#2 of 5 | Montrose Classical Academy: A Local Debate with Statewide Implications
In Colorado's public education landscape, Montrose County School District (MCSD) has found itself at the center of a charter school controversy with implications far beyond its borders.
The renewed application from Monument Classical Academy (MCA) has reignited questions about governance, outside influence, and the future of school choice in rural communities.The renewed application from Monument Classical Academy (MCA) has reignited questions about governance, outside influence, and the future of school choice in rural communities.
This post breaks down what’s happening in Montrose, introduces the key players behind the MCA proposal, and explores how this local story reflects broader tensions playing out across the state.
Montrose County School District: A Public System in Rural Colorado with Choices
MCSD serves the communities of Montrose and Olathe with a range of educational options, including:
Six elementary schools
Two middle schools
Three high schools
An early childhood center
A virtual academy
An outdoor-focused program
An alternative education charter high school
Vista Charter School is an alternative high school, was built in 2011 with the support of a BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant. BEST grants are through the State of Colorado. Vista Charter is also up for renewal in June, the same month a decision on MCA is expected.
With limited student population growth, any new charter impacts not just funding but the balance of programs already in place. Proponents of MCA clearly state, however, that they have families who currently homeschool who would enroll in MCA, thus adding their per pupil revenue (PPR) to MCA, not to mention addressing a gap in public school choice options some parents desire. In public comments and online discussions, people mention that private options are available in the community.
The First MCA Application: Denied, Not Deterred
In the fall of 2024, MCA applied to MCSD to open a charter school modeled after Liberty Common in Fort Collins. Liberty Common is known for its classical, core knowledge education model and conservative cultural values. The current headmaster, Bob Schaffer, has been involved in conservative values projects and political efforts for many years. In 2022, the “Give Me Liberty” website launched, which provides tools for planting similar charter schools.
MCSD engaged the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers to conduct a detailed review. After extensive public comment and a transparent process, the MCSD school board voted to deny the application. Instead of appealing to the State Board of Education, MCA opted to revise and resubmit the proposal.
Round Two: Revised Application and Public Scrutiny
The second MCA application was submitted in March 2025 with the goal of opening in the 2026-27 school year. MCSD held a capability interview on May 20 with the MCA board and its new third-party partner, Minga Education Group (MEG). A public meeting was scheduled for May 27, with votes on both MCA and Vista expected in late June.
The revised application introduced several changes:
Minga Education Group would now be the employer of all MCA staff, including the principal
Additional support and visibility from the Liberty Schools Initiative, a project of Ready Colorado, with funding from the Daniels Fund
Increased community outreach efforts to address concerns from the first application round
Who Is Behind MCA?
Several key players are influencing this charter application:
Kim Gilmartin: A staff member at Ready Colorado who leads the Liberty Schools Initiative, Gilmartin has actively supported MCA’s application and facilitated connections to established classical charter models.
Casey Churchill: A principal of Liberty Common School, he was involved in private and public meetings about MCA before its first application.
Ready Colorado: A conservative education advocacy group that promotes school choice. It is closely tied to national networks aiming to expand charter schools aligned with classical curricula and conservative values.
The Daniels Fund: A prominent philanthropic organization whose education grants have drawn scrutiny over ideological alignment, including past criticism about politicized scholarship requirements.
To learn more about who was involved in meetings and what was said, see the meeting minutes and video recordings of the official meetings between the MCSD and MCA Board on the school district’s website.
A Divisive Proposition
Charter schools are already a polarizing issue, but classical academies like MCA amplify existing divisions.
Supporters argue that MCA would offer a rigorous, values-based curriculum rooted in "virtue," promote school choice, and bring innovation to the district.
Opponents raise concerns about:
Equity and access for students with disabilities
Potential religious or political agendas embedded in the curriculum
Diverting resources from existing schools
The influence of outside funders and political advocacy organizations
One thing is certain: whatever decision the MCSD Board makes, it will not satisfy everyone. The June vote will shape not only the future of MCA but also how the district is perceived in its handling of controversial charter applications.
Up Next: What’s a Third-Party Education Service Provider, and Why Does It Matter?
In the next post, we’ll explore the role of Minga Education Group, the company MCA proposes to contract with for staffing, HR, and financial services. We’ll examine the difference between Education Management Organizations (EMOs) and Education Service Providers (ESPs), and why this distinction is crucial for governance, accountability, and community trust.
Download a PDF with the full series, Charters, Montrose & Minga here.
