Colorado Springs may see two innovative new charter schools

Sue McMillen at The Gazette reported the other day that Colorado Springs School District 11 is considering applications by two new schools for Fall of 2010. These schools would serve unique needs.

The Colorado Springs Vocational Academy breaks the trend of college prep charter schools seen around much of the state. The school would also be different because it plans to provide a year round calendar. Students would be able to choose from various trades while completing their high school diploma. Potential trades are plumbing, welding, roofing, culinary arts, and auto service. The school also plans for upper level students to have internships.

The Academy for Advanced and Innovative Learning serves a completely different type of student. This school seeks to serve gifted students who are not being served well by traditional school programs. The school will use individualized instruction. This self-paced program will not use grades, but rather multi-aged divisions and will track student progress to ensure preparation for high school.

Both schools offer new choices for parents and students who need something that the existing system and schools don’t offer. This is another example of schools seeking to serve flavors of education for those whose palates prefer a different taste.