How GSC is Keeping a Rural Community School Alive — and Helping it Thrive

Nestled in the foothills above Golden, Jefferson Academy Coal Creek Canyon (JA CCC) serves students in grades K–8 and functions as far more than a school — it’s the heart of a mountain community. Authorized by Jefferson County School District R-1 and opened as a charter school in fall 2024 after serving as a traditional district school for many years, JACCC is grounded in a Core Knowledge model led by Principal Carrie Mott. With a $425,241 Charter School Program (CSP) award from Great Schools Colorado, JA CCC is turning critical funding into lasting impact for students, families, and the broader canyon community.

For Principal Mott, the most significant outcome of CSP funding is simple and profound: it allowed the school to stay open.

“The most positive impact is being able to keep this amazing school open,” she shared. “This school is not only a school — it is a hub for the community.”

As Mott explains, the school partners with organizations across the canyon to host events and welcomes community members into its building for gatherings large and small. With CSP support, JA CCC has been able to make essential updates while planning confidently for future student growth. “Receiving CSP funding has been vital for helping the school survive and now thrive,” she said.

Investing in Classrooms, Curriculum, and Enrollment Growth

A portion of the CSP funding has already upgraded classroom spaces with new furniture, supplies, and technology — improvements that support both current students and those expected to enroll as the school grows.

“We’ve been able to prepare all classrooms, including those not yet in use, so they are ready for students as our enrollment grows,” Mott said. The school also made key curriculum investments, including a new math program designed to support strong academic growth. Additional funds supported marketing efforts throughout the canyon to raise awareness and encourage enrollment.

Next on the list is a revamped library. “We are working on a project to make our library more user-friendly and accessible for all students,” Mott shared.

Creating Opportunities that Bring Learning — and the Community — to Life

Beyond infrastructure and academics, CSP funding is unlocking new opportunities that strengthen the school’s connection to its community.
One of the most exciting upgrades is a new building-wide sound system, which will elevate the school’s ability to host events such as movie nights, dances, and performances. A mobile sound system is also in the works, extending these events outdoors for back-to-school nights and large community gatherings.

The school is also strengthening its popular Super Monday program, which welcomes homeschool students into the building once a week for STEM and other enrichment activities. “We will continue to enhance our Super Monday program,” Mott said, noting that CSP support helps broaden the school’s reach and impact.

Supporting a Mission that Goes Beyond Geography

JA CCC’s vision is to be a destination school — a place that families choose intentionally because of its academic rigor, character-driven culture, and unique Super Monday programming.

“We want JA CCC to be a destination school for families, not just a neighborhood school,” Mott explained. “We believe that by fostering a school culture rooted in strong character and high academic achievement and growth, we will attract families who are willing to travel a little farther each day to be part of our community.”

A Game-Changing Investment

According to Mott, the CSP grant has been a game changer for JA CCC’s success. “Without this financial support,” she says, “we might not have had the resources to step in and keep the school alive. Now that we’ve stabilized, we’re thrilled to use these funds to continue growing and thriving.”

With its award, JA CCC  is not only building stronger classrooms — it’s strengthening the entire canyon community. And as the school continues to grow, its CSP-funded investments will shape opportunities for students and families for years to come.