Building a Foundation of Honor
Construction is officially underway on Honor Charter School, A Marzano Academy (HCSMA), bringing a new public education option to families in Peyton and eastern Colorado Springs. School leaders and community members recently gathered to break ground on the future campus, marking a major step toward the school's August 2027 opening.
Authorized by School District 49, Honor Charter School will initially serve 414 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school plans to add one grade level annually, eventually serving approximately 621 students in grades K-8.
The new campus, located at 8250 Bent Grass Meadows Drive in District 49's Falcon Zone, represents more than a new building. It marks the beginning of a school community built around a distinctive educational model and a commitment to helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
Honor Charter School received a $1,999,993 grant through Great Schools Colorado, a five-year initiative administered by the Colorado League of Charter Schools with funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Charter Schools Program (CSP). Honor's grant will support planning and startup activities as the school prepares to welcome its first students in the 2027-28 school year.
The school reflects Great Schools Colorado's goal of expanding access to high-quality public charter schools while supporting innovative educational approaches designed to improve student outcomes.
Where Mastery Drives Learning
At the heart of Honor Charter School is the Marzano Academies Model, developed through more than five decades of educational research by Dr. Robert J. Marzano.
Unlike traditional approaches that generally advance students through grade-level content according to a fixed schedule, personalized competency-based education allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of specific knowledge and skills.
A fourth grader who masters grade-level mathematics, for example, could move directly into fifth-grade material, while a student who needs more time would receive additional instruction before advancing. By grouping students according to their knowledge and skills rather than solely by age, teachers can provide targeted support and appropriate challenges, helping every student progress at their own pace.
The model incorporates 16 research-based school-level indicators designed to guide school leadership, classroom instruction, assessment and student development. Together, these practices are intended to create a high-reliability school where educators continuously monitor learning and respond to individual student needs.
Leading that effort is founding principal Cullen McDowell, better known to students and families as Principal Mac. A father of three daughters and an experienced Colorado charter school leader, McDowell previously served as executive director of Rocky Mountain Classical Academy in Colorado Springs. His background in teaching, school administration and instructional leadership provides a strong foundation for building Honor's academic program and school culture.
"Working with Dr. Robert Marzano and Marzano Academies is an important reason I chose this role. His research gives us a foundation for making decisions about instruction and understanding whether students are learning," McDowell explains.
"My job is to help put that work into practice. I bring experience leading teachers and building school systems, along with a willingness to ask questions and keep learning myself."
Building Character Alongside Academic Success
Academic mastery is only part of Honor Charter School's mission. Drawing inspiration from the concept of honor associated with military service and first responders, the school emphasizes respect, integrity, discipline, teamwork and personal courage. These values will help shape a school culture where students are expected to take responsibility for their actions, treat others with respect and develop the confidence to navigate challenges.
"I believe children should leave school with the knowledge to think for themselves and the confidence to take on difficult work," says McDowell. "They also need practice taking responsibility for their choices and treating others with respect. As principal, I have a responsibility to model what we ask of our students."
That commitment extends to building meaningful relationships with families. As a father, McDowell understands the importance of creating a safe, welcoming school where teachers know their students and parents feel heard.
"I want to know your children and hear what matters to them," says Principal Mac. "I want you to feel comfortable bringing me a concern. We may sometimes need to work through a difficult decision together, and I believe that starts with listening and being honest about what we can do."
Preparing to Welcome Students in 2027
With construction underway, the months ahead will focus on preparing classrooms, recruiting staff, establishing instructional systems and developing relationships with the families who will become part of Honor Charter School.
For McDowell, the opportunity to build a school from the ground up comes with both responsibility and excitement.
"Building Honor gives me the opportunity to get those foundations in place before our first students arrive."
And as the new campus takes shape, he's already looking forward to getting to know the students and families who will fill its classrooms.
"Please introduce yourself when you see me at an event or out in the community,” he says. “Tell me about your children and what you hope Honor can offer them. I would welcome that conversation.”