Welcome to the Great Schools Colorado February Edition

February is a month rich with reflection, appreciation, and action, as we celebrate the achievements of African Americans in history, recognize the vital role of school counselors, promote kindness in our communities, and honor the leadership that has shaped our nation’s education system. Before we conclude the month of February, let us recognize the power of education in shaping a brighter future for all students.

• National African American History Month allows us to concentrate and give honor to the profound contributions of Black leaders, educators, and trailblazers who have paved the way for equity and excellence in education. Their legacy reminds us of the critical role innovative schools play in expanding opportunities for all students.
• National School Counseling Week (February 5–9) highlights the incredible work of counselors who guide students toward academic success and personal growth. Their dedication helps cultivate resilient, empowered learners, a mission at the heart of every great charter school.
• National Kindness Week (February 11–15) encourages us to foster school communities rooted in compassion, inclusion, and respect—values essential to creating welcoming learning environments.
• President’s Day (February 17), reminds us to reflect on the visionary leadership that has shaped our nation’s educational landscape, inspiring us to continue driving innovation in public education and advocating for equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for all students.

In this edition:

• Cohort Update: Get insights from the first Great Schools Colorado Prospect Cohort meeting and details on the next session.
• Annual Conference: Find out how to engage with us at the 2025 Charter Schools Annual Conference.

Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort Kicks Off with First Meeting

The Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort held its first meeting on February 11th, introducing charter school developers to the federally funded program. Participants from nine charter schools/networks discussed the initiative’s mission to expand high-quality charter schools for underserved students. The session covered program objectives, funding allocation, the estimated competition timeline for Year 1 awards in Spring 2025, and the importance of strong charter school authorizing processes. Attendees also learned about available technical assistance, grant types, and funding structures to support planning and implementation.

In case you are just hearing about this learning community presented by the League, this cohort supports charter developers, school leaders, and board members seeking startup funding through the Great Schools Colorado grant. Focused on new, replication, or expansion projects, it meets monthly, covering key topics based on project timelines and group priorities. 

Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort Meeting – March 11th

Join us on March 11th for the next Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort meeting, where we’ll dive into Applicant Eligibility for the grant. Attendees will gain key insights into eligibility requirements for new, replicating, and expanding schools, along with federal compliance expectations. This session will also provide helpful tips on the application process, required documentation, and a chance to ask questions to strengthen your application. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the clarity you need! Visit the Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort meeting page to learn more and register for this and other upcoming meetings. 

Connect with us at the 2025 Charter Schools Annual Conference!

It’s not too late to connect with the Great Schools Colorado-CSP grant team at the Charter Schools Annual Conference, happening February 26-28, 2025! Whether you’re a charter school developer, leader, or authorizer, these key sessions are designed with you in mind. Be sure to mark your calendar for the GSC and authorizer association-led breakout sessions—packed with valuable insights and expert guidance to support your success. Haven’t registered or downloaded the Engagefully app yet? Don’t wait—secure your spot and build your schedule today!

📅 Thursday, February 27 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

• Knowing When and How to Intervene – Strengthen intervention policies for accountability and autonomy.
• The Grant Recipients’ Roundtable – Learn from past CSP grant recipients about funding, compliance, and sustainability.
• Strategies for Engaging New and Emerging Authorizers – Discover tools and mentorship programs to support authorizers.

📅 Thursday, February 27 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• State of Charter School Authorizing – Explore trends in Colorado and across the nation.

📅 Thursday, February 27 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

• CACSA All Membership Meeting – Connect with authorizers and discuss strategic priorities.

📅 Friday, February 28 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

• Understanding Allowable Costs in the Federal CSP Grant – Get key insights on budgeting and maximizing CSP funds.
• The Power of a Positive District Partnership – Learn strategies for collaboration between charters and districts.

📅 Friday, February 28 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Exploring the Role of AI in Charter School Authorizing – Discuss AI’s impact on authorizing practices.

📅 Friday, February 28 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

• Fostering Innovation: Flexible Authorizing for Unique Schools – Explore how flexible authorizing supports diverse school models.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with experts in the charter sector. See you there!

The Great Schools Colorado Team
[email protected]