Prospect Ridge Academy is a tuition-free public charter school located in Broomfield, Colorado, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 2010, the academy focuses on delivering a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum within a small school environment to foster academic achievement and prepare students for post-secondary success. The school emphasizes a combination of strong academics, character development, and community involvement.

History and Mission

Established to provide a high-quality K-12 education, Prospect Ridge Academy aims to challenge students to reach their full potential throughout their formative years. The school implements the Core Knowledge Sequence and college-preparatory curricula, striving to build continuity across grade levels. This approach helps students to progressively build knowledge and skills, supporting lifelong learning and future academic pursuits.

Academics and Programs

Prospect Ridge Academy is recognized for its challenging academic program. It integrates rigorous coursework with character education, nurturing traits such as responsibility, ethical leadership, and community service. The school fosters a commitment to service and encourages students to participate in community initiatives, which enhance academic success and personal growth.

Extracurricular Activities

The academy offers a range of extracurricular programs, including athletics, music, drama, and various social and academic clubs. These activities promote teamwork, responsibility, and student-mentor relationships, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.

Facilities

The Prospect Ridge Academy campus features modern classrooms, art and music facilities, science and computer laboratories, athletic gymnasiums, and on-campus libraries. The campus has distinct entrances for the K-8 and high school sections, providing tailored spaces for different educational levels.

Governance and Financial Overview

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Prospect Ridge Academy is dedicated to educational purposes within the public charter school framework. According to reports, the school has a fully independent board with proper audit oversight. However, external charity evaluations have highlighted areas for improvement in financial policies and stability, including the need for whistleblower protection and document retention policies. Financial indicators such as a high liabilities-to-assets ratio suggest ongoing challenges in financial management.

Summary

Prospect Ridge Academy serves as an educational institution committed to academic excellence, character development, and community engagement in a public charter school setting. While it offers a strong curricular and extracurricular environment designed to prepare students for college and beyond, attention to financial governance and policy improvements remains important for sustaining its mission and operational health.