2024-2025
ANNUAL REPORT
Innovation in Authorizing
Innovation in education involves rethinking traditional approaches to teaching, learning, and school operations.
At CSI, innovation is not limited to new technologies or teaching methods; it encompasses any strategy that significantly improves student outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.
We are proud to champion school-level ingenuity, share promising practices, and strike a balance between flexibility and accountability. Together with our schools, we are redefining what’s possible in public education.
We are proud to share our 2024-25 Annual Report with you. This year’s theme—Innovation in Authorizing—captures the spirit of creativity, partnership, and progress that continues to define our work at the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI).
As a charter school authorizer, CSI is uniquely positioned to create the conditions in which innovative school models can thrive. This year’s report highlights the bold ideas and new approaches that are reshaping authorizing and education.
Thank you for walking this path with us.
With gratitude,
Who We Serve
CSI schools seek to offer a high-quality program that is available to all students. CSI’s service to students of color, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, students with giftedness, and students with IEPs and 504s continues to trend upwards. CSI serves over 20k students in schools ranging from 24 (University Prep Commerce City) to 1,905 (The Pinnacle School).
Organizational Highlights
Rebate to Schools
While statute allows CSI to collect 3% of per pupil revenue from authorized schools, CSI strives to operate well below 3% and return unused funds to its schools at the end of the year.
This past year, CSI operated on 1.9% and was therefore able to provide a rebate of $132 per pupil, for a total of ~$2.8M.
School Food Authority
CSI’s School Food Authority (SFA) continues to grow, serving students at 38 schools, including five district-authorized charter public schools. Through these efforts, participating schools served more than 412,000 breakfasts, 1 million lunches, and 11,000 after-school snacks, marking a significant increase from the prior year.
Grants
CSI schools earned 150 grants totaling $32.3M. There was a slight overall increase in both total applications submitted and total awards received.
Awards focused on dropout prevention, mental health, literacy, safety, school food, student pathways, and more.
Explore the Full Report
While this page provides an overview of the 2024-25 school year, we hope you view our full report to take a deep dive into the year’s highlights!