Ascent's charter application can be reviewed with the help of The Charter School Institute, Colorado's statewide charter authorizer, without 9-R having to relinquish any authority. CSI has reviewed Ascent on two other successful Colorado schools, and can use that prior knowledge to assist and expedite the review.
Ascent is not a religious school. Ascent uses curriculum guidance from Hillsdale College, a liberal arts college with studies in theology. Hillsdale was the first American college to prohibit discrimination based on race, religion or sex in its charter, and was the second college in the nation to grant four-year liberal arts degrees to women. If Ascent were pushing religious indoctrination, the two currently successfully schools would have revealed that.
Ascent will not take jobs nor money from 9-R. Almost 70% of applicants are home- and private-school families. This adds state, federal and tax revenue to the district. Ascent will need teachers and staff, adding many good paying jobs to Durango.
Ascent would bring diversity and choice to those that want this type of classical education for their children. Children learn in different ways and structures. Doesn't 9-R want diversity and choice for all?
Disregard the misinformation. Ascent is in high demand, and has two successful schools overseen by state authorizers and auditors. There is a record for curriculum and educational programs; governing structure; financial transparency; addressing special needs and populations; and parent involvement. Ascent is not an “unknown.” It is serving Colorado children very well.
Kelly Hegarty
Durango
