon

BLRAcademy.org

719-570-0075

Career Building Academy

9 – 12

Peyton 23 JT

Alternative/Project Based/ Rural

TCBAcademy.org

719-471-4918

CIVA Charter High School

9 – 12

CS D11

Character Education/ College Prep

CivaCharterSchool.org

719-633-1306

Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

The Classical Academy

K – 12

Academy D20

Character Education/ Classical/ College Prep/ Core Knowledge

TCATitans.org

719-282-1181

Colorado Springs Charter Academy

K–8

CS D11

Core Knowledge/ Character Education

CSCharter.org

719-636-2722

Colorado Springs Early Colleges

9 – 12

CS D11

Early College

CSEC914.org

719-955-4675

Community Prep Charter School

9 – 12

CS D11

Alternative/ Early College/ Paideia

CommunityPrepSchool.org

719-227-8836

Frontier Charter Academy

K–8

Calhan RJ-1

Core Knowledge/ Rural

FrontierCharter.org

719-347-3156

Global Village Academy

K–4

CS D11

Dual Language / Language Immersion

GVASchools.org

719-645-8063

Globe Charter School

K–9

CS D11

Other

GlobeCharter.org

719-630-0577

Imagine Academy at Indigo Ranch

K–8

Faclon D49

Classical/ College Prep/ Core Knowledge/ Saxon Math

D49.org/Imagine

719-495-7360 719-302-9000

James Irwin Charter School

K – 12

Harrison D2

Core Knowledge / Direct Instruction / College Prep

JamesIrwin.org

James Madison Charter Academy

K–6

Widefield D3

Core Knowledge

JMCAColorado.net

719-391-3977

Launch High School

9 – 12

CS D11

Experiential/ Project Based

LaunchHigh.org

719-387-9379 719-471-0684

Life Skills Center of Colorado Springs

9 – 12

CS D11

Alternative

LifeSkillsHS.com

Monument Academy

Pre K – 8

LP D38

College Prep / Core Knowledge

MonumentAcademy.net

719-481-1950

Mountain Song Community School

Pre K – 6

CS D11

Waldorf

MountainSongSchool.com

719-203-6364

Pikes Peak Prep

K – 12

CS D11

College Prep/ Early College/ Other

PikesPeakPrep.org

719-570-7575

Pre K – 8

Falcon D49

Expeditionary Learning

PPSEL.org

719-522-2580

Rocky Mountain Classical Academy

K–8

Falcon D49

Core Knowledge / Home School

RMCACS.org

719-622-8000

Roosevelt Edison Charter School

K –5

CS D11

College Prep/ Edison

RECSbears.com

719-637-0311

Thomas MacLaren State Charter School

6 – 12

CS D11

Classical/ College Prep / Single Gender Classrooms

MacClarenSchool.org

719-313-4488

The Vanguard School

K – 12

Chey. Mtn. D12

Classical / Core Knowledge / College Prep

theVanguardSchool.com

719-471-1999

Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016

15

Meet Katie.

Her smile and gusto are infectious.

So too is her drive. Early on Katie learned the importance of advocating for herself. Now she plans on using that same voice to help others. After completing her degree in social work at PPCC, Katie is headed to a four-year college and after that, we predict she’ll impact millions. Here at PPCC, we are honored to be a part of her journey.

16

It’s Your Choice: EDUCATION GUIDE

January 2016