Education has never been one-size-fits-all, and our hope as Coloradans is to ensure that each student receives the best education. I started my journey through Greeley-Evans Schools District 6, where educators like Elizabeth Dent build a connection with their students and give them the resources and the push they need to get through school to do more with their futures. My post- secondary academic journey began at the University of California-Berkeley. It continued at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where I am a member of the dean’s list, emphasizing community involvement and family values.

Through my hard work and dedication through public school, I received the Daniels Fund Scholarship, which led me to my career as a Daniels Fund Junior Fellow at Common Sense Institute. Common Sense Institute is a nonpartisan research organization that protects and promotes Colorado’s economy. CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Coloradans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. My CSI research focuses on education and comparing post-secondary rates from charters and non-charters.

I attended Greeley West High School for four years and graduated with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Some high schools, like mine, offer programs like the IB program and others like the Future Farmers of America program that prepare students for their future career paths. I was able to attend the No. 1 public university in the country and secure great connections along the way. While in District 6, I met great people like Rhonda Solis and John Haefeli, who helped shape my future. With my experiences, I have served as an intern in the 19th Judicial District with District Judge Marcelo Kopcow and worked for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo. My path is not necessarily the ideal path for everyone. While I did not attend charter schools, they are an outstanding option for some.

The Denver School of Science & Technology (DSST) is a nationally recognized open-enrollment STEM school that impresses with its unique design, diversity, and high achievement. The school’s mission to eliminate educational inequity and prepare all students for college and the 21st century is truly inspiring. DSST’s emphasis on character development and rigorous academics through its six core values, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, and Doing Your Best, sets a high standard for educational institutions.

DSST Public Schools, now a charter management organization, operates multiple STEM schools that focus on hands-on, problem-based learning. With a student body of nearly 7,400 students across eight middle and eight high schools, DSST is a shining example of diversity and inclusion. The school’s vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds, with 61% Hispanic/Latino, 20% Black/African American, and 77% qualifying for free or reduced lunch, surpasses district averages in serving lower-income and minority students.

DSST is not the only place we have seen great results from charter schools. Another example of charters doing well is Colorado Springs. As noted in a report written by CSI Education Fellow Jason Gaulden, charter schools in Colorado Springs generally outperform district-run schools academically. In District 11, 54.4% of charter eighth graders met or exceeded grade-level expectations in English Language Arts, compared to 35.9% in district-run schools. Similarly,

47% of third graders in charter schools met or exceeded expectations in math, against 35.7% in district schools. As federal funding wanes, District 11 is encouraged to consider significant, student-centered reforms and to emulate successful charter schools. The district’s declining enrollment and increased per-pupil funding have led to higher spending per student, highlighting the need for efficient and effective educational strategies.

DSST exemplifies the transformative power of high-quality, open-enrollment STEM education. With a mission to eliminate educational inequity and a focus on character development, DSST sets a gold standard for schools nationwide. Its diverse student body and impressive academic achievements reflect a commitment to inclusion and excellence. This success is mirrored by charter schools in Colorado Springs, which outperform district-run schools academically.

By adopting student-centered, efficient educational strategies, traditional schools can better serve their communities, ensuring every student can access a quality education. While issues still need fixing, such as transportation for more students, these schools provide their students with post-secondary schooling, setting them up for success.

Rasheed Garza is a rising junior at the University of Colorado and is a Common Sense Institute Daniels Scholar Junior Fellow.