Mother speaks two weeks before school starts

Sudden Closure of Colorado Skies Academy Leaves Families in Disarray

Families across Englewood, Colorado, are scrambling to find new educational options for their children after the sudden closure of Colorado Skies Academy (CSA). The aerospace-focused charter school, which served middle school students with a STEM-based curriculum, announced its shutdown just two weeks before the start of the 2025-26 academic year. This unexpected move has left many parents, like Hayley Contois, in shock and uncertainty.

Contois shared her emotional reaction when she received an email informing her that CSA would be closing immediately. “I was stunned,” she said. Her son had been attending the school for a year, and he thrived in the project-based learning environment. He has level one autism and ADHD, and the hands-on approach at CSA helped him succeed academically and socially. “It was really great for him,” she added.

The closure notice posted on the school’s website explained that despite efforts over the past year to secure additional funding and stabilize the budget, the school could no longer afford to operate. “We had no idea there were any financial issues whatsoever,” Contois said. Now, families are forced to quickly find alternative schools for their children, often facing long waitlists and limited availability.

For some, like Contois, the transition is manageable. Her son can attend the neighborhood public school, but she hopes to find a similar institution that offers a comparable learning environment. She recently toured the STEM School in Highlands Ranch, hoping to secure a spot for her son. However, all schools are currently on waitlists, and it remains uncertain whether additional openings will become available.

To help families navigate this challenging situation, CSA will host an information meeting on July 30 at 6 p.m. at the school. Parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about next steps and potential alternatives. Additionally, they can begin the enrollment process for neighborhood schools through their district admission pages.

Financial Challenges Lead to Decision to Close

Colorado Skies Academy is a public charter school authorized by the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI). Dr. Terry Lewis, the executive director of CSI, provided insight into the financial struggles that led to the school’s closure. According to Lewis, CSI issued a notice of emergency revocation due to serious concerns about the school’s financial viability. However, the decision to close was ultimately made by the CSA board, which voted to voluntarily shut down the school.

Over the past year, CSI worked closely with CSA leadership to monitor the school’s financial health. By the end of the 2024–25 school year, the school appeared stable and viable for the upcoming academic year. However, significant changes occurred over the summer, including unexpected financial developments that rapidly deteriorated the school’s position.

“Faced with this reality, the school’s board made the incredibly difficult decision to voluntarily close on July 25, just before the start of the school year,” Lewis stated. While late closures are never ideal, CSI supports the board’s decision to close now rather than risk a mid-year closure that would have created even greater hardship for students and families.

Impact on Students and Families

The closure of Colorado Skies Academy has had a profound impact on students and families who relied on the school’s unique educational model. For many, the sudden change means adjusting to unfamiliar environments and potentially disrupting their children’s academic progress.

Parents are now working tirelessly to secure new placements, often facing long waitlists and limited resources. The process can be overwhelming, especially for families with children who require specialized support or a particular learning style.

Despite the challenges, many are determined to find the best possible options for their children. Some are exploring nearby schools, while others are seeking guidance from local education authorities. The community is rallying together to support families during this difficult time.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that every student has access to quality education and the necessary resources to thrive. The closure of Colorado Skies Academy serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and transparency in the education system, and the need for proactive measures to prevent such disruptions in the future.