(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs families have a new option for hands-on, community-connected education with Spruce Community School, District 11’s first project-based learning K-8 charter school.
The school, located at 808 Austin Bluffs Parkway, is set to open for the 2026-2027 school year, and enrollment is now open. Founder and Executive Director Loren Reynolds joined FOX21’s Krista Witiak to talk about the curriculum and what makes this school unique for families.
Reynolds, who dreamed of opening a school since age five, explained that project-based learning allows students to learn by doing, rather than just memorizing. “All of our work is connected to the community,” she said.
Students may tackle real-world projects, like designing and building a playground, where they learn math, science, reading, writing, and critical thinking while collaborating with local nonprofits. The school also hosts exhibitions, so the community can see students present their completed projects.
Spruce focuses on more than academics. The unique “Spruce tree” model helps students grow strong roots in social skills and whole-child development while extending branches through meaningful academic work. “Children should love learning and love going to school every day,” Reynolds said.
Spruce also hosts monthly Family Nights, where students and families engage in hands-on projects together–the next is Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the downtown YMCA at 207 North Nevada Avenue. The school is also hiring teachers and seeking community partners for student projects…