CSAPs, flexibility send parents shopping for schools

Tiffany Sinclair’s priorities were simple. Her vivacious 11-year-old needed small classes and a more Socratic environment — one where students’ ideas mingle in an atmosphere that promotes deep discussions and critical thinking.

In other words, said her daughter, Jordan, school has to be “fun.”

The family found myriad options Sunday at an education fair that featured representatives from roughly 45 schools and education programs peppered throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Hosted by Colorado Virtual Academy and The Gazette’s Pikes Peak Parent magazine (pikespeakparent.com), the fair came as many schools prepare for fall enrollment. Organizers said they hope to hold another fair in September, and to make it a semi-annual event.

“There’s so many choices anymore,” said Stacy Rivera, spokeswoman for the Colorado League of Charter Schools. “And I know parents feel overwhelmed. They don’t know where to start.”

The push for more choice has never been stronger.

The fair came on the heels of recent Colorado Department of Education figures showing strong gains in charter school enrollment — particularly at the Charter School Institute — and a 14-percent increase from 2009 in students registered in online courses.

More than half the charter schools in the Pikes Peak region — 17 — were represented at the fair, along with myriad online and private schools.

A few, such as the Colorado Virtual Academy, are well-known commodities. Open for 10 years, the school features 100 state-certified teachers and roughly 5,000 students across the state.

Representatives from Colorado Springs School District 11, Academy School District 20 and Falcon School District 49 were among the 56 booths that filled the Park Room of the Doubletree Hotel, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.

Several schools and education programs were trying to woo their first students.

After School University, 7689 N. Union Blvd., touted evening math, physics and computer programming classes. The 2-month-old program has 26 pupils.

Many parents said an over-emphasis on standardized testing prompted their search for a different program, although flexibility and curriculum also were noted as high priorities.

Scott Dennis’ daughter, Cozette, 7, eats only gluten-free foods — leaving homeschooling more attractive. But he wants her to focus on economics.

He walked away Sunday interested in virtual schools, wherein students complete many of their classes via computer.

“I’m just a learning coach, instead of an actual teacher,” said Dennis’ wife, Anne, supporting the idea.

Tired of CSAP tests despite her child attending an online school, Tiffany Sinclair said she was considering The Colorado Springs School — a private institution in southwest Colorado Springs.

With so much to consider, she is happy to have time to decide before fall enrollment.

“It’s a long journey,” Sinclair said.

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Call the writer at 476-1654.