Having raised my son “all Durango, all the way,” pre-school, K-12, college, I’ve been curious about Ascent Classical Academy of Durango and did some reading of websites, mission statements, the application and a U.S. education report.

Six hundred families are supportive, desiring the ACAD choices - in diversity, quality, alternative learning styles. The school’s mission statement states it “improves the heart” of the child. The curriculum was developed by Hillsdale College based on “moral tenets as commonly understood in the Christian tradition.” And there’s “no worry” about religious teaching as it adheres to Colorado board requirements.

I fear that 600 families/students, even if all are new enrollees, fall short of maintaining current choices for existing families and schools. At least one rural school would close. Further, ACAD has not lived up to diversity, alternative educational styles or basic state performance expectations. Eighty-one% of Douglas County ACAD are white, 2% economically disadvantaged. Student scores in math and reading at elementary and middle school levels are “well below performance expectations.” Student/teacher ratios are low, however, teachers need not be accredited. ACAD has requested 14 pages of school board waivers. Is the non-religious status supported or exempted?

I’d love “improved hearts!” But ACAD does not clarify what that means or how to know it’s been accomplished. Likewise, “following moral tenets as commonly understood in the Christian tradition” sounds good . . . yet “commonly understood,” or how it fits with diversity and separation of church and state, is not clarified.

Alice Sowards

Durango