Apr15
Why John Adams Academy is not the right fit for Sterling Ranch...
Questionable Priorities for Public Education Resources
John Adams Academy's model places an emphasis on classical education. While this might appeal to some, it does not align with the diverse educational needs of our broader community. Resources that could be invested in enhancing existing public schools or creating equitable opportunities for all students risk being funneled into a narrowly focused curriculum.
Impacts on Existing Schools
Opening a new academy has the potential to draw funding, teachers, and students away from existing public schools, jeopardizing their stability and quality. Instead of supporting programs that benefit all students, this academy could create a tiered education system that favors some while undermining the foundation for others.
Values and Vision
The values promoted by John Adams Academy, while framed as "classical," may not resonate with our community's broader commitment to innovation, inclusion, and diversity in education. It’s important to ensure that our schools prepare students for a modern, interconnected world.
Lack of Community Input
Major decisions about education should involve robust engagement with the people they impact the most: parents, educators, and students. We believe the decision to open this academy lacks sufficient transparency and meaningful involvement from Douglas County residents.
What we really need!
Our children need an education that equips them with skills for the future while fostering creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking. They need diverse and inclusive environments that reflect the realities of a globalized world, ensuring our children learn to collaborate and empathize with people from all walks of life. Additionally, parents increasingly seek innovative approaches to education, incorporating technology, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for evolving career landscapes. Above all, they want schools to nurture individuality, build resilience, and inspire a lifelong love of learning, ensuring our children thrive both academically and personally.
What is John Adams Academy?
John Adams Academy is a charter school that is seeking approval to build in Sterling Ranch from the state charter authorizer, Colorado Charter School Institute ("CSI"). The school's application is currently under review by CSI, but Sterling Ranch residents should be concerned about some of the details in that application.
What can we do?
Making your opinion heard by the Charter School Institute ("CSI") is the most effective way we can stop this school from being built. Without approval to operate, there is no school. This also sends a strong message that Sterling Ranch is not the place for these types of projects.
Community education is important to building support. You can do your part by educating your neighbors through sharing this page. Sterling Ranch and the whole of North West Douglas County should be seen as a modern, diverse, and accepting area. These values build stronger and more productive communities.
Public Meetings
Join us for an upcoming CSI public meeting to voice your concerns with the John Adams Academy proposal and its implications for our community. Your voice matters!
Making a comment at a CSI board meeting will let the CSI know how our community feels about this charter school. Comments are limited to 3 mins each and sign up must be done 24 hours before each meeting. Only 10 spots are guaranteed at each meeting and we want to ensure that we can fill as many of those spots with passionate neighbors like you. See the upcoming dates below, mark your calendar for the day before, and sign up for a spot. Reach out to us for advice on what to include in your comment.
Agendas will be posted 24 hours before each meeting.
Questions?
Reach out to us with any questions or concerns!
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