$1.44M Grant Fuels Strong Launch for James Irwin Elementary

Serving students in grades K–5 in Colorado Springs and authorized by El Paso County District 49, the school is the third elementary campus within the James Irwin Charter Schools network, which now includes six schools. Under the leadership of Principal Janiece Primrose and Executive Director Rob Dougherty, the Canada Drive campus is grounded in a Core Knowledge learning model and a mission to develop the character and academic potential of every student.

A Strong Start from Day One

Rather than spending its first year catching up, the school utilized its $1,440,000 grant to establish academic programs, culture systems, and operational structures before students ever stepped into classrooms. “The grant allowed us to open our doors with the necessary instructional tools, staffing, and systems in place, rather than trying to build them after students arrived,” says Dougherty.

For families in the Colorado Springs community, this means access to a public charter school that is academically strong, structured, and mission-driven — without sacrifice.

Students in grades K–5 began being served under the Great Schools Colorado project in fiscal year 2025–2026, ensuring that key academic and operational systems were supported during the school’s critical early years.

Investing Directly in Classrooms and Teachers

Rather than utilizing a phased approach, the funds allowed the school to fully implement its academic and character model — including strong early literacy and math instruction, structured classroom environments, MTSS supports, and data-driven instruction  — without delay. 

That means every classroom features a high-quality environment with curriculum materials and instructional technologies that directly enhance student learning. The grant also provides professional development and planning time so teachers are fully trained in the school’s instructional model and culture expectations before and during the first year of operation.

“This ensures students experience consistency, structure, and strong instruction from the start,” says Dougherty.

Aligning with Mission and Long-Term Growth

With the CSP investment, James Irwin Charter Schools is not only fulfilling its promise of a high-quality education grounded in character, discipline, and strong academics; it is also able to plan responsibly for future growth. As enrollment increases, the groundwork laid during these early years will help preserve program quality and operational stability, positioning the school for long-term academic success.

For new schools, CSP funding is not just helpful, it is transformative, says Dougherty.

“It allows school leaders to focus on building a strong instructional program and culture instead of constantly reacting to financial shortfalls.” For communities, it means students start in a school that is prepared, not improvising.

But the importance of thoughtful financial planning does not end there. “Spending the money on ‘big chunks’ like books, desks, computers, etc., is easier to manage than worrying too much about paper and pencils. Make sure your operational budget can take over where the grant ends,” emphasizes Dougherty.

For the Canada Drive community, the result is simple but powerful: students begin their educational journey in a school that is fully prepared, not improvising.