Every year, National School Choice Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering families to select the best educational path for their children. At the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), this celebration aligns perfectly with our mission to foster high-quality public charter school options that serve all students, regardless of background, ability, or zip code.
This year, as we celebrate school choice, we also recognize the dynamic environment in which we work. Recent federal and state-level changes demonstrate the critical need for schools to remain agile. At CSI, we are committed to supporting our schools in navigating these changes while championing the principles that make charter schools resilient: autonomy, access, and accountability.
Community Responsiveness Through Autonomy: Charter schools thrive because they have the autonomy to adapt and respond to the unique needs of their communities. At CSI, we see this adaptability as a cornerstone of resilience, ensuring schools can continue to deliver on their mission, even in the face of uncertainty.
Equity Through Access: As champions of school choice, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality public education for all families. CSI schools reflect Colorado’s diversity, serving more than 20,000 students across 23 towns and cities through 17 unique school models. From Montessori to Early College, each model offers families an opportunity to choose an education that fits their child’s needs.
Excellence Through Accountability: While autonomy allows schools to innovate, accountability ensures they deliver results. At CSI, we hold our schools to the highest standards, balancing rigorous oversight with robust support. Whether addressing compliance with new laws or adapting to guidance on sensitive issues like school safety, we work alongside schools to ensure they not only meet federal and state requirements but also remain focused on what matters most—student success.
Supporting Schools Amidst Change
At CSI, we recognize the unique challenges and uncertainty schools may face in navigating an evolving regulatory and political landscape. Recent questions around the potential presence of government officials, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on school campuses have heightened concerns among staff and families. CSI is steadfast in its commitment to supporting schools in maintaining safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all members of their communities.
To address these concerns, CSI has provided clear guidance rooted in federal and state laws, such as Title IV, Title VI, Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additionally, CSI has shared response protocols of Denver metro-area schools and districts and offered considerations for school preparation and communications, ensuring communities feel supported and secure.
Through these efforts, CSI underscores its role as both a model authorizer and a committed partner to schools. By providing the guidance and resources necessary to adapt to these changes, we empower schools to uphold the values of autonomy and accountability while continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students and communities.
A Celebration of Choice and Resilience
National School Choice Week is a time to celebrate the values that make charter schools a vital part of Colorado’s educational landscape. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to these values as we look to the future. At CSI, we will continue to champion autonomy, access, and accountability, ensuring our schools are equipped to navigate change and provide the high-quality education that every student deserves.
This week, let’s celebrate the power of choice and the resilience of our schools. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to an education that prepares them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.