Family of Schools

What is a district-run innovation school?

District-run innovation schools are district-managed public schools with a strategic plan that allows waivers to specific district policies, state statutes, and collective bargaining agreements with the goal of improving student outcomes and executing with excellence a specific model. Innovation schools are governed by the Innovation Schools Act (§ 22-32.5-107, C.R.S).

What is an innovation zone (iZone)?

An innovation zone is a group of public innovation schools that share common interests and seek additional flexibility. There are two types of iZones:

• iZones with Governance Innovations: These zones operate separately from the district instructional network structure and are overseen by an external nonprofit and its board. This board is responsible for support and oversight of the member schools, although the district maintains ultimate legal responsibility for the schools.
• iZones within District Network Structure: These zones allow schools the opportunity to organize around common interests, while remaining within district network and reporting structures. Some additional autonomies are available to these schools. (Note: There are currently not any approved iZones of this type.)

What is a DPS charter school?

DPS charter schools are public, independently operated schools. Each charter school board has a contract with the DPS Board of Education that outlines their operating terms, including performance goals, program elements, and required compliance with State and Federal Requirements. In Colorado, charter schools are operated pursuant to the Colorado Charter Schools Act. All DPS charter schools are nonprofit organizations. Contracts for individual schools can be found by searching for the school name on BoardDocs. (Note: All contracts begin on July 1 of the current contract term and end on June 30 of the current contract term.)

Charter Schools