Small Colorado Springs charter high school wins Distinguished Improvement Award – WBNews

Changing the image of a school isn’t easy, but CIVA Charter High School has done it. The 20-year-old charter school in Colorado Springs School District 11 has reinforced its identity as a college-preparatory and arts-focused school, and boosted students’ test scores enough to earn The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. The school’s success relies on creating an atmosphere that’s conducive to learning, said Principal Randy Zimmerman, and a culture that’s positive and peer friendly. “That’s the key to education,” he said, “because people’s behavior matches the environment.” The Colorado Department of Education gives the award each year to schools that have demonstrated “exceptional student growth.” The awards ceremony will be March 1 at the state education office in Denver. Schools do not apply for consideration but rather are selected based on academic performance. “We had no idea until they contacted us,” Zimmerman said. “We are super proud of our students for trying their hardest.” Results from English and math assessments all Colorado students took last spring show that 62 percent of CIVA students advanced in growth over consecutive years in English and 65 percent in math. That’s compared with state median scores of 50 percent growth in English and 49 percent in math, and district-wide median scores of 43 percent in English and 50 percent in math. CIVA enrolls about 190 students in grade 9-12, and test scores have been steadily rising in recent years, Zimmerman said At least 90 percent of seniors go on to college, he said. A few…more detail