Dear Editors,

Recently (June 18) many of the state’s newspapers made sure we all heard about Charter Schools being more segregated than traditional public schools. As administrators, teachers and interventionists for a charter school we readily admit that many charter schools raise more questions than they answer. However, folks should also know that these schools can also provide opportunities that would otherwise not exist.

Our education system has become confused and lost in a sea of chatter and political ebb and flow. Fortunately, there is a beacon of hope right here in Boulder County. We hoped our positive example of a charter school would be profiled as a counterpoint to the obvious negative trend of segregation in Charter schools. Unfortunately, we are concerned that this alternative charter high school, Boulder Prep, is being overlooked as a solution to the problem of diversity dividing us rather than uniting us.

Boulder Preparatory High School has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for its unique and successful approach to providing individualized college prep curriculum on an accelerated basis for 93 racially diverse students. Frustrated, recalcitrant, suspended, Spanish speaking, outrageous, and even expelled students are welcomed at Prep. After prospective students affirm their interest in pursuing their education, the Headmaster, utilizing his 32 years of teaching experience at elite college preparatory schools, encourages students to seize each day and guides the faculty not to perceive the students as lazy. This year five students presented at the National Youth at Risk Conference in Savannah where this charter school was recognized for its accomplishments in “closing the achievement gap”

The overlooked statistic in the June 18 article is that in Denver and Pueblo, charter schools have used their diverse student bodies to make their school communities stronger, just as we have at Boulder Prep where no race is represented by more than 50%, yet the majority of our students are classified as students of color (47% Caucasian, 46% Latino/Hispanic, 4% African American and 3% Other).

Whoever the students, before they graduate from Boulder Prep, they have taken the ACT, resulting in four out the last five graduating classes scoring above the national average for college bound students. A Boulder Prep senior must also submit letters of acceptance from colleges or universities before receiving their diploma.

Is college for everyone? Maybe not. Should every student in today’s society have the opportunity and be encouraged to pursue college? Absolutely.

At Boulder Prep we raise expectations for a group of students that have been ignored for too long. Approaching all of our students in this manner has had a profound impact on both student and teacher, and has given new meaning to the word our country and educational system are based on: opportunity.

Sincerely,

Andre Adeli Co-Founder and Director of Studies, Boulder Preparatory High School

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Bruce Blodgett Headmaster, Boulder Preparatory High School