Colorado

Schools across Colorado are redefining education through bold, learner-centered approaches that connect students to real-world opportunities and prepare them to lead in a rapidly changing world. From the Front Range to the Western Slope, educators and community partners are designing programs that blend academic rigor, hands-on learning, and pathways into high-demand fields — all while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

At Watershed School, students take on experiential learning for the common good, tackling interdisciplinary projects that make tangible contributions to their communities. Cañon City High School integrates career pathways and applied learning so every graduate leaves with skills that matter beyond the classroom.

Innovation status schools like the Fred Tjardes School of Innovation use their flexibility to personalize learning, host university partnerships, and create collaborative, small-group learning environments. Residential programs such as Eagle Rock School combine a fully competency-based model with a summer real-world learning term, while also leading professional development for schools nationwide.

Districts like St. Vrain Valley and Cherry Creek are expanding students’ multiple choices and access to STEM and workforce readiness, with Cherry Creek’s globally recognized Innovation Campus adding nine new career pathways. Both Cherry Creek and St. Vrain are redefining the journey to becoming a teacher through their Aspiring Educator Pathway and P-TEACH, respectively.

Colorado’s innovation ecosystem even extends to outer space: Starborn Academy, part of Uplift Aerospace, builds STEM pipelines that inspire the next generation of explorers.

Whether in microschools or in the neighborhood school down the street, educators in Colorado are building a statewide ecosystem that helps students to discover their passions, apply their learning, and shape the world ahead.

Watch. Be inspired. Share. The future of education is taking shape in Colorado — we invite you to be part of it. If you would like to learn more about these initiatives, or if you are interested in hosting a screening and discussion of these films, please contact us at info@whatschoolcouldbe.org.

What School Could Be extends its sincere gratitude to Scott McLeod for his help in building this page!