Jeffco superintendent recommends five-year Rocky Mountain Academy renewal, two years for Collegiate

Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Stein recommends a five-year renewal for Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen and a conditional two-year renewal for Collegiate Academy of Colorado. The school board is scheduled to vote on both recommendations Nov. 12, according to the district’s renewal materials.

Both schools received preliminary “Performance” ratings in the 2026 Colorado School Performance Framework, but Rocky Mountain earned 87.3% of available points, compared with Collegiate’s 64.4%. Rocky Mountain’s score rose from 75.4% in 2022. Collegiate’s academic achievement and growth ratings were “Approaching.” The district’s review says student proficiency declined, including in math, where fewer than 20% of students performed at grade level in the most recent year.

Enrollment and long-term finances are central to the different recommendations. Collegiate’s district-funded enrollment measure fell from 318.66 in October 2022 to 201.82 in October 2025. Its five-year financial plan assumes enrollment will recover but projects four consecutive years of operating deficits that would draw down reserves. The district also projects debt service rising from $196,827 in the 2026–27 school year to $561,787.50 in 2027–28. By contrast, the review describes Rocky Mountain’s enrollment as steady since 2022 and its financial framework as showing no significant concerns.

If approved, Collegiate’s proposed conditions would require the school, by July 1, 2027, to submit a plan for managing increased facility debt service without defaulting on its bonds or depleting its reserves; appoint a treasurer required by its bylaws; and ensure the treasurer completes charter-finance training. The review says Collegiate was not found in material violation of its charter contract or applicable rules; the shorter term and conditions address the identified performance, sustainability and governance concerns.