By Kim Gilmartin | Commentary, Colorado Politics
In response to a recent CoPo column about John Adams Academy Douglas County (JAADC), columnist Paula Noonan’s opinion piece is heavy on rhetoric and light on facts. As a co-founder of JAADC, I am compelled to correct the misinformation and misleading claims for the sake of the public, not the punditry.
First, one of the core accusations, that JAADC’s curriculum is outdated, narrowly ideological and dismissive of modern disciplines like science and technology, could not be further from the truth. JAADC’s curriculum includes a full complement of science and math courses grounded in logic, inquiry and observation, which are foundational elements of the scientific method. Classical schools nationwide are not only producing thoughtful readers and writers; many are excelling in STEM. According to CREDO at Stanford, students in public charter schools, on average, outperform their traditional public school peers in both reading and math. Though CREDO’s data doesn’t isolate classical schools, the structured, rigorous nature of classical education supports strong academic outcomes, particularly in STEM.
To call this “learning concepts from the middle ages” reveals a misunderstanding of what classical education is. Our scholars are taught modern science, advanced math and technology alongside the great ideas that have shaped human civilization. This integration produces not only competent learners but virtuous citizens.
As for the suggestion the only upside of classical education is learning cursive in order to read the Declaration of Independence — come on. That’s like saying the only benefit of playing piano is finger dexterity. Classical education builds mental discipline, analytical reasoning and a deep understanding of humanity. Yes, we study Western literature and history, because to understand the present, students must grapple with the ideas that shaped it. That does not mean other cultures are ignored; on the contrary, classical education deeply engages with world philosophies and ancient civilizations across time.
Noonan also implies the founder of the California-based John Adams Academies, Dr. Dean Forman, personally profits from the school in Colorado. This is false. JAADC is a Colorado-based nonprofit. Dr. Forman receives no financial compensation. Our school pays a modest membership fee to the American Classical Lyceum Association, which provides academic support and ensures fidelity to the model, similar to how districts pay curriculum providers or consultants.
Similarly, Academica, our back-office partner, is an education service provider, not a management organization. They handle tasks like accounting, payroll and compliance, allowing school leaders to focus on instruction and running a school. District schools pay large sums to central offices or vendors for the same support. There’s nothing controversial about outsourcing necessary services.
Noonan suggests the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) ignored public input. Not true. CSI held multiple board meetings and invited comment from both supporters and opponents. As required, JAADC hosted a community meeting ahead of the CSI vote. Many of the same individuals who submitted letters or spoke at board meetings attended. The founding team presented its vision, answered questions and demonstrated transparency. But many attendees were visibly angry and dismissive of the responses, unwilling to engage constructively. Meanwhile, hundreds of families representing 400 students have submitted letters of intent to enroll. Should those voices be dismissed because they support a different educational model?
The claim CSI failed to consider JAADC’s potential effect on district enrollment shows a misunderstanding of Colorado charter law. Charter schools cannot be denied simply because it might affect enrollment at district-run schools. That’s the essence of school choice; empowering parents to select the best fit for their child. When a student enrolls in a charter school, the associated public funding follows them. That isn’t “diverting” funds; it’s directing them to the public school the family has chosen to attend.
READ THE FULL COMMENTARY AT COLORADO POLITICS
Kim Gilmartin is founder and executive director of the Liberty Schools Initiative, a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on empowering parents to create new educational options. She is also a co-founder of Ascent Classical Academy Charter Schools.
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.