Colorado Charter Schools

About

The Charter School Office at the Colorado Department of Education strives to ensure high-quality public school choices for families by equipping charter schools, authorizers, and other stakeholders to offer innovative, inclusive, and equitable educational models across Colorado. We serve as a trusted partner to the charter school sector by providing reliable resources, timely, accurate information, quality assurance practices, and dedicated support.

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What are Charter Schools?

Charter schools are tuition-free, public schools that have the flexibility to be innovative, entrepreneurial, self-governing, and yet are held accountable for student and operational performance. Open to all students, each of these independent public schools is different, increasing the variety of high-quality school choices available across Colorado.

From core knowledge, classical and early college curriculums to Montessori, language immersion and more, charter schools allow families to select the school that best fits their child's unique learning style. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charters are subject to higher levels of accountability.

News & Updates

Charter School Facility Assistance (FA) Program

The charter school office is wrapping up the 2024-25 application process for the FA Program. As of August 8th, CDE has obligated about $9.4 million to 136 schools across Colorado. In addition, we heard from the U.S. Department of Education that our weighted lottery plan has been approved and will be included in our 2025-26 Request for Applications (RFA) scheduled to launch this fall.

Paper CMAS Assessments Limited to Accommodations in 2026

Starting spring 2026, CMAS paper-pencil tests will only be available as an accommodation for students with a documented need in their IEP or 504 plan. The Colorado Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) assessment will also move online.

Next steps: (1) Inform schools/charters using paper (2) Confirm your District Technology Coordinator, (3) Review CMAS tech readiness information (4) DACs and DTCs contact Collin Bonner (technology) or Sara Loerzel(administration) for support.

Required Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in Colorado Schools Training

State law requires public schools to provide training to all employees about discrimination and harassment as defined in C.R.S. 22-1-143 starting in the 2025-26 school year. The deadline for employees to complete training is Dec. 31. You can find video options for the discrimination and harassment training to accompany the PowerPoint version and facilitator guides on our website.

Leadership Learning Cohorts - Register by Aug. 30, 2025

Join fellow leaders to explore research-based practices, visit Colorado schools, set goals, and navigate change on key education topics. Visit the Cohort website to learn more about this year's topics.

Statewide Virtual Book Study – The Anxious Generation

Join the ESSU and DISO offices for a statewide virtual book study on Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, exploring how screen time and social media impact student and staff well-being. Learn strategies to foster awareness, resilience, and healthier classroom environments. Register by Aug. 30, 2025.

K–12 AI Literacy Courses Available for 2025–26 School Year

Skill Struck is offering Colorado school districts and schools free, age-appropriate AI literacy courses for all grades in 2025–26. Lessons cover everything from AI basics to real-world applications and ethics, with ready-to-use plans and activities for educators. Join the waitlist here.

Colorado Charter School Program

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Resources and Past Trainings

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Charter School Authorizers

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Opening New Schools

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Parent's Corner

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Data and Publications

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Please note: We are currently updating our website for improved accessibility and navigation and as a result, some links may be broken and resources unavailable. Please email soc@cde.state.co.us if you come across a broken link or needed resource. Thank you for your patience.