2024 Education Guide

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n o i t a c u d E e d i Gu A comprehensive overview of education in the Pikes Peak region

• 30th anniversary of

school choice in Colorado

• Superintendents share what makes their districts special

• More area students are homeschooling

Sunday, January 28, 2024 A Special Advertising Supplement of The Gazette

Published by The Gazette Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 30 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Publisher Chris Reen President and COO Rich Williams Executive Editor/ Vice President of Content Vince Bzdek Editor John Boogert City Editor Jerry Herman Vice President of Sales Jim Broyles Director of Local Market Development Traci Conrad Director of Advertising Operations, Classifieds and Events Karen Hogan Contributors Savannah Eller O’Dell Isaac Carlotta Olson Glenn Wallace Graphic Designers Gina Pietramale Alexis Sands Michelle Thomsen

Cover design by Michelle Thomsen

Advertising Executives Lori Curry Nikki Dirks To Advertise Call 719-476-1628

There are many charter school options in the Colorado Springs area.

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCHOOL CHOICE IN COLORADO

Here’s how it works

BY SAVANNAH ELLER

savannah.eller@gazette.com

This year is the 30th anniversary of school choice, a state law that gives parents the freedom to send their children to any public school in Colorado free of charge.

With an abundance of districts to choose from in the Colorado Springs area, the decision can be difficult to make for some. Enrollment is open for the 2024-2025 school year, with applications due in coming weeks (different based on each district).

Here’s a guide to navigating school choice this year.

How does it work?

School choice is an option opened to parents and students with the 1994 Public Schools of Choice law.

The law allows students to attend any public school in the state and is also referred to as open enrollment.

Parents or guardians wanting to enroll their child somewhere other than their zoned school can fill out an application on the district of choice’s website. Applications can be for schools inside or outside the district the student lives in. Once a

student is accepted, parents do not need to fill out another application the next year as long as the student stays at that school.

Giving parents the ability to shop around among schools with different offerings allows for students to find their best fit, according to Academy District 20 spokesperson Krystal Story.

“We think school choice is great because different students have different needs, different passions.

And what school choice allows parents to do is find the school that best meets the needs of their student,” she said.

How likely is a placement at a student’s school of choice?

Acceptance depends largely on classroom capacity, with each district and school at a different capacity each year. For example, Story said that Chinook Trail Elementary and Pine Creek High School are near full this year in certain grades, while other D-20 schools like Rampart High School might have more space available.

She said that the disparity might be because schools in the northeast

part of the district are closer to neighborhoods with young families.

“What’s challenging about those schools is there’s really not that many seats there but a lot of people want to go to those schools,” Story said.

Colorado Springs Schools District 11 spokesperson Jessica Wise said that in her district, certain schools with special offerings in academics or extracurriculars might generate waitlists, as can popular neighborhood schools.

“It kind of depends year by year,” Wise said.

In a smaller district like Manitou Springs School District 14, spaces can fill up fast, Director of Student Success Kolleen Johnson said.

She said that the district has already received at least 40 choice applications since the enrollment period opened, which means some classrooms are already full. She says that people understand why District 14 is not looking to expand spaces, however.

“We don’t want to be big. That’s not what our community, taxpayers or choice families want. They come here in part for that relationshipCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Military-focused.

Values-aligned.

Learn more: ccu.edu/military

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based, small-school, small-town feel.

So we don’t want to grow,” she said.

When is the deadline?

Application windows vary by district, and parents should check for their specific school of choice. For example, priority open enrollment for schools in Colorado Springs Schools District 11 closes on Feb. 15, while Academy District 20 is open now until March 13.

Applying earlier in the enrollment period may or may not improve the chances of acceptance, depending on the district’s policies. In a smaller district like 14, for example, classroom availability is first-comefirst served.

Others, like District 20, consider all applications submitted for the priority deadline against the same selection criteria. D-20 school choice applicants who live in the district, have siblings who already go to the choice school, and those with parents who work in the district receive priority for seating.

After the priority deadline, out-ofdistrict students can apply as late as August, but placements become first come first served.

The same is true of District 11, where Wise said the policy is to

keep placing students until the school’s capacity is reached.

“We are open until we are full.

That’s our attitude,” she said.

What should go into the decision process?

One major consideration for parents and guardians considering using school choice is transportation. With

bus driver shortages causing districts to cut and consolidate routes in recent years, the possibility of a choice student having a transportation option is low.

For D-20, Story said that a choice student might be able to apply for a seat on a school bus if they live near enough to a district pick up/drop off point, but that parents will have to

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Sunday, January 28, 2024

wait until the district’s department of transportation sends out applications closer to the school year.

In D-11 parents are also responsible for getting students to a choice school, but they might apply for a place on a bus if they live close enough to a bus stop for the school, Wise said.

Beyond transportation logistics, school choice is a chance for parents and guardians to research the offerings of each school on their list through a few avenues.

Most districts have scheduled school open houses for parents and students to come and visit a potential school. Individual schools can also schedule tours for families out side of open house days.

Wise said that since her district’s basic curriculum is the same across schools, the choice process is about the style of education that works best for a particular student.

“What we like to lean into in District 11 is encouraging parents to work with their child, see what they’re child is most interested in, and how they hope to hone or develop those interests, and find the type of learning that works best for them,” she said.

Superintendents share

what makes their districts special

BY GLENN WALLACE

glenn.wallace@gazette.com

Here’s a look at several of the school districts in the Pikes Peak region, in the words of local superintendents.

Academy District 20

Superintendent: Jinger Haberer, 2023-present

Academy District 20 is rooted in academic excellence. For 15 consecutive years we have been Accredited with Distinction, the highest ranking in Colorado. In fact, we are the only large school district to earn this honor since its inception.

But we will not rest on our laurels.

We are committed to growth through continual improvement.

To ensure our students have the knowledge, skills, and character for success in an ever-changing world, we have exciting new initiatives underway.

This year we are focused on creating the D20 Portrait of a

Graduate, developing Career Pathways Academies, growing our Professional Learning Communities, and deepening community partnerships. These initiatives help us meet student’s individual learning needs while also preparing them for post-secondary success. We are also working with the U.S. Air Force Academy and Department of Defense to improve our schools on the academy.

As a career educator and Colorado native, I have long admired D20 for its legacy of academic success. We are moving into the future as “Team One,” and I am confident in our ability to successfully educate and inspire all students to thrive.

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

Superintendent: David Peak, 2021-present

With a Tradition of Excellence in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics, Cheyenne Mountain School District

12 continues to perform at or near the top on multiple state and national metrics. This is a direct result from our students who come to school ready to learn, strong family and community support, outstanding educators, and a board of education who are committed to providing an environment conducive to all aspects of learning.

This year, we are committed to focusing on three essential district priorities.

Teaching and Learning: We believe that every child deserves an exceptional education that empowers them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an ever-changing world. We will continue to strive to create learning environments that promote curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that our students become lifelong learners and leaders.

Mental Health Wellness: We believe the well-being of our students

and staff is of utmost importance to us. By fostering a positive and inclusive school climate, we endeavor to cultivate a sense of belonging and connectedness within our school community.

Safety and Security: We believe creating a safe and secure learning environment is a top priority. We are dedicated to implementing the best practices in school safety, with our primary goal of ensuring that students, staff, and visitors are safe on our campuses.

Colorado Springs School District 11

Superintendent: Michael Gaal, 2022-present The Colorado Springs School District 11 is reshaping public education, focusing on excellence, choice, and engagement to propel student achievement. With a commitment to high-quality

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The Choice is Obvious.

The POWER Zone includes six unique and excellent schools across the northwest portion of District 49.

Learn More About the Obvious Choice Here!

The POWER Zone puts people first, offering every student unique opportunities and pathways at each of our distinct campuses.

Enroll Today! d49.org/registration registration@d49.org 719.494.8911

THE BEST CHOICE TO LEARN, WORK & LEAD! Sunday, January 28, 2024

Skyview Middle School

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Vista Ridge High School

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instruction and educational opportunity, the district has expanded the vision of public education from K-12 to PreK-14, featuring 26 preschool sites and the D11 Promise, ensuring access to college for every high school graduate. Enhancing access to choice and programs that meet the unique needs of each family and student, District 11 values a parent’s right to select their child’s educational path and guarantees quality at every school type, from traditional schools and charters to innovation zones, online platforms, or homeschooling. The district recognizes its strength in community support, actively promoting parent partnerships and providing students with expanded opportunities through robust community collaborations.

Experience the revitalization of public education with District 11, truly giving education back to the public and ensuring our students find excellence through experience.

Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1 Superintendent: Miriam Mondragon, 2020-present

Cripple Creek-Victor School

District is a small, rural school district with “large district” programs and resources. We are committed to seeking grants and partnerships that will give our students an educational experience that will serve them for a lifetime.

This year, CC-V Junior/Senior high school students were introduced to “January Term” by our Secondary Principal. Modeled after top colleges, JTerm immerses our students in two weeks of engaging, unique course offerings.

For students who prefer hands-on learning, our Career & Technical Education Program offers culinary arts & hospitality, construction trades, fire science and paid internships.

Cresson Elementary’s small teacher to student ratio allows us to tailor lessons to students’ strengths and needs.

Our teachers have an average of 18 years of education experience and receive professional development on Restorative Practices, trauma informed care, mindfulness, the Science of Reading, and more.

CC-V is fortunate enough to employ two full-time school nurses, a health aide, four full-

time counselors, two part-time counselors, two deans, a Student & Family Success Advocate and a Neuroscience/Behavior Interventionist.

growing school district in the Pikes Peak region, it’s currently serving more than 21,000 students within its portfolio of schools. The district offers school of choice options.

District 49

Edison School District 54JT

Note: District summary from D-49’s website.

Our vision is to be the best choice in public education. We envision a future when every time a student, parent, or educator chooses a school district, we are the best choice they can make.

We have a mission to Learn, Work, and Lead. Our commitment is to be the best place to learn, to work, and to lead. Every day, we create environments so that everyone associated with the district is always learning, working, and leading us to be the best. By learning, working, and leading, we will prepare students, in a safe and caring environment, to be successful, competent and productive citizens in a global society.

District 49 spans 133 square miles of urban and rural areas in Colorado, covering northeast Colorado Springs and the Falcon area of El Paso County. The district’s central office is located at 10850 E. Woodmen Road in Peyton, Colo. As the fastest

Edison SD 54JT is a TuesdayFriday, small rural PK-12 school located 18 miles south of the Yoder, CO Post Office. We have a 4:1 student to teacher ratio, which gives our students a great deal of 1:1 academic instruction. We boast programs that include FFA, STEM, and Science Fair. Currently our CTE program is turning a school bus into a tiny mobile home.

We are proud to offer junior high sports, and Esports. Annually we take our high school students on an overnight college tour within Colorado and neighboring states.

The district also sponsors college ready high school students, whether they are home schooled or just wanting to attend Pikes Peak State College or Pueblo Community College through Edison Prep.

Thank you for considering Edison 54JT for 2024-2025.

Superintendent, CEO: Peter Hilts

Superintendent: Dave Eastin, 2006-present

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Ellicott School District 22

Superintendent: Chris Smith, 2018-present

The Ellicott School District is located 17 miles east of Colorado Springs, the largest rural school district on the Eastern Plains in the Pikes Peak Region, with that small town feel. The district covers 229 square miles and serves approximately 1,000 students and their families in grades PK-12.

In our service to the Ellicott community, we partner with the Pikes Peak BOCES, UCCS, PPSC, Schriever Space Force and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to provide a safe and caring environment by developing meaningful relationships with our students and community.

We strive to prepare our students for life outside of our school district and that makes them competitive in an ever changing world. We work to meet the student’s individual needs while making them aware of their growing community.

To ensure the success of each student we offer the traditional academic courses that are aligned to the Colorado State Academic Standards. The district is committed to state-of-the-art technology integrated education, continuous

improvement and growth. To complement the academic part of student’s life in the school system, the district has after school athletics, competing in the Tri-Peaks and Central Colorado leagues. Students are also provided many opportunities for enrichment programs such as Lego-club, robotics, and MatchWits.

In Ellicott, we are moving forward and preparing for the future. We are currently wrapping up construction on two buildings. One elementary addition that will allow for the elementary to provide educational opportunities for students in grades 3-5 and additional vocational lab for high school students to begin their path in construction trades, home economics and STEAM activities.

empower every student to thrive as a responsible, productive, and engaged citizen. We do this by inspiring lifelong learning and civic engagement, by challenging and supporting every student to achieve their fullest potential, and by embracing the diversity of both our local and global community. FFC8 is ranked as the most diverse public school district in the state of Colorado, according to Niche.com. Through staff collaboration and engagement, as well as competitive salaries and benefits, FFC8 employees are able to grow professionally, excel in their roles, and make a difference in the lives of students. In FFC8, it is Today’s Mission that students love learning and staff love their jobs.

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8

Harrison School District 2

Superintendent: Keith Owen, 2015-present

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 serves approximately 8,000 students in grades preschool-12 and employs approximately 1,200 staff members. We have local, public schools located on the Fort Carson Army installation as well as in Fountain, Colorado. Our student population is about 70% military-connected. It is our goal to

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Superintendent: Wendy Birhanzel, 2018-present

Driven, Dedicated and Diverse!

Harrison School District 2 is a community school district in southeast Colorado Springs where 13,000 students speak 55 languages.

D2 uses its diversity as a strength and is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive educational environment. D2 educators have strong instructional practices, allowing all students to thrive. Our

students outperform diverse students in other school districts. D2 is home to the 2022 Colorado Superintendent of the Year, 2022 Colorado Elementary Principal of the Year, and 2023 Colorado Assistant Principal of the Year.

D2 offers program variety for families: K-8 schools, International Baccalaureate schools, online school, night school, charter schools, a home school academy and an alternative school. We have remodeled and updated our schools, including many athletic facilities, to ensure safe and advanced learning environments.

We believe in access to opportunities beyond the classroom and strive to establish and nurture relationships with community partners who can make this a reality. In short, we do things differently.

D2 offers wrap-around supports with free meals, free childcare, free school supplies, free tutoring, free college courses, free internships, free certificate programs, and free sports and music.

Lewis-Palmer School District 38

Superintendent: KC Somers, 2019-present Lewis-Palmer School District 38 has a bright future, and is

celebrating growth and innovation that will benefit our students for the foreseeable future. Our vision is to elevate the futures of every student, every day, and all that we do is with that goal in mind.

In 2024, we are celebrating innovative additions to our schoolbased programming, which will truly impact students at our secondary schools, including LewisPalmer Middle School, Lewis-Palmer High School and Palmer Ridge High School. Many of these additions are to our Career and Technical Education program, which engages students in hands-on learning and skill building that boosts employability after graduating.

New programs include construction offerings, like our first-ever home build program in which students are partnering with regional experts to construct a home that will be sold within El Paso County. We have added learning lab opportunities, as well as opened the Student-Led Enterprise, which allows students to gain hands-on experience operating a businesslike entity that will create and sell apparel, among other items, in the local community.

Paired with our excellent elementary programming, we have

much to celebrate and look forward to in District 38. Families interested in our programming can learn more by visiting lewispalmer.org/.

Manitou Springs School District 14

Superintendent: Sean Dorsey, 2023-present

At Manitou Springs School District 14, we are dedicated to providing a multifaceted education that empowers students to embark on their chosen paths, fostering a well-rounded, adaptable generation ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Small class sizes significantly enhance the effectiveness of students’ learning experiences.

At the elementary level, each school offers the following specials to students on a rotation: music, physical education, Spanish, art and computers. This is in addition to the academic support and success of our students in the Colorado state standards. In addition to this, we offer an after school program to extend the learning and enrichment for students.

At the secondary level, we offer: honors classes, Advanced Placement classes, concurrent enrollment courses, and an array of Career and

Technical Education coursework. In addition to the academic offerings we also offer an array of elective courses to include PLTW, world language, computer science and arts. We have had a long history of focusing on the whole child and we offer a robust extracurricular program, which allows students to be multifaceted as athletes, actors, musicians and scholars.

Widefield School District 3

Superintendent: Kevin Duren, 2021-present

Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) is known for its close-knit community and focus on helping every student succeed. WSD3 is dedicated to helping students find their passions. We offer innovative programs and activities, encouraging young learners to explore and discover what they love.

Whether it’s our trades courses at the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab, STEM pathways, or award-winning music, opportunities are provided to all students. Our priority is to ensure every child, in every classroom, achieves. We provide tailored support to meet individual needs, making sure each student has the tools to thrive.

WSD3 has recently welcomed two

new members to our five-member school board. This brings fresh perspectives to our leadership.

Woodland Park School District

Superintendent: Ken Witt

Note: District summary from WPSD’s website.

Woodland Park School District exists to establish a common foundation of knowledge that cultivates educated citizens who appreciate and contribute to this great American Republic as provided in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Through a rigorous culture of achievement and an ethical code of conduct, students will develop personal discipline, courage, and drive with a willingness to work respectfully with others and equipped to be successful members of a uniquely American society.

We believe in district philosophies that align with parental choice and build systems oriented to parental expectations and values, and acknowledge parents as the primary educators of their children. We solicit and collaborate with parents, staff, teachers, students, and community to inform our actions.

Providing enriching social and academic opportunities for home schooled students in a dynamic learning environment.

Join our community and connect with other homeschooling families!

• Serving home schooled students in the Pikes Peak Region since 2009 • Grades K-12

Classes include Art, Science, Technology, Music, Social Studies and Language Arts.

• Extracurriculars offered at no charge include: Archery, Fencing, Sports Academies, Martial Arts, Music Ensembles

Community events include the Back to School Carnival, Science, Art, and Music Night, and an end of year Family Fun Run.

• Partnerships include the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Millibo Art Theater, and Pikes Peak State College • Free college courses for eligible high school students

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HO

is where

More Colorado homeschooling

BY O’DELL ISAAC

odell.isaac@gazette.com COVID -19 turned living rooms into classrooms and parents into de facto teachers across the U.S. for more than a year. But now that the worst days of the pandemic appear to be well in the rearview mirror, a growing number of parents have decided to continue educating their children at home.

According to a study by the Washington Post, homeschooling is the fastest-growing form of education in the U.S., with a 51% increase in the number of homeschooled kids over the past six years. Colorado has seen a 17% jump in homeschooled students during that time span.

In Colorado, the number of homeschooled students has 10

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decreased since the 2020-2021 academic year. But in the Pikes Peak region’s largest school districts, more kids are being homeschooled than 2018-2019, the last full school year before the pandemic.

Academy School District 20 had 433 homeschooled students in 2022, compared with 382 in 2019, Colorado Department of Education data show.

District 49 had 662 homeschooled kids, versus 507 in 2019. District 11’s 2022 homeschool numbers more than doubled the 2019 tally, 371 to 135.

“Many parents were forced to homeschool during the pandemic, but some learned that they really liked it and decided to continue,” said Cindy Puhek, a homeschool mom of six.

Not every parent is well-suited to be a homeschool teacher, and because it generally requires at

Sunday, January 28, 2024

least one parent to be at home during the day, some families can’t afford to do it. Additionally, because home school is not regulated by the state of Colorado, parents are responsible for obtaining books, supplies, tests and any other incidental costs related to schooling.

“It’s a lot to take on,” said homeschool mom Cheryl Thayer.

But for those who decide to try it as an alternative to brick-andmortar schools, homeschooling allows a great deal of freedom to tailor a curriculum to a child’s particular style of learning, parents said.

“Public school teachers are doing the best they can, but I know my kids better than any teacher,” said Thayer, herself a former teacher.

“I can make my lessons fit the way they learn.”

According to Colorado law, home school programs “must include, but are not limited to, the subjects of communication skills of reading, writing and speaking along with mathematics, history, civics, literature, science and regular courses of instruction in the Constitution of the United States.”

That may sound restrictive, but experienced homeschool parents say that’s not the case.

Puhek, a former STEM educator who has coached a team of homeschooled kids to two state Science Olympiad championships, said she and her husband have tried to make the educational experience different for each of their kids.

“We’ve had three kids graduate from high school, and their experiences were not at all alike,”

OME

e the school is

o Springs-area students are g than before the pandemic she said. “Our oldest daughter had a classical education, with plenty of Latin, logic, science and calculus.”

“For our son, we turned the house into a STEM magnet school.

Our third child is an artist, so we gave her an education in visual arts. There’s a tremendous amount of freedom in homeschooling.”

According to CDE , prospective homeschool parents often make the mistake of sending a letter of intent to the state. The letter should be sent to a school district of the family’s choosing at least 14 days before the start of the home school program.

“The family does not submit the letter of intent to CDE ,” the agency states on its website.

Families are required to notify the district in writing each year.

For families considering taking the homeschool route, education officials urge against trying to do it without help. CDE lists more than 30 support and enrichment programs that offer intensive STEM instruction, artistic and sports activities, and other features to make the experience easier.

“Our job as educators is to try to give our kids the tools of learning and to encourage their hunger for learning and their creativity, so that once they realize what it is they want to know, they’re equipped to do it,” Puhek said.

“So work hard at reading, writing and arithmetic, and then try to keep the rest as delightful and delight-driven as you can.

Find someone with homeschooling experience to help you, and just jump in there.”

Students with The Nature Lab, a nature-based homeschool enrichment program, lift a bucket using a string at Flying Pig Farm as part of a lesson about simple machines. The Nature Lab brings students to Flying Pig Farm twice a week. Photo by Parker Seibold, The Gazette.

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NEW REPORT:

Test scores a ‘mixed bag’ – again – at innovation schools

BY MELANIE ASMAR Chalkbeat Colorado

For at least the third time in the 15 years since Colorado lawmakers created them, innovation schools have gotten middling marks in a new report meant to measure whether freeing the schools from bureaucracy boosts student test scores.

The report by the Keystone Policy Center found that students who attend innovation schools did no better on state math and literacy tests last spring — and, in many cases, performed worse — than students who attend traditional district-run schools and independent charter schools. The report did find some bright spots, such as students of color performing better on some tests and higher scores in Denver’s innovation zones, which have been controversial.

State policymakers had hoped innovation would be an effective strategy for turning around low-

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performing schools. That hasn’t necessarily turned out to be the case, as indicated by the report’s title: “A Decidedly Mixed Bag.” Van Schoales, senior policy director at the Keystone Policy Center, said there’s nothing particularly new or different about the report’s conclusion.

“What’s different is that this started in 2008, so we’re now 15 years later … and it’s sort of like a, ‘Meh,’” Schoales said in an interview.

On the spectrum of school autonomy, Colorado’s innovation schools fall between districtrun schools, which are the least autonomous, and charter schools, which are the most.

Under state law, innovation schools can waive certain rules to do things such as extend the school day or opt out of granting teachers Colorado’s version of tenure. The idea is that giving schools more autonomy allows

them the flexibility to better meet students’ needs.

While the report says innovation schools’ academic results last school year were “lackluster,” innovation supporters argue that it’s hard to make generalizations.

There are more than 100 innovation schools in Colorado and lots of variation between them, from the population of students they serve to the reasons they sought innovation status.

While some schools wanted the freedom to grow their own vegetables or focus on the arts, others sought innovation status in the hopes of boosting persistently low student test scores.

“Innovation is a strategy that has been used across the state in many different contexts and for many different reasons,” said Bailey Holyfield, executive director of an innovation zone in Denver called the Luminary Learning Network. “As we look at high-level aggregate data, it is unsurprising then in some ways that the data reflects a mixed bag, to quote the author’s title.”

What the report found

At least two other reports, in 2014 and 2019, concluded that innovation schools fared about the same academically as district-run schools.

Those reports were done by different research groups and focused only on Denver, which has more innovation schools than any other district in the state.

The Keystone report looks at all innovation schools in Colorado.

Among its conclusions: • Overall, fewer students at innovation schools met expectations on state math and literacy tests this past spring than students at district-run or charter schools.

• But there were some bright spots. For instance, Black and Hispanic students in grades three through eight at innovation schools outperformed Black and Hispanic students at districtrun schools on the state literacy test. The same was true for students experiencing poverty at innovation schools on both the literacy and math tests.

• A “more robust longitudinal study” is needed to figure out whether innovation status is an

effective way for a school to boost student test scores. The Colorado State Board of Education has the power to order changes at chronically low-performing schools, and innovation status is considered the least disruptive option. But State Board members have wondered if it works — or if harsher options, such as closure, are warranted.

• Innovation schools face barriers in being innovative. “At least some evidence exists that district systems may be slow to evolve, if they do at all, and may functionally prevent innovation schools and zones from fully implementing approved autonomies.”

• Some innovation schools actually aren’t innovative, either because leaders are “simply ‘checking boxes’ that higher-ups want to see” or because higher-ups block ideas they see as too revolutionary. Innovation schools “may not actually be empowered to innovate in deeper ways that might truly transform outcomes for students.”

Read more at chalkbeat.org/ colorado/2023/12/22/coloradoinnovation-schools-mixed-bag-testscores-keystone-report/.

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popular in Colorado Springs area

BY SOPHIE REGOVIC Special to The Gazette

Pathways for students to military life experience are abundant thanks to several JROTC programs at schools in the Pikes Peak region.

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Corps (JROTC) is a high school program designed to foster citizenship, leadership and personal responsibility among students. The Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-level program that prepares students for military service as officers.

“The mission of the Junior ROTC is to develop citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their

nation and community,” said Robert Huber, a 14-year senior instructor for the Air Force JROTC program at Pine Creek High School in Academy District 20. “A significant emphasis is placed on community service in our program.”

Huber oversees about 300 cadets who collectively contribute 14,000 hours of community service annually.

The cadets can be found assisting in nurseries at their churches, coaching youth sports and serving meals at the Marian House Soup Kitchen.

“We teach the cadets about mutual respect, teamwork, discipline and collaboration,” Huber said.

Pine Creek has found success on multiple levels with JROTC.

Its fitness team — boys and girls units combined — was ranked No. 1 overall nationally.

Over the past 14 years, 29 cadets have earned service academy appointments and 49 have received ROTC scholarships, including a Harvard Medical School graduate, Huber said.

“I think JROTC is vital to the future of this country,” Huber said. “It focuses on accountability, teamwork and discipline.”

In the Colorado Springs area, there are three Navy JROTC programs.

“We aim to instill life skills such as leadership, communication and successful social interaction in our students,” said George Melonas,

a Navy veteran and leader of the Widefield High School NJROTC. “Our goal is for them to become active, productive citizens in the United States.”

Melonas highlights the Navy’s JROTC Achievement Award, won by the Widefield team for two consecutive years, placing them in the top 15% of the country. Widefield also ranked first in the Junior ROTC Leadership Academic Bowl.

Last year, Widefield triumphed in four regional aerial drone competitions and was ranked 12th globally.

Melonas attributed the program’s success to its community service and competitive spirit.

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“We have the authority to nominate three students annually to the Naval Academy, holding equal value with nominations from the president, senators and congressmen,” Melonas said.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, with a large portion of military-affiliated students, offers ROTC. Here are the local high schools schools that have JROTC programs, according to Huber: • ACADEMY DISTRICT 20 — Air Academy High School (AFJROTC), Pine Creek High School (AFJROTC) • COLORADO SPRINGS DISTRICT 11 — Mitchell High School (AFJROTC), Doherty High School (NJROTC) • DISTRICT 49 – Falcon High School (SFJROTC), Sand Creek High School (AFJROTC), Vista Ridge High School (AFJROTC) • FOUNTAIN-FORT CARSON DISTRICT 8 – FountainFort Carson High School (Army JROTC) • HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 — Harrison High School (AFJROTC) • WIDEFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 – Widefield High School (NJROTC), Mesa Ridge High School (NJROTC)

It’s no surprise that Junior ROTC programs are popular in and around Colorado Springs. Photo by Christian Murdock, The Gazette.

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FAF SA FS

Tips on filling out the new Better FAFSA

BY JASON GONZALES Chalkbeat Colorado

The rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been anything but smooth.

Technology issues have frustrated families since the federal government’s Dec. 31 soft launch of the FAFSA, which is usually available in October.

The Better FAFSA, as the new form is known, has been redesigned to include fewer questions. The federal government intends it to be faster for students to fill out, leading to higher completion rates.

But there have been some technical difficulties.

“The form is simpler,” said MorraLee Keller, senior director of strategic programming at the National College Attainment Network, a nonprofit focused on increasing college access and attainment, especially among students of color and those from lowincome backgrounds. “I think the user experience of getting into the form is maybe the tougher hurdle.”

Issues have included the new application only being available for limited hours. Families and students have gotten stuck waiting for screens to load and have reported difficulty submitting the form. It’s left families anxious after months of waiting for the form, because the FAFSA is a crucial part of the college-going process. Filling out the FAFSA opens up student aid, scholarships and grants. The potential financial help gives 16

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families an idea of which college or university they can afford.

After the rocky launch, counselors from inside and outside of Colorado provided tips on successfully filling out the Better FAFSA.

What you need to know about the Better FAFSA

The federal government said in a news release it’s addressed issues that have made the experience difficult. It will continue to make technical updates as needed.

The new Better FAFSA comes after years of advocates calling for a simplified FAFSA to cut down the number of questions on the form.

This year, the federal government made it happen by cutting the number of questions from over a hundred to under 20 for most people. Fewer questions should mean an easier form that takes less time to complete.

The federal government also says more students will be eligible for federal student aid because of expanded income eligibility. The federal government announced on Monday the form is now accessible 24 hours a day.

The government says the form should take about an hour, but make sure you aren’t in a rush. Clear your schedules for a few hours, just in case.

Families and students can also return to the form if they run into issues by saving their progress.

Read more at chalkbeat.org/ colorado/2024/01/09/coloradocounselor-advice-on-filling-outbetter-fafsa/.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

The Better FAFSA, as the new form is known, has been redesigned to include fewer questions. The federal government intends it to be faster for students to fill out, leading to higher completion.

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LOCAL SCHOOL DIRECTORY ACADEMY DISTRICT 20 719-234-1200, asd20.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Academy Endeavour Elementary Academy International Elementary Air Academy High School Antelope Trails Elementary School Aspen Valley Campus (Middle and High School) Challenger Middle School Chinook Trail Elementary School Chinook Trail Middle School Discovery Canyon Campus Elementary School Discover Canyon Campus Middle School Discovery Canyon Campus High School Douglass Valley Elementary School Eagleview Middle School Edith Wolford Elementary School Encompass Heights Elementary School Explorer Elementary School Foothills Elementary School Frontier Elementary School High Plains Elementary School Home School Academy (K-12) Legacy Peak Elementary School Liberty High School Mountain Ridge Middle School Mountain View Elementary School New Summit Charter Academy (PreK-8) Pine Creek High School Pioneer Elementary School Prairie Hills Elementary School Rampart High School Ranch Creek Elementary Rockrimmon Elementary School School in the Woods Elementary School The Classical Academy (Elementary, Middle and High Schools) The Da Vinci Academy Elementary School Timberview Middle School Village Middle School, formerly Journey K8 Village High School Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School

CALHAN SCHOOL DISTRICT RJ-1 719-347-2766 calhanschool.org • • • •

Calhan Preschool Calhan Elementary School Calhan Middle School Calhan High School

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 719-475-6100, cmsd12.org • Broadmoor Elementary School • Cañon Preschool • Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School • Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School • Cheyenne Mountain High School • Gold Camp Elementary School • Piñon Valley Elementary School • Skyway Park Elementary School

COLORADO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND 719-578-2100 csdb.colorado.gov COLORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 11 719-520-2000, d11.org

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Achieve Online School Adams Elementary School Adult and Family Education Audubon Elementary School Bijou School Bristol Elementary School Buena Vista Elementary School Carver Elementary School Chipeta Elementary School CIVA Charter High School Columbia Elementary School Community Prep Charter School Coronado High School Digital High School Doherty High School Eastlake High School Edison Elementary School Freedom Elementary School Fremont Elementary School Galileo School of Math and Science Globe Charter School Grant Elementary School Henry Elementary School Holmes Middle School Howbert Elementary School Jackson Elementary School James Irwin Elementary School – Howard Campus Jenkins Middle School Keller Elementary School King Elementary School Madison Elementary School Mann Middle School Martinez Elementary School McAuliffe Elementary School Midland Elementary School Mitchell High School Monroe Elementary School North Middle School Odyssey Early College and Career Options Palmer High School Penrose Elementary School Queen Palmer Elementary School Rogers Elementary School Roosevelt Charter Academy Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus Rudy Elementary School Russell Middle School Sabin Middle School Scott Elementary School Spark Online Academy Steele Elementary School Stratton Elementary School Swigert Aerospace Academy Taylor Elementary School Tesla Educational Opportunity School Trailblazer Elementary School Twain Elementary School West Campus (Elementary and Middle Schools) Wilson Elementary School

CRIPPLE CREEKVICTOR SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-1 719-689-2685 ccvschools.com

• Cresson Elementary • Cripple Creek-Victor Junior High School • Cripple Creek-Victor High School • Early Childhood Education/Head Start

DISTRICT 49 719-495-1100, d49.org

• Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning

• Academy for Literary, Learning & Innovation Excellence • Banning Lewis Ranch Academy • Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy • Bennett Ranch Elementary School • Evans Elementary School • Falcon Elementary School of Technology • Falcon Middle School

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Falcon High School Falcon Homeschool Program GOAL High School Grand Peak Academy Horizon Middle School Inspiration View Elementary School Liberty Tree Academy Meridian Ranch Elementary School Mountain View Academy Odyssey Elementary School Patriot High School Pikes Peak Early College Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy Power Technical Remington Elementary School Ridgeview Elementary School Rocky Mountain Classical Academy Sand Creek High School Skyview Middle School Springs Ranch Elementary School Springs Studio for Academic Excellence Stetson Elementary School Vista Ridge High School Woodmen Hills Elementary School

EDISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 54JT 719-478-2125 edison54jt.org • • • • •

Eagle Nest Preschool Edison Elementary School Edison Middle School Edison High School Edison Prep

ELLICOTT SCHOOL DISTRICT 22 719-683-2700 ellicottschools.org • • • • •

Ellicott Preschool Ellicott Elementary School Ellicott Middle School Ellicott High School Home School Program

FOUNTAIN-FORT CARSON SCHOOL DISTRICT 8 719-382-1300, ffc8.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Abrams Elementary School Aragon Elementary School Carson Middle School FFC8 Preschool at Conrad, also known as Conrad Early Learning Center Eagleside Elementary School Fountain-Fort Carson High School Fountain Middle School Jordahl Elementary School Mesa Elementary School Mountainside Elementary School Patriot Elementary School Weikel Elementary School FFC8 Preschool at Weikel Welte Education Center

HANOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT 28 719-683-2247 hanoverhornets.org

• Hanover Junior-Senior High School • Hanover 6-12 Online Academy • Prairie Heights Elementary School

HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 719-579-2000, hsd2.org • Aspire Online Academy • Bricker Elementary School • Career Readiness Academy

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Carmel Community School Centennial Elementary School Fox Meadow Middle School Giberson Elementary School Harrison High School James Irwin Elementary School James Irwin Middle School James Irwin High School Monterey Elementary School Mountain Vista Community School Oak Creek Elementary School Otero Elementary School Panorama Middle School Sand Creek International School Sierra High School Soaring Eagles Elementary School Stratton Meadows Elementary School • Turman Elementary School • Wildflower Elementary School

LEWIS-PALMER SCHOOL DISTRICT 38 719-488-4700 lewispalmer.org

• Bear Creek Elementary School • Home School Enrichment Academy • Lewis-Palmer Elementary School • Lewis-Palmer Middle School • Lewis-Palmer High School • Monument Academy • Online Middle and High School Programs • Palmer Lake Elementary School • Palmer Ridge High School • Prairie Winds Elementary School • Preschool and Early Childhood Programs • Ray E. Kilmer Elementary School

MANITOU SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 14 719-685-2024 mssd14.org • Manitou Springs Elementary School • Manitou Springs Middle School • Manitou Springs High School • Ute Pass Elementary School

MIAMI-YODER SCHOOL DISTRICT JT-60 719-478-2186, miamiyoder.com

• Miami-Yoder Elementary School • Miami-Yoder Middle-High School • Miami-Yoder Preparatory Academy

PEYTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 JT 719-749-2330 peyton.k12.co.us • • • • •

Peyton College Academy Peyton Elementary School Peyton Junior-Senior High School Peyton Online Academy Peyton’s Career Technical Education Facility

WIDEFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 719-391-3000, wsd3.org • • • • • • • • • • •

Discovery High School French Elementary School Grand Mountain School K-8 The Haven School K-12 Virtual School James Madison Charter Academy School Janitell Junior High School King Elementary School Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Project Based Learning Mesa Ridge High School The MiLL (Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab) Training Center Pinello Elementary School

• • • • • • •

Sproul Junior High School Sunrise Elementary School Talbott STEAM Innovation School Venetucci Elementary School Watson Junior High School Webster Elementary School Widefield Elementary School of the Arts • Widefield High School • WSD3 Preschool

WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-2 719-686-2000 wpsdk12.org • • • • • •

Columbine Elementary School Gateway Elementary School Merit Academy Summit Elementary School Woodland Park Middle School Woodland Park High Schoo

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

• Air Force Academy • CCU Online – Colorado Springs Center • Colorado College • Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs • IntelliTec College Colorado Springs • Nazarene Bible College, online • Pikes Peak State College • Pima Medical Institute • University of Colorado Colorado Springs • Webster University

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

• Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Walsingham • Colorado Springs Christian Schools • The Colorado Springs School • Corpus Christi Catholic Academy • Divine Redeemer Catholic School • Evangelical Christian Academy • Fountain Valley School • Holy Apostles Preschool • Holy Cross Lutheran School • Hope Montessori Academy • J. Wilkins Opportunity School, with the Griffith Centers for Children • Pikes Peak Academy • Pikes Peak Christian School • Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy • St. Gabriel Classical Academy • St. Mary’s High School • St. Paul Catholic School • St. Peter Catholic School • Sidewalk’s End Montessori Preschool • Springs Adventist Academy • Springs Baptist Academy • The University School

STATE-AUTHORIZED CHARTER SCHOOLS

• Atlas Preparatory Elementary School • Atlas Preparatory Middle School • Atlas Preparatory High School • Colorado Early Colleges – Colorado Springs • Colorado International Language Academy • Colorado Military Academy • Colorado Springs Charter Academy • Coperni 3 Charter School • James Irwin Charter Academy • Mountain Song Community School • The Vanguard School (Lower and Upper) • Thomas MacLaren School

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Cripple Creek Victor School District RE-1 From cradle to graduation

Teller County Early Childhood Education

We provide quality care and education at no cost for parents of eligible children.

Meals and diapers provided 0-3 yrs availability in Woodland Park and Cripple Creek 3-5 yrs availability in Cripple Creek

Call (719) 649-3992 to enroll now

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