By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
In Douglas County, Colorado, a battle over education choice is brewing as efforts to open a new classical charter school, the John Adams Academy, face fierce opposition. Spearheading the initiative is Ellie Reynolds, a Sterling Ranch resident and mom, and Kim Gilmartin, a seasoned advocate for school choice, who has helped launch multiple classical charter schools across the state.
However, the journey to establish this school in Sterling Ranch, a rapidly growing community with no existing school, has been met with aggressive and, at times, deeply personal hostility.
The John Adams Academy, modeled after three successful classical charter schools in California, aims to provide an American classical leadership education focused on servant leadership, phonics, the great books, Singapore math, Latin and a low-technology learning environment.
Many parents see this school as a rigorous alternative to district schools, but its opponents have relied on fear, falsehoods, and personal attacks to block it. Rather than discussing school choice, some have resorted to inflammatory rhetoric—including comparing the academy to Nazi indoctrination.
A social media post chillingly claimed that “the John Adams school will probably raise great Nazi children” and suggested that “the right loves the poorly educated.” This type of grotesque smear campaign reveals the desperation of those who fear competition in education.
Opponents have also leveled baseless accusations of religious extremism and right-wing propaganda, despite the school having no explicit religious affiliation. One critic framed it as a “right-wing propaganda school,” while another accused it of being part of a broader effort to produce “mini-Trumps and mini-Boeberts.”
These baseless smears expose an ideological agenda aimed at shutting down school choice, not debating real concerns.
Additionally, opposition organizers have taken to bullying and intimidation. Reports have surfaced indicating that opposition organizers told supporters to attend a parent meeting, not to participate, but to monitor who backs the charter school. Instead of promoting discussion, they appear more interested in intimidation and discouraging families from considering other options.
Despite the opposition’s efforts to vilify John Adams Academy, many parents and community members see the school as an essential addition to Sterling Ranch. Unlike the smear tactics employed by its critics, supporters of the academy argue on the basis of educational freedom, academic excellence and the right of parents to determine what is best for their children.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of John Adams Academy’s approach. School representatives have actively communicated their vision and how the academy will integrate into the neighborhood, successfully securing letters of intent from families representing over 200 children in the planned opening grade configuration.
Despite the controversy, the effort to bring John Adams Academy to Douglas County has gained critical support.
“The organizers of John Adams Academy Douglas County deeply appreciate the Douglas County School Board majority for supporting school choice by voting to release our charter application to the Charter School Institute last December. Their decision affirms their belief in multiple pathways to authorization and that education funding should follow the student,” said Ellie Reynolds.
However, screenshots of conversations from the opposition’s Facebook group have been shared with supporters of the proposed charter, raising questions about Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane’s role. While she has publicly maintained a neutral stance on the project, the messages raise questions about what’s happening behind the scenes.
In one social media post, a Sterling Ranch resident from a Facebook group called Sterling Ranch Opposes John Adams Academy shared, “The superintendent said that it can cause our neighborhood school to be delayed and/or be built on a smaller scale. That’s my biggest concern.”
Another post from the opposition’s lead organizer revealed that she had a “1:1 conversation with Superintendent Kane” before a public neighborhood meeting, calling it “super interesting.” She declined to share details in writing but offered to discuss them verbally with anyone interested. Additionally, she stated that Superintendent Kane encouraged opponents of the charter to “email and call the developers of Sterling Ranch, and to contact the county land department and neighborhood planners with the county.”
This raises an important question: Why would a superintendent—who claims to support school and parental choice and works under a pro-charter school board majority—actively oppose a future charter opportunity?
Furthermore, supporters reject the notion that classical education is inherently political. Instead, they highlight its focus on academic rigor, character development and structured learning—values that should be universal, not controversial. As one parent put it, “this isn’t about politics; it’s about giving kids a strong foundation in history, logic and leadership.”
The battle over John Adams Academy is about much more than one school—it is about the right of parents to choose and the ability of communities to support diverse educational models without facing intimidation and character assassination.
The opposition’s smear tactics, from labeling a rigorous academic institution as “Nazi” to harassing families who attend meetings, expose their true fear: competition.
The possibility that families might flee failing or ideologically driven public schools terrifies those who seek total control over the education system.
Yet, despite the vitriol, John Adams Academy and its supporters remain steadfast. “District schools serve many families well,” Gilmartin said. “For those looking for a different approach, this school offers a wonderful option rooted in the time-tested tradition of classical education.”
The fight for John Adams Academy is not just a local dispute—it is part of a national conversation about who controls education: bureaucrats and activist groups, or the parents and communities they serve.
Parents across America are watching. If Douglas County caves to intimidation, it sends a chilling message to every school choice effort nationwide.
The stakes are high, but so is the resolve of those who refuse to be bullied into submission. The future of school choice in Douglas County hangs in the balance, and with it, the fundamental right of parents to reclaim authority over their children’s education.
To learn more about the proposed John Adams Academy Douglas County charter school, express support or enroll your children, visit https://www.johnadamsdougco.org/.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.