National and State Charter School Information
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are independent public schools, designed and operated by educators, parents, community leaders, educational entrepreneurs and others. They are sponsored by designated local or state educational organizations that monitor their quality, progress and operations. They are open to all students free of charge. In exchange for accepting increased accountability for raising student achievement and meeting other goals, charter schools receive greater autonomy from state and school district control. Charter schools are a means of expanding choice in public schools.
The “charter,” as defined in the Charter Schools Act, Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 22-30.5-101, describes the school’s goals, standard, education design, governance and operations. The degree of autonomy to be exercised by the charter school on such issues as personnel, curriculum and facilities is negotiated between the charter applicants and the local school district and reflected in the charter. School-centered governance, autonomy, and a clear design for how and what students will learn are the essential characteristics of a charter school. Under Colorado law, a charter school is not a separate legal entity independent of the school district, but rather is a public school defined uniquely by a charter and partially autonomous while remaining within the school district.
Today, approximately 4,300 charter schools are bringing a new spirit of results-oriented entrepreneurship to American public education. Colorado is home to 141 charter schools with an enrollment of 56,000 students. The Aspen Community School and Carbondale Community School were the first charter schools in the Roaring Fork Valley, and provide learning environments for approximately 250 students.
Our Charter Schools
The first charter schools to be established in the Roaring Fork Valley were the Aspen Community School located in Woody Creek, and the Carbondale Community School located in Carbondale. Both schools are projects of COMPASS, a non-profit educational organization with a mission to foster lifelong learning.
Aspen Community School
Founded in 1970, the Aspen Community School (ACS) was first established as a K-8 private, alternative school. ACS became a public charter school of the Roaring Fork School District in 1995. ACS transferred its charter agreement to the Aspen School District in 2001.
Carbondale Community School
The Carbondale Community School (CCS) was established as a K-8 public charter school of the Roaring Fork School District in 1995. The founding of CCS, which is located in Carbondale, thirty miles from the original school, has enabled COMPASS to extend its progressive educational opportunities to a broader spectrum of the valley community.
How do the Community Schools differ from traditional public schools?
The Community Schools offer small class size providing a supportive community environment and many opportunities for individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed to meet or exceed current state standards while remaining committed to an experiential and progressive educational philosophy.
How do the Community Schools receive funding?
Like all public schools, charter schools receive state and federal funding through their local school Districts. Public schools are funded through a formula set by the state that reflects a combination of state, federal and local revenue. That formula is paid in a per pupil reimbursement (PPR). The amount available to educate a student within the state of Colorado can vary substantively, from county to county. Districts retain 5% of charter school PPR for administrative overhead, while traditional public schools with much larger student populations, receive 100% PPR funding.
How do the Community Schools supplement governmental funding?
Both schools have to fundraise aggressively to make ends meet every year. Virtually all of the PPOR funding is used for staff salaries and benefits, and teachers still earn 10% less than their counterparts at other District schools. Additional funds are raised through the annual fund drive, grants and fundraising events. Student fees are charged to families to offset direct expenses for classroom supplies, field trips, outdoor ed and transportation.
What services do the Districts provide?
As required by charter law, the Districts provide charter schools with their fair share (based directly on pupil enrollment) of services from the School Board, Superintendent and Finance Director. Those services are provided in return for the 5% PPOR retained by the District. Additional services must be purchased by the school.
How are relations between the Districts and the Community Schools?
Both schools have very positive relationships with their respective District. ACS and CCS are active participants in their District Accountability Committees and the District Administrative Teams. District Superintendents and Administrative staff are very accessible to the Principals and COMPASS. Each year collaborations between the Community Schools and the Districts increase.
