Animas High sets 2009 opening
Proposed charter school gets down to business

Durango High students wait for the light to change along Main Avenue during lunch break earlier this week. Starting in 2009, it is expected that local students and parents will have a second option for high school with the opening fo the Animas Charter High School. The school, based on a California charter schoool model, hopes to enroll 420 students in the school at yet to be determined location./Photo David Halterman

by Missy Votel

Organizers of Durango’s Animas High Charter School hope slow and steady will win the race to the school’s first opening bell.

Originally slated to open this fall, the school’s newly elected Board of Directors has set its sights on the fall of 2009 instead.

“We just wanted to make sure we did this right,” said Greg Cathcart, president of the board, which was elected in December. “We are very serious about being successful.”

Cathcart said there were a number of factors involved in delaying the school’s opening, chiefly finding a suitable location and/or facility. “The school’s location will be partially related to the area’s growth and where it’s headed,” he said. “It’s going to take some time to find the right place.”

He said one of the obvious choices being considered is the Grandview area, because of its location and affordability. “It appears everything is growing in that direction, and it’s affordable relative to the rest of Durango,” he said.

Another key factor in the decision was procurement of a qualified faculty. “We want to bring on, as soon as possible, a competent head of school and are looking for master teachers who are exceptionally skilled at what they do,” he said.

In addition, because of the school’s highly involved “project-based learning” curriculum, he said teachers will need to put in at least two months of preparation prior to the school opening.

Despite the school’s unique approach, he said it is still a public school, and as such, its curriculum will be closely tied to the State of Colorado’s mandates for content. “We want to excel and make sure the curriculum matches up with what the state requires,” he said.

In the meantime, Randy DeHoff, executive director of the Colorado Charter School Institute will serve as the school’s superintendent. Animas High procured its charter through CSI, the state’s chartering authority, last October. The school’s founders sought authorization from both School District 9-R and CSI, but decided to go with the CSI designation.

DeHoff, who is also a member of the State Board of Education, applauded the Animas High Board’s move. “This decision shows the board’s commitment to the long-term success of Animas High School. It will provide the planning time necessary to fully develop the details of the curriculum and learning projects

before students arrive. It also avoids the rush to get a facility completed,” he said. “By taking the extra time now, it will ensure that Animas High gets off to a strong, successful start.”

The new charter high school will be based upon a successful charter model in California, High Tech High. The first High Tech High opened in San Diego in 2000, stressing the use of technology and real-world situations as a means to an end in the learning process. The school was so successful that it was replicated throughout the state. The High Tech High system now boasts more than 2,500 students with 99 percent of graduates being admitted to college, more than half of them first-generation college students.

Cathcart, who has a 12-year-old daughter who is home schooled, said he visited the San Diego High Tech High last summer after becoming aware of Animas High School.

“I went out to San Diego to find out more, and it was a remarkable experience,” he said.

The original High Tech High was created by a state mandate to close the achievement gap between at-risk students and the general student population. It also aimed to reduce the drop-out rate and prepare students for college who otherwise might not have a chance to go.

“The school was very, very successful beyond all expectations,” said Cathcart. “They not only closed the achievement gap but raised the bar overall.”

As per CSI regulations, Animas High also will be required to enroll a certain amount of at-risk students. “Anyone is allowed to enroll, but we do want to try to reach those students who may be underserved,” he said.

To that end, the school will be making a concerted effort at direct outreach and presentations, possibly at existing 9-R schools. “The idea is that we can help those kids who can’t perform in a typical high school environment,” he said. “We really do hope to build a strong, mutually supportive relationship with 9-R. There are a lot of exciting changes happening at the high school.”

Cathcart said Animas High is looking to ultimately enroll 420 students, or about 100 per grade. However, upon opening, the school envisions stating out with only ninth and possibly a 10^th grade, depending on interest. “We don’t see us opening up all four grades in 2009, but we’ll absolutely consider it if the community interest is there,” he said.

In the meantime, the school has received a huge jumpstart in the form of a $450,000 Colorado Charter School Start Up and Implementation Grant. Animas High was one of 10 schools in the state to receive the start-up funds, which will be spread out over three years. The money will go toward professional development, school equipment and furnishings, and curriculum expenses.

Despite overcoming some major hurdles, Cathcart noted there is still work to be done. In addition to searching for staff, the board is also looking for community members interested in a variety of committees including fund-raising, facilities planning, hiring, curriculum and enrollment.

“We got our charter approved, and now we have to get to work,” he said. “We expect a great school in the future.” •

For more information on Animas High School, visit www.animashighschool.org or e-mail charterhighschool@durango.net.