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Eastlake seeks five‑year renewal, highlights individualized tracks and internship pipeline
Summary
Eastlake High School presented its charter renewal application, emphasizing individualized programming for ages 14–21, three diploma tracks (college, military, vocational), internships and career readiness, and fiscal conservatism; alumni and staff urged the board to approve renewal citing success with formerly disengaged students.
Eastlake High School leaders asked the Board of Education to renew the school—s charter and described programming targeted to older and credit‑deficient students.
Principal Miss Berry told the board Eastlake serves students ages 14–21 throughout El Paso County with flexible scheduling, individualized learning plans and a three‑track diploma model (college, military and vocational). She said the school runs separate AM and PM programs—AM for under‑18 students and PM for students 18 and older—to match instructional approaches to students— developmental needs.
Berry described work‑based learning and college and career readiness demonstrations (CCRD) for each track, in‑school SAT/ASVAB/Accuplacer or industry‑certification preparation, and a required workplace‑readiness course for the vocational track. The school highlighted internships, partnerships with Pikes Peak State College and community organizations, and a focus on social‑emotional learning.
Eastlake board members, alumni and family members gave personal testimony about students who graduated after struggling in larger schools; speakers said Eastlake provided stability, individualized attention and pathways to post‑secondary education and employment. Several alumni and parents said the school was instrumental in helping students graduate who otherwise would not have done so.
District staff reported a recent site visit and noted Eastlake—s priority‑improvement status in the state accountability framework; Eastlake officials said they are budget‑conservative, own their building, and budgeted for roughly 100 students this year. Board members asked about fiscal stability, enrollment plans, and academic metrics; staff said Eastlake projected to remain viable on the current budget and intends to grow enrollment over time.
The board did not vote on renewal Wednesday; the item will return to the board as an action item at a future meeting after the district—s review process is complete.
