Our mission is to foster high-quality charter public school choices for all students.
We serve a diverse portfolio of public school options across the state.
40+
SCHOOLS
20k
STUDENTS
23
TOWNS & CITIES
16
EDUCATIONAL MODELS
Our Story
1993
Forming Charters in Colorado
The Charter Schools Act was adopted in 1993. The law was passed with the intent to create a pathway for “parents, teachers, and community members to implement new and innovative methods of educating children that are proven to be effective and to take responsible risks and create new and innovative, research-based ways of educating all children within the public education system.” (CRS 22-30.5-102)
2004
Creating the Charter School Institute
The Legislature created the State Charter School Institute in 2004 in response to:
- the growing demand for more charter schools,
- the desire for innovative models serving all students, and
- to provide an alternate mode of authorizing than the traditional district charter school authorizer (CRS 22-30.5-501).
2019
CSI Celebrates 15 Years
In 2019, CSI celebrated 15 years. To learn more about CSI’s beginnings and journey, read our publication, Expanding Frontiers in Public Education and watch our 15th anniversay video:
2023
The CSI Portfolio Today
CSI began its work by authorizing two charter schools in 2005. Through new charter schools, the transfer of existing charter schools, and the expansion, replication, and closure of existing CSI schools, the CSI portfolio has expanded and contracted over time. View charter schools currently authorized by CSI.
Learn More About CSI
