Innovation Schools

The Innovation Schools Act (§ 22-32.5-102, C.R.S.) provides a pathway for schools and districts to obtain greater individual school autonomy and managerial flexibility in order to implement diverse approaches to learning. 

The Act allows schools greater control over matters such as educational programming, personnel selection and evaluation, calendars and scheduling, and budgeting. Under the Act, a public school or group of public schools may submit an innovation zone plan to a local board of education outlining the innovative practices the school or schools intend to implement and identifying the state laws or rules and local policies that the school(s) seek to waive. Once approved by a local board of education, the district submits the innovation plans and waiver requests to the Colorado State Board of Education for approval.

The CDE Schools of Choice works to inform boards, districts, schools and individuals about process of applying to be an innovation school or zone.  The office also monitors the performance of innovation schools and produces an annual report for the legislature.

Data and Statistics

Approved State Waivers - Innovation Schools 

State Board Approved Innovation Schools and Documents

Annual Reports 

2026 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2025 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2024 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2023 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2022 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2021 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2020 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2019 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2018 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2017 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2016 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2015 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2013 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2012 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2011 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

2010 Districts of Innovation Annual Report

 

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