Envision Leadership Prep celebrates ribbon cutting

Photo by Donnell Rosenberg 

---

Related Articles

• New DPS charter schools opening 2009

• Education 101:  Choosing a school

Envision Leadership Prep is one of six new charter schools opening in DPS this fall.  Envision celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday in a "sea of purple", with an enthusiastic staff, incoming students and their parents, and numerous local dignitaries.

Envision Leadership Prep is the first  in a network of 6th through 12th grade schools to be opened in the Denver Metro Area over the next few years, operated by Envision Schools Colorado.  The mission of Envision is to "prepare and inspire ALL students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college."  Read the mission carefully---Envision is not only committed to seeing their students be accepted to college, but to complete college. 

Yee-Ann Cho, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Schools Colorado, spoke about the Envision network of schools in California, pointing to the success they desire in Colorado.  She said the first graduating class in 2007 saw 90% of graduates entering college.  Two years later, 100% of those students are still in college.  

The commitment to post secondary education is clear as you walk through the building.  Above each classroom is a pennant of the university attended by the teacher.  And on the first day of school, students will be taken on a field trip to the University of Denver.  The message will be clear from day one:  "You are college bound". 

What makes Envision Leadership Prep unique is an integration of arts and technology through a rigorous college prep curriculum that includes humanities, math, science, and literacy.  

Yee-Ann Cho:

Today we are celebrating the opening of our first school, Envision Leadership Prep.  We are grateful for our partnership with Denver Public Schools, which recognizes the importance of including small schools in their overall strategy to improve academic achievement and graduation rates in addition to charting a clear course to college.  The success fostered here will benefit us all. 

In addition to Ms. Cho, the crowd heard from Envision principal, Nikki Rivera, who talked about the unique curriculum and celebrated the beautiful building, built in 1928, being shared with Smiley Middle School in the Park Hill neighborhood.

Also in attendance and speaking at the event was Colorado Speaker of the House, Terrence Carroll, who talked about the importance of charter schools on the educational landscape.  State Senator Mike Johnston, who was tapped to replace outgoing Senate President Peter Groff, quoted the Declaration of Independence, referencing the importance of education in achieving equal rights for all.  

Dante King, 14 year old incoming Envision student, spoke wonderfully about why he is excited about beginning high school at Envision.  He talked about some of the new technologies in the classrooms, including Smart Boards, and the high expectations teachers have for all students.  He expressed his strong desire to attend college.  He then had an opportunity not many 14 year olds experience---he was given the honor of introducing Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.  The Mayor referred, as did Senator Johnston, to the Declaration of Independence, pointing out that it assures us the right to pursue happiness, rather than a guarantee of happiness.  Further, the Mayor stated we cannot pursue happiness without a quality education.  He expressed excitement about this new addition to DPS. 

Envision Leadership Prep opens its doors to students Monday with approximately 200 6th and 9th graders.  The school will add two new grades levels each year on its way to full capacity by year four. 

Good luck to the incoming 6th and 9th graders at Envision Leadership Prep!  We look forward to following your great success in life.