District 2 OKs charter school

Atlas Preparatory School, a charter school with a mission of getting low-performing, low-income kids to graduate high school and go to college, was given permission Thursday to operate in Harrison School District 2.

The D-2 board voted unanimously to certify the charter school, saying they were very impressed with the concept and those involved in its creation. They have been studying the proposal for weeks and held several public meetings.

"We like the premise and rationale for helping kids left behind. We think they can offer education to kids that aren't getting it in another way," said board member Linda Pugh.

Superintendent Mike Miles also expressed his support. "It is a very well-put-together proposal, and they've put together a team and board that can run a rigorous program for at-risk students. We were very impressed. It will help our students," he said.

To help fulfill its rigorous task, the school will hold classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will run 190 days a year instead of the 180 days most schools operate. That will give students the equivalent of five years of education in four years. Students, who will wear uniforms, will visit college campuses, develop college mentors, take college prep work and divide into academic teams with college names. They will get double doses of math and reading.

The school will join only a handful of others nationwide that focus on low-income, low-performing students to prepare them for college.

Atlas founders are associated with Get Smart Schools, a new Colorado educational reform coalition that will help train the charter school's administrators.

Zach McComsey, head of the proposed school, had the backing of some of Colorado Springs' major community service organizations, including minority affairs officials from Air Force Academy and Colorado College, Junior Achievement, Urban League of the Pikes Peak Region and others.

Atlas' backers turned to D-2 because of its urban demographics and strong effort on the part of Miles to close the achievement gap in his district.

"We are very excited. We've tried to position ourselves as a new productive member of the district," McComsey said.
D-2 had only one charter school, James Irwin, which has a rigorous college prep program. A second charter for high schoolers, Shivers Academy, closed in February because of budget problems.

Atlas Prep is expected to open in August with 100 fifth graders. If more than that apply there will be a lottery for spots. It will eventually include grades five through eight. The school is looking for applicants who receive free and reduced lunches and are behind in one or more subjects.

McComsey said that those interested in having their children attend the school should visit the school's website at atlasprep.com where there are applications in English and Spanish.