About Us

Our mission is to foster high-quality charter public school choices for all students.

Our Story

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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)

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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).

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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:

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2024

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.

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

The Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, having been founded in 2004 by the state legislature. CSI currently authorizes over 40 charter public schools across the state of Colorado, serving more than 22,000 students. We are committed to continuing to foster a culture of school impact!

Learn more about CSI’s 20th Anniversary

Learn More About CSI