2023 Guide to Charter Schools in Greeley, Colorado

The past few years in the life of students has caused many families to re-evaluate the educational needs of their children. Students have gone from in-person learning to online then back to in-person or hybrid and often before families were prepared for so much change. This left many parents and guardians assessing the needs of their children and looking for options.

Parents want what is best for their child and often seek a different approach that will best fit their child’s learning style. Charter schools can fulfill the needs of a variety of students with a unique approach to learning. This article will help answer some common questions about enrolling at a tuition-free public charter school to educate your child.

What is the Difference Between a Charter School and a Public School in Greeley?

Charter schools are public schools! Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are open to all students. Similar to traditional schools, public charter schools are funded with taxpayer dollars. A charter school operates under a performance contract with either the school district it will serve or the state’s authorizing agency. Greeley offers many school choice options to families, including charter schools. Families in Greeley are provided a variety of options for their children’s education and are empowered to make the best decision for their children’s needs. 

What is a Tuition-Free Public Charter School in Colorado?

A tuition-free, public charter school is similar to a traditional public school as it also offers education to kids in pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Community members such as guardians, parents, and teachers can petition for a new charter school to be opened.

Often, it is the governing board of the local school district that evaluates and approves petitions for the opening of a new charter school. In authorizing charter schools, the General Assembly created an avenue for parents, teachers, and community members “to take responsible risks and create new, innovative, more flexible ways of educating all children within the public school system.”

Another similarity shared by charter schools with traditional public schools is the source of funding. Both schools are funded by the state. However, these two school types differ in their administration and management since charter schools have independent control. Charter schools enjoy more flexibility in how they run their schools such as in areas of hiring and curriculum management.

Elected school boards, and school districts and their board-appointed superintendents oversee traditional public schools whereas charter schools are managed by an entity under the supervision of their self-appointed board. This means charter schools have more independence than usual public schools, allowing them to make their own rules and innovate new ideas.

What Tuition Free Public Charter Schools are Available in Greeley?

You should check out Union Colony Schools. We are tuition-free k-12 student centered public schools dedicated to educating students for a life of academic and leadership success. Enrollment is open now and students are able to join us throughout the school year. Our small schools offer so much more than meets the eye, like close-knit community and abundant resources. Union Colony Schools offer tuition-free academics, support that fits the individual, and a community that cares.

At Union Colony Schools, we honor the hard work and commitment our students put into achieving their dreams by providing a nurturing and challenging education that enables them to grow and achieve beyond the standard. Our K-12 students enjoy personalized attention, up-to-date technology, and all the benefits of a large school. Elementary students love our large, well-appointed library and outdoor-learning center. Our middle and high school students thrive in a structured environment with a robust arts program, concurrent college enrollment, and competitive athletics. 

Our two campuses, in Evans (K-5) and Greeley (6-12), offer safe and secure learning where everyone knows your name. Students have access to after-school programs, clubs and extracurricular activities, like jazz band and soccer. 

Are there Other Tuition-Free and Public Charter Schools Available in Greeley?

You can choose to apply and enroll your children in a tuition-free, public charter school even if it is outside your school district. Greeley charter schools do not have to comply with boundary school rules. Thus, parents in Greeley can opt for the charter school of their choice and not worry about breaking district rules. Colorado laws state that charter schools may admit any child residing in the state if their capacity allows it. 

What is the Process of Enrolling my Child in a Tuition-Free Public Charter School in Greeley? 

The enrollment process of charter schools is highly similar to other school types. They require an application where parents have to provide information about the child such as name, address, birth date, ethnic background, and the last school attended.

It is your responsibility to check the charter schools’ application and enrollment deadlines along with the school's specific enrollment rules, policies, and requirements. Charter schools may have different rules and processes but all of their admission rules must comply with state laws. According to Colorado laws, charter schools cannot implement policies that unlawfully discriminate against their applicants. 

You should also remember that there is a high possibility of seeing your child's name placed on the school's waitlist especially if you apply to a sought-after charter school. Many charter schools receive more applications than their capacity allows. Schools that have more applicants than they can take in usually employ a random selection process also known as a lottery system. 

Do Public Charter Schools Offer High-Quality Education in Greeley?

Parents want the best for their children, so making sure your child is getting the best education is a must. People have long wondered how charter schools stack up against public schools in Colorado. 

According to the Colorado League of Charters, 7 of the top 10 schools in Colorado are charter schools. The number of charter schools in Colorado has also increased 51% over the past decade. Colorado has the 2nd best charter school laws. Colorado charter schools provide significantly better results in reading and math for all students.

About Union Colony Schools
Union Colony Schools’ innovative approach provides a tuition-free education rich in arts, music, technology and athletics to students in the greater Greeley, Colorado area. With two convenient campuses serving K-5 and 6-12, our dedicated teachers educate for a life of leadership and academic success. Join our close-knit, thriving K-12 schools, where community is the heart of our mission and everyone knows your name. We're enrolling.