Innovative Pathways
CSI believes that innovation is the driving force behind meaningful and lasting change in education. CSI’s commitment to supporting schools in exploring bold, creative, and forward-thinking approaches is key to its work as a charter public school authorizer. Learn more about innovative schools and processes through CSI’s Innovative Schools Guidebook.

Flexible Application Processes

Applicant Orientation
CSI provides extensive pre-application orientation sessions.

Model-Agnostic Application Process
Recognizing that no two school proposals are alike, CSI designs its application processes to reflect and honor this diversity.

Expert Application Review Team
This expert-driven approach has been critical in the successful approval and oversight of diverse, innovative school models across the state.

INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
When CSI received an application for a multi-district online school—the first of its kind in its portfolio—it enhanced its review process by engaging an external online education expert, hosting a training with the Colorado Department of Education, and conducting a market analysis of online schools in Colorado. This comprehensive approach ensured an informed evaluation and has since been replicated for other unique applications.
Year Zero Supports
After the CSI Board approves an application and executes a charter contract, the newly approved school enters Year Zero, a planning phase focused on turning the charter proposal into a fully prepared school ready to serve students from day one. This planning year offers support from CSI staff and partners.
Opportunities for Existing Schools
CSI schools have had the unique opportunity to pilot innovative ideas within their models. Whether it be transitioning to a competency-based model or expanding to offer an online program, schools can partner with CSI in the development and implementation of pilots. This allows them to test their theories of action before moving forward.

INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
When a new school delays its opening, it is most likely due to construction or permitting delays. Recognizing this common barrier to an on-time opening, CSI contracted with a facility consultant to support new schools in Year Zero in monitoring progress on construction timelines and provide consultation and advocacy when appropriate.
CSI Pilot Process for Evaluating Innovative Measures


INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
Kwiyagat Community Academy and Prospect Academy, both serving unique student needs, use non-traditional success measures. CSI supported their efforts by facilitating first-year presentations to the Board and encouraging inclusion of these measures in their annual CARS reports.
Innovation in Practice

Innovations Within the State Accountability System
Innovation within the state accountability framework is limited to Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) and the Request to Reconsider process. Schools focused on workforce readiness illustrate how unique measures can align with state standards, creating new paths for student success.

Innovations Outside the State Accountability System
CSI encourages schools to pursue outcomes outside traditional metrics, aligned with their missions. For example, schools focused on social-emotional learning or community engagement develop unique measures to track progress, redefining success.
“Let’s remember something that’s at the very heart of what we do – innovation and accountability. These two ideas aren’t just buzzwords; they are the driving forces behind our efforts to create and sustain great charter schools.”
– NACSA President & CEO, M. Karega Rausch