COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — A new school in Pueblo is facing scrutiny from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) over whether its Christian-focused curriculum violates state requirements for public schools.
Riverstone Academy opened this fall, billing itself as Colorado's first public Christian school. The school promises a "Christian foundation" alongside academics, hands-on learning and classical values.
However, the state is warning that this type of curriculum could prevent the school from receiving public funding.
State questions school's sectarian nature
In a letter to District 49 and Education ReEnvisioned BOCES, CDE says Riverstone Academy is not meeting public school requirements, stating the school is "not operating in a nonsectarian nature."
You can read the letter below or by clicking here:
Nonsectarian means not involving or related to a specific religious sect or political group.
The letter went to District 49, but the district tells News5 it is not a D49 school and doesn't authorize Riverstone Academy. Education ReEnvisioned (ERBOCES) does. The group authorizes and supports schools and programs across the state.
District 49 partners with ERBOCES but does not manage it.
Colorado Secretary of State filings show this BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) was incorporated in 2013 by Yuma School District 1 and then-called Falcon School District 49, with Falcon School District listed as the registered agent. At the time, the BOCES was called Colorado Digital BOCES. The registered agent changed to Colorado Digital BOCES in 2016 and the name of the BOCES changed to Education reEnvisioned BOCES in 2018.
Ken Witt, Executive Director ERBOCES, says the curriculum the school offers is their choice.
"They can choose their own curriculum as long as it meets Colorado academic standards. We ensure that our schools are conforming to Colorado requirements," said Witt.
Religious curriculum materials under scrutiny
The state says Riverstone's curriculum, according to the school's website, includes Masterbooks and Berean Builders, which they describe as "sectarian in nature."
"Yes, they use curriculum that has a religious framework. Some courses do, some do not. Berean Builders, I believe, is one of them, and Masterbooks is another," said Witt.
The issue is that public schools are generally required to be nonsectarian, according to CDE. But Witt argues denying Riverstone funding because its curriculum would violate federal protections.
"We're confident that the U.S. Constitution and federal law prohibit discrimination based on religion, and so, we're not going to discriminate based on religion," said Witt.
School board divided on church-state separation
At a District 49 school board meeting earlier in October, Witt made a presentation to the board about ERBOCES, and highlighted Riverstone Academy in his presentation.
Board Treasurer Mike Heil questioned whether the school's model crosses the line between church and state.
"Eroding that separation of church and state is very concerning for us to be a partner in that. It does not sit well with me," said Heil.
But Board President Lori Thompson had a different view.
"Separation of church and state is not contained in the U.S. Constitution," said Thompson.
District reviewing state warning
When I reached out to the district, a spokesperson sent a statement reading in part the following:
"We've received the letter from CDE and will respond once we've completed our review."
In its letter, CDE warned that unless Riverstone Academy complies with state law, its students may not count for public funding.
"Any pupils that D49 submits for funding from Riverstone Academy would not be eligible for funding," the letter states.
When I asked Witt what happens if that funding is denied, he said, "We'll cross those bridges when they come."
CDE says it's giving both District 49 and ERBOCES a chance to respond before making any further statements.
For now, the future of Riverstone Academy and whether public money can support a school with a Christian foundation remains under review.
Colorado's 'first public Christian school' faces funding warning over curriculum
Colorado's first public Christian school faces potential funding loss as state questions whether religious curriculum violates public school requirements.
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