What is Project-Based Learning (PBL)? Project-Based Learning (PBL) allows children to learn curriculum through fun, meaningful, hands-on and collaborative experiences. Projects inspire the children to learn and apply the content standards in a real-world, relevant way. Through research, self-discovery, and teacher facilitation, learners inquire and seek out the information they need to accomplish the goals of the project. In addition to understanding, applying, and retaining the content, PBL helps develop vocational and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
Why are “students” called “learners” and “teachers” called “facilitators” at CSA? At Colorado SKIES Academy, we call our teachers Facilitators because their role is to facilitate learning each day. We choose to call our students “Learners” because that is exactly what they are there to do, learn.
What do you mean when you say there is no “homework”? We believe that homework should be meaningful and child-driven. Our facilitators typically do not send homework packets or “drill” worksheets. Unfinished classwork, research, or other preparation for projects are typically done at home. CSA values your family’s time at home, which is why most learning is done at school. Many children are inspired to do follow-up research and exploration on their own because they are deeply involved in the projects they are doing.
Who can attend? This public charter school is open to all residents of Colorado. You do NOT need to be in the Cherry Creek School District.
What is the tuition? This is a tuition-free public charter school. There is no cost to attend.
What will the class sizes be? 25 learners to 1 facilitator
Do you teach the Common Core Standards / Colorado State Department of Education Standards? Yes. However, our learners acquire a deep understanding of these standards through Project-Based Learning. As a publicly funded school, our learners participate in all state-mandated testing.
What the path is for CSA learners after middle school? CSA will provide all the options available for your young person to continue in their pathways of STEAM, especially related to aerospace and aviation. These include traditional high school programs, hybrid opportunities (partially online and partial on campus) online coursework and specialized pathways. In addition, we will strive to help our learners make connections with aviation and aerospace communities through job shadowing, clubs, and national competitions.
Will the school still open if there aren’t 225 students by August? We are still opening, even if we are not at 225. With that being said, our contract with CCSD states that we will be able to adjust our budget to reflect the actual number of students and not request additional funding from CCSD (Cherry Creek School District).
Do learners wear uniforms? We do not have uniforms so that the learners can maintain a sense of individuality and self-expression. Of course, we do make sure that they are dressed appropriately.
How can I support Colorado SKIES Academy?
Many of you have asked what you can do to help make our first year amazing:
- Be sure to follow us on Facebook.
- Tell your friends to check us out at coloradoskiesacademy.org
- Email us if there is a place you would like us to visit to share information about the school.
- Once you have completed the registration, please join our CSA Family Connection Facebook group. This group is for parents of Colorado SKIES Academy learners to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with one another.
Latest posts by Colorado SKIES Academy (see all)
- Message from the Director - November 17, 2024
- School Supply Drive - November 17, 2024
- CSA Learners of Merit - November 17, 2024
- CSA Spirit Days - November 17, 2024
- Wings Over the Rockies Museum: Build an Airplane Out of Food Challenge - November 17, 2024