Cultivating Leaders: How The STEAD School is Revolutionizing Career Development
In the heart of Commerce City, a unique educational model is taking root—literally. The STEAD School, led by Executive Director Bill Kottenstette, represents a new frontier in career and technical education thats as innovative as it is impactful. STEADs mission is clear: empower students to design and lead their own postsecondary and career pathways through science, technology, environment, agriculture and systems design thinking. What sets this charter school apart isn't just its focus areas, but its commitment to real-world learning.
A Campus Like No Other
Walk onto STEADs campus and you'll find something remarkable: chickens clucking, greenhouses, a one-acre farm and facilities that blur the line between classroom and career preparation. “We have multiple pathways for students to earn industry credentials today,” Bill explains. “We have hundreds of opportunities for students to do applied internships in these areas.” The schools partnerships with organizations like the USDA, National Western Center and CSU-Spur create pathways that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. Take the junior-year student Bill recently spoke with who wants to pursue veterinary science, for instance. At STEAD, she can work with animals, earn veterinary certification and build relationships with Colorado State University—all while still in high school.
The Charter Advantage
STEAD exemplifies why charter schools matter in Colorado's educational landscape. “Charter schools give families options,” Bill says. “When they're running well, they provide unique learning opportunities for kids and give choice to parents in their communities.” This agricultural-focused, systems design school simply wouldn't exist without the flexibility that charter authorization provides. STEAD is one of only a handful of charter schools in Colorado offering industry-relevant career technical education credentials and the seal of climate literacy on diplomas.
Looking Ahead
As STEAD approaches its five-year renewal milestone with School District 27J, Bill’s priorities are focused on sustainability and community connection. “What excites me most about STEAD is the innovative model they provide in this community,” Bill said.
“We're opening doors for kids and connecting them with the real world in ways that make learning immediately relevant to their futures.”
For Colorado charter school community, STEAD represents the power of educational innovation—proof that when schools have the freedom to be different, students benefit in extraordinary ways.
To learn more about The STEAD School visit thesteadschool.org.
