American Academy, the new charter school opening this fall in Douglas County, has teamed up with the Space Foundation. Based in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is the leading national, non-profit organization focused on advancing the exploration, development and use of space and space education for the benefit of humankind.
The two organizations are currently involved in multiple joint endeavors to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in Colorado schools. The first such endeavor is participation in the Colorado Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology Education Coalition (COMSTEC). COMSTEC seeks continuous improvement in these subject areas in Colorado at all education levels. A recent COMSTEC meeting resulted in an action plan across government, industry and education partners to improve STEM curriculum and educational performance.
In May, a Space Foundation grant team, which includes American Academy, the University of Colorado, the State of Colorado, and partners from industry, will learn if they will receive a grant from the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions, (NASSMC), to conduct a state summit and subsequent initiative on improving education in these subjects.
American Academy, with a Core Knowledge curriculum and emphasis in math, science and technology education, is seeking further opportunities to partner with the Space Foundation. These opportunities include participating in innovative teacher training, access to unique teaching resources, potential participation in NASA programs, and partnerships with other educational organizations with similar missions.
“As part of its mission, American Academy will continually seek opportunities such as these to raise the bar in curriculum standards, teacher training, student performance, and means to excite and interest students in these subjects,” said Erin Kane, founding Board member and CPN resident.
American Academy is in final negotiations for a temporary site in Lone Tree and expects to have a lease signed before their April deadline with the Douglas County School District.
“We are so excited about our new home,” said Kane. “Not only is it a convenient drive for most of our parents but it’s the perfect size for our school.”
Over the next few months, the inside of the 22,000 square foot facility, which also boasts an adjacent 3,000 square foot multi-purpose room, will undergo a facelift as classrooms and additional bathrooms are created. The school has put together a team of parents to design the interior, including paint colors, wall hangings, and furniture. “Even though the space is temporary, it will be a warm and inviting place, where children will want to return day after day,” said Kane.
American Academy is currently working with developers of “The Canyons,” the new community planned for east of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway and Happy Canyon Road, to secure a permanent site for a future school building.
An enrollment lottery from a list of over 500 applicants was held on February 1, and American Academy is expected to open in August with approximately 360 students. For more information, please visit www.aacpcs.org.
