Peak to Peak Charter School

I was glad to see Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette get well-deserved recognition from the 5280 Magazine. They really are doing some incredible things at P2P!

When the school was in development, we called the founders "overachievers" because they were at every training session available and worked really hard at putting their school together. They initially opened in a series of modular buildings in less than ideal conditions. For example, their multipurpose room was their only moderate-sized meeting space, their lunchroom (cold lunch) and where the kids played when the weather was bad.

A few years ago they moved into their current campus, which started with an elementary school wing and a secondary school wing. They've since added other buildings in the configuration for art rooms, music rooms, gymnasiums and a large lunchroom. The board does an annual fundraising drive, which is typically very successful.

Most unique about P2P is the caliber of their faculty. At P2P "everyone is a master teacher." Beyond just a phrase administration says, it's true. Secondary school students who aren't in their desk and ready to begin working when the bell rings are tardy; so it just doesn't happen anymore. Teachers start off with an anticipatory set, which introduces the lesson. Students are led through various methodologies every 15-20 minutes in order to increase their learning potential.

I've been in a workshop led by the P2P Executive Principal, Tony Fontana. Tony models what he expects from his teachers. Tony started in education by teaching high school English in Greeley. He's by far one of the best teachers I've ever observed. He also has a passion for raising up other incredible teachers and administrators. Tony's style is not to be out front, but rather to come alongside and coach. Tony's comfortable in front of people, but his passion is in seeing others excel in education.

Anyone fortunate enough to visit Peak to Peak will be amazed. It's truly a different kind of school!