GOLDEN VIEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY CHARTER PROPOSAL JEFFERSON COUNTY - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

GOLDEN VIEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY CHARTER PROPOSAL – JEFFERSON COUNTY R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT

MISSION AND VISION Mission: Golden View Classical Academy trains the minds and improves the hearts of young people through a classical, content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue in an orderly, disciplined environment. Vision: By doing this, Golden View Classical Academy develops within its students the intellectual and personal habits and skills upon which responsible, independent and productive lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the basis of a free and just society.

GOLDEN VIEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY OVERVIEW Academic Program: Classical, Liberal Arts, Core Knowledge. Grade Levels Served: K-12, Open K-10. Projected Total Students to be Served: 728 Location: Central JeffCo/South Golden/Denver West.

REPLICATING SUCCESS • Replicating what is already high-quality and proven in Colorado. • 5 of the Top 10 High Schools in Colorado are Liberal Arts/ Classical Schools. Vanguard Classical (Colorado Springs) • • Ridgeview Classical (Fort Collins) • Liberty Common (Fort Collins) D’Evelyn (Jefferson County) • Thomas MacLaren (Colorado Springs) • • Our program is most closely aligned to Ridgeview Classical and Liberty Common Schools.

EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW • Classical – Focus on literature that has withstood the test of time, with an emphasis on language mastery and critical thinking, including Latin and Socratic instruction. • Liberal Arts – Development of the whole person through the study of literature and history (the human world), math and science (the natural world), and arts and music (the intersection of the human and natural worlds). • Core Knowledge – Proven content-rich sequence, with a spiraling structure that builds on previous learning - philosophy carried into the high school.

LIBERAL ARTS AND STEM • JeffCo has identified STEM as a popular choice, in high demand. • Liberal arts education includes math and science as core disciplines, in addition to literature, the humanities, and music. • Of the Top 100 STEM High Schools nationwide, 2 are in Colorado (US News): Vanguard Classical (#19) – Colorado Springs • • D’Evelyn Sr High (#99)- Jefferson County

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (K-6) • Core Knowledge: Literature, History, Geography, Science, Art, Music • Riggs Phonics Explicit phonics based on Orton-Gillingham research • • Multi-sensory, structured, flexible, cumulative • Focus on grammar and spelling • Cursive handwriting • Saxon and Singapore Math (transition at 4 th grade) – Ability groups • Exposure to Latin and Greek elements of the English Language

JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL • Core Knowledge through 8 th Grade. • Focus on classical literature, source documents, and Socratic seminar. • Latin required from grades 6-9. • Fine arts and music in core academic program. • CU Succeed Program – Direct college credit. • Graduation requirements exceed current JeffCo requirements and will prepare students for college and career.

GOVERNANCE • Initiated and developed by parents and members of the community. • Commitment to strong governance practices, especially financial controls and oversight. • Working with others for technical assistance and to implement best practices. • Board of Directors and standing Board Committees: School Accountability, Audit/Finance, Governance, Development.

LOCATION • Identified location that will allow full build out.

CAPACITY AND NEED • Golden View Classical Academy will serve 728 at full K-12 build out in Year 7. • Elementary (K-6): 392 • Junior High (7-8): 112 High School (9-12): 224 • • Jefferson County Schools has recognized an URGENT need for additional seats in Solterra/Highway 93 area; GVCA can address. • Jefferson County Schools Choice Committee has recommended a need for a Core Knowledge school in this area. • Intent to Enroll process is ongoing; the identification of a facility will greatly focus this process.

FINANCIAL • Original financial model developed with minimal additional funding from grants and contributions, only including state charter Start-Up Grant. • Commitment to augment financial expertise of Board and Audit/Financial Committee to maximize dollars to the classroom and ensure sustainable, good stewardship of taxpayers funds. • Facility and donor support will decrease enrollment sensitivity to budget.

WRAP-UP • Replicates proven, highly successful education models in Colorado. • Central, convenient location. • Meets existing needs of parents and the District. • Commitment to strong governance and oversight. • Mission and Vision are aligned to prepare graduates to flourish in life.

QUESTION AND ANSWER Q & A Mission: Golden View Classical Academy trains the minds and improves the hearts of young people through a classical, content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue in an orderly, disciplined environment. Vision: By doing this, Golden View Classical Academy develops within its students the intellectual and personal habits and skills upon which responsible, independent and productive lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the basis of a free and just society.