On July 3, Pikes Peak Community College and the 21st Century Charter School signed a collaborative agreement establishing a first-of-its-kind partnership, allowing the charter school to rent and conduct classes at the PPCC Downtown Studio Campus. 21st Century Charter School is the first kindergarten-through-high school charter school in the country to have signed such an agreement with a college to begin a middle college program.

Mary Perez, 21st Century Charter School’s Director of Middle Colleges and its newest math teacher, says “This organizational structure reflects the shared responsibility of both the high school and PPCC, in an effort to bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary education. The high school students will benefit greatly from being on a college campus, as they will get a first-hand look at college life and opportunities. They will be able to finish high school requirements and take advantage of a dual credit program, earning college credit for free.”

The goal is to help students, many of whom will be the first generation in their families to attend college, to build a solid belief in themselves, to stay in school and succeed, and to integrate directly into college after high school. “We want to take the fear out of higher education,” says Perez, “and revitalize clear, consistent communication with our families, to ensure high rates of success and quality education, leading to greater future employment opportunities for our students.”

The Charter School’s ‘competency based’ high school and college prep program allows students to master material at a comfortable pace, providing more time for additional coaching when necessary. The college-prep program is designed so that students will be ready to take college classes by the beginning of their junior year of high school. To help make sure they are ready, 21st Century Charter School has already adopted PPCC’s developmental curriculum in reading and math.

PPCC President Tony Kinkel is enthusiastic about the new partnership, “I am especially appreciative of the work ‘behind the scenes’ with the PPCC faculty to facilitate this agreement,” says Kinkel. “The work done by Wayne Artis [PPCC professor and liaison to 21st Century Charter School] and Mary Perez to build relationships across the cultural divide between K-12 charter schools and public community colleges is nothing short of astounding. I congratulate everyone involved on this very important step toward a better future for so many students!”

High school students who qualify will take college-level courses through PPCC and receive permanent college credit for those classes at no cost to the student, paid for by the charter school. Students can work towards a 2- or 4-year university degree or choose a career and technical education program in such areas as auto collision technology, CAD, computer information systems, culinary arts, criminal justice, medical careers, fire science technology, welding, multimedia graphic design, radio/television, early childhood education, and others.

ABOUT 21ST CENTURY CHARTER SCHOOL
Started by the GEO Foundation, the 21st Century Charter School in Colorado Springs is a competency-based K-12 school dedicated to ensuring that all students show growth in character, academics, life skills, the arts, and wellness. Students advance academically and socially using highly successful proven teaching methods and technology tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The 21st Century one room schoolhouse philosophy provides a child-centered environment inspired and created through cooperation of teachers, staff, and parents. Students develop exceptional character, leadership, and skills for life.