Charter Middle School Cultivates Student Interest in Aerospace and STEM Subjects

The Colorado SKIES Academy is an innovative aerospace middle school that in May 2024 received its official charter authorization from the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI). 

It is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to a unique learning environment for students in grades 6-8 and focuses on stimulating a passion for aviation, aerospace, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) lauded CSI for the issuance of the charter authorization: “Since 2019, the Colorado SKIES Academy has been doing a tremendous job in shaping and opening young minds to the robust opportunities within the aviation industry. We applaud the Colorado Charter School Institute for issuing the charter authorization to the Colorado SKIES Academy which allows the school to continue offering its unique and dynamic education programs,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO.

Additional praise came from Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft, LTD, and a GAMA board member who said, ““As an aircraft manufacturer based in Colorado, we greatly appreciate the work that the Colorado SKIES Academy is doing to further youth interest in aviation at the middle school level. They are doing an incredible job getting students excited and knowledgeable about the meaningful and rewarding opportunities the industry has to offer. 

Beyond the charter authorization, David Ulane, Director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, notified the Academy they had been rewarded $39,600 from the Division’s aviation education and workforce development grant program. The funds will be used to acquire 45 student-buildable and flyable UAS.

Located on the campus of Wings Over the Rockies – Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado, the school likens its flexible learning spaces and project-based curriculum as more akin to 21st-century workplaces than traditional teaching classrooms. Its location on the airport provides ample opportunities to attend a variety of aviation events, programs, and fly-ins at the neighboring Wings hangar and ramp.

FMI: www.coloradoskiesacademy.org, www.codot.gov/programs/