• There are two charter schools in the district, Legacy Academy and Independence Classical Academy (opening August 2025). The Elizabeth School District website does not contain information or news pertaining to these two schools.

    What is a charter school?

    A charter school is a tuition-free public school operated by an independent board of directors that may be composed of parents, teachers and community members. A charter school is a school of choice within the school district, operating under a contract or "charter" between the board of the charter school community and the ESD Board of Education.

    The "charter," as defined in the Charter Schools Act (Sections 22-30.5-101et. seq. C.R.S.), spells out the school's mission and vision, academic goals, performance standards, educational design, governance and operations. Charter schools generally operate free from many of the regulatory requirements applicable to other public schools; however, charter schools operate under the charter philosophy of "autonomy in exchange for accountability." School-centered governance, autonomy, and a clear design for how and what students will learn are the essential characteristics of a charter school. Charter school students are still required to take all state-mandated standardized tests, just like all other public school students. In addition, charter schools must provide the appropriate levels of services to students with special needs, English language learners, gifted and talented students, and all other students admitted to the charter school.