Welcome to the August Great Schools Colorado Newsletter:

This month brings exciting updates and resources for our charter school community. From the announcement of the FY25 CSP Continuation Cohort awardees to fresh grant management tools, inspiring school stories, and upcoming learning opportunities, we’re here to keep you informed and supported. Dive in to see what’s new, what’s next, and how Great Schools Colorado is working alongside you to strengthen opportunities for students across the state.

We’re excited to share that the list of awardees from the FY25 Charter Schools Program (CSP) Continuation Cohort is now available on our website. This table highlights the schools advancing their work with CSP support and continuing to strengthen educational opportunities for Colorado students. View the full list here.

We’re pleased to announce that the Great Schools Colorado (GSC) project has released an updated version of the CSP Allowable Cost Guide (June 2025). This resource supports Colorado charter schools and authorizers in developing, implementing, and revising CSP budgets.

The updated guide includes:

• Clear definitions of allowable and unallowable costs.
• Practical tips for drafting budgets using the Who/What/When/Where/Why/How Much framework.
• Alignment with federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Grant Guidance).

Please note this guide is intended as a reference and does not replace federal Uniform Grant Guidance or CDE’s Chart of Accounts. For questions about unlisted cost items, schools may contact the GSC grant team at [email protected].

We’re excited to highlight Lumen Impact Group, a key partner supporting Great Schools Colorado CSP subgrantees. Lumen provides tailored budget feedback and coaching to ensure CSP funds align with program goals, meet allowability guidelines, and advance long-term priorities.

Through personalized sessions, practical tools, and expert financial guidance, Lumen helps schools strengthen planning, maximize resources, maintain compliance, and design solutions that fit their unique needs.

We’re proud to spotlight two new schools joining Colorado Springs D-11 in fall 2026:

• East Hills Academy – Modeled after True North Classical Academy in Miami, East Hills Academy will bring a classical education model to D-11, emphasizing grammar, logic, and rhetoric within a liberal arts framework. The school will also provide busing to expand access for students across the community.
• Spruce Community School – Built on a project-based learning model, Spruce will connect students with local nonprofits and businesses to engage in real-world problem solving. From designing community playgrounds to exploring diverse electives, students will benefit from a whole-child approach and strong teacher collaboration.

Governor Jared Polis has called a special legislative session for August 21 to address a $1.2 billion state revenue shortfall tied to recent federal tax law changes. While K–12 education is not on the official agenda, its significant share of the state budget makes it a likely part of discussions.

The League is actively engaging with policymakers to safeguard education funding and ensure charter schools are treated equitably as solutions are developed.

Stay connected with upcoming Colorado League programs and learning opportunities designed to support school leaders and teams.

Foundations of Charter Leadership and Administration
This charter-specific professional development and induction program supports both founding and current school leaders through targeted PD and individualized coaching. The program is aligned with Colorado’s Principal & Administrator Quality Standards and, through partnership with CSI, may fulfill CDE’s Principal & Administrator Induction Program requirements (separate registration required).

Program Tracks for GSC Foundation Subgrantees:

• Two-Year Track – For established schools, featuring coaching and PD spread across two years. Register here.
• One-Year Track – For founding leaders pre-launch, with focused support during the critical start-up year. Register here.

Learn more about CSI’s Principal Induction Program.

Annual Finance Seminar (AFS)
📅 September 5, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Lowry Conference Center
Led by Glenn Gustafsson and Kim McClelland of Leadjoy, this seminar will focus on building compliant budgets for boards and communities, strengthening financial policies and procedures, and deepening understanding of charter construction bonds and the state Intercept program.

Leadership Summit 2025
📅 October 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Join charter school leaders from across Colorado for an exclusive day of learning, connection, and inspiration. The Leadership Summit is designed specifically for school executives, board members, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of public charter education.

Colorado Annual Charter Schools Conference 2026
📅 February 26–27, 2026 | Denver Marriott Tech Center
We’re excited to announce the 2026 Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference—your premier two-day event to connect, learn, and grow with educators, leaders, and advocates statewide. Featuring inspiring keynotes, engaging breakout sessions (RFPs now open!), and valuable networking, this is your chance to gain insights, explore innovative practices, and celebrate the charter school movement.

Labor Day – the League offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.

As always, feel free to reach out at any time with questions. For general information please reach out to use at [email protected]. For technical assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

— The Great Schools Team at the
Colorado League of Charter Schools