Success Stories

Imagine a school staff singing and dancing, all rocking out to the music.  Imagine a day at the museaum with fine art and bright minds. Finally, imagine the smiles of the young students participating in various educational experiences that provide new and exciting ways to learn, doesn't it sound exciting?  Students at Pikes Peak Prep share many success stories.  The school's staff provides different activities that the students may partake in to make school less stressful, and more fun.  By visiting our success stories link, one can see the many activities and events that have taken place at Pikes Peak Prep throughout the years.  It is a great way to learn more about the school's students and staff, while taking pride in all of the successful stories happening in the Pikes Peak area.

Science, Education, and Music... Ms. Duran our Secondary Science Teacher!

Marlene Duran has been teaching for 9 years. She has been teaching Secondary Science at Pikes Peak Prep since 2008. She also has experience in the elementary classroom as a 5th grade teacher. She graduated from McPherson College with a B.S. degree in Biology. Despite her intention to pursue a degree in music, she quickly became interested in and starting running the Chemistry labs on campus. It was during that time that she found an interest in research. Upon graduation, she entered the University of Southern Colorado where she pursued her graduate coursework in Applied Natural Science with a focus on Biochemistry (MS-ANS). She served as a graduate research associate and during her tenure was a presenter at the MBRS-MARC Symposium in Nashville, TN and the FASEB Convention in Atlanta, GA as well as authored an abstract entitled, “The Biosynthesis of heme a in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” After many years in the research field, Ms. Duran began to consider a career in teaching. She received her teaching credentials from Western State College. As a teacher, she has had the opportunity to serve on many district assessment committees and was appointed to the Superintendant’s Leadership Committee in Harrison School District. Ms. Duran strives to uphold students to high academic standards and hopes to instill her love of science into her students as well as provide them with a well-developed knowledge of the three areas of science- Life, Physical, and Earth. She currently sponsors the Science Club at Pikes Peak Prep where the main focus is career exploration in the fields of science. Her philosophy and passion about science and education can be summed up in one quote- “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ms. Duran continues her passion for music as a clarinetist.

Learn more about Ms. Studebaker!!

Stephanie Studebaker graduated from high school with the idea that she would go to college and take as many differing classes as possible, trying many paths to discover which one best suited. The same night she graduated was the same night her parents drove across the southwest all night long with her and everything she owned in a van to her first job: a job for the utility branch of the summer program, on campus of the college she would attend that fall: Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

Her entire four years in undergraduate school was spent working two and three jobs at a time while taking a full load of classes, for the various seasonal jobs in the area like the ski area and the local Durango and Silverton Railroad. Just after her graduation, she received the opportunity to work in several capacities at Mesa Verde National Park.

She then came to Colorado Springs where she nearly joined the Navy to fly helicopters, but instead decided to get a job as a teaching assistant at a private Montessori School...and the rest is history. She has taught Spanish in a public charter school of 600 students from K to 8th grade, PreK to 3rd in prestigious local private schools, both Montessori and 4-Mat Philosophy driven, and currently teaches for Pikes Peak Prep of the GEO Foundation.

Music Teacher: Mr. Thomas Willmann

For the past 5 years Mr. Thomas Willmann has been teaching in Colorado, one year in Fort Collins and 4 years in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak Prep. He taught in Indianapolis for 6 months at the Sycamore School (for Gifted and Talented) for a colleague of his on maternity leave.

Thomas Willmann grew up in St. Louis Missouri and graduated from Kirkwood High School in 2001. He studied music in Band, Choir, Jazz, and Music Theory throughout as well as participating in Orchestra and Acting. He was in St. Louis Wind Ensemble, All-Suburban band and did the All-State Solo and Ensemble several years.

After High School Thomas attended Butler University and received his Bachelor of Music Education from the Jordan College of Fine Arts. His principle instrument is the Tromboen under the tutelage of Jared Rodin of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. During his time playing with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble Thomas traveled to perform in St. Petersburg Russia. He was a volunteer trombonist for the CSU youth symphony in Fort Collins.

Thomas’ experience includes Expeditionary/Outward Bound, Gifted and Talented, K-12 in both public and private/charter schools, directing stage plays, teaching Rock climbing, and coaching M.S. basketball. He is an Eagle scout through the Boy Scouts of America.

Back-to-School Updates

The "back-to-school" rush is approaching as we prepare to enter the 2011-2012 Academic School Year.  The teachers at Pikes Peak Prep are preparing to provide another year full of lesson plans designed to integrate necessary skills and knowledge that our students need in order to be successful in school. Parents are always encouraged to visit our link: Parents Information Center.  It provides answers for many questions.  Once again we look forward to another promising school year at Pikes Peak Prep! 

Visit Our Home Page

Are you wondering what takes place at Pikes Peak Prep?  So many things are taking place to make the experience at our unique charter school memorable. Our goal is to make quality education a reality for our community's children.  We are managed by the GEO Foundation, and have provided numerous opportunities for our children to develop and learn. Our website includes success stories that show our dedication to making education a quality source of development.  Ultimately, our home page is full of interesting facts and information that will serve as a guide to learning more about Pikes Peak Prep.

Mr. Vorster, 3rd Grade Teacher

The third grade teacher at Pikes Peak Prep, Tony Vorster grew up outside of Sacramento, California. He studied biology at UCLA. Mr. Vorster has previous experience in wildlife biology and teaching. In his spare time, this third grade teacher enjoys playing basketball and mountaineering, which both support good health and physical activity!Mr. Vorster is rooted in the belief that all students can achieve.

Pikes Peak Prep

We not only have our blog, but we have a Twitter and Facebook page that is updated with the latest Pikes Peak Prep news! Visit our Twitter and our Facebook page. Also, learn more about PPP on the website and explore the following items:

• Student Benefits
• About Charter Schools
• Success Stories
• Email Teacher Staff
• Support Us
• ... And many more!

Katherine Kellman, Special Education Coordinator

Katherine Kellman graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kenyon College in May 2010. She majored in Sociology, won the Jane Addams award in Sociology, and received the highest honors on her senior thesis entitled: “An Exploration of Social Capital and Social Networking Resources through the Post College Job Search Process.” Throughout her college career Katherine was a member of a student run health education program. In her senior year she was elected leader of this program. Additionally, she was both a teacher’s aid at the local elementary school, assisting the 2nd grade teacher, and a weekly tutor at the Mount Vernon Juvenile Probation Center. In her junior year Katherine spent a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina studying Spanish, Argentine politics and culture, and human rights. Previously she has interned at the California Women’s Law Center in Los Angeles, and WITNESS, a non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, NY that partners with human rights organizations around the world incorporating the power of video into their existing campaigns and advancing human rights causes around the world. It is her pleasure to be the Special Education Coordinator at Pikes Peak Prep.

Learning More about our Sixth Grade Teacher

Hi! My name is Brittany Baerenwald and I’m the sixth grade teacher at Pikes Peaks Prep. I grew up in Minnesota where I graduated magna cum laude from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota with a double major in Elementary Education and Spanish. Some of my highlights in college include organizing and participating in mission trips through a campus organization called Justice Journeys, acclimating new freshmen students to college life as a freshmen orientation leader and volunteer, and studying abroad in Spanish for a semester to further improve my Spanish.

After graduation, I spent the summer in Phoenix, Arizona teaching summer school before starting to teach at Pikes Peak Prep. While this is only my first year teaching, I have had previous experience educating children through student teaching, working as nanny, working at summer camps, and working as an aid to children with disabilities. Through my previous experience with children and this year of teaching, I have developed a teaching philosophy which influences my actions and mindsets in the classroom. My teaching philosophy is “All children have the right and the ability to learn.” I believe that all children can learn and have a right to a quality education no matter their background, socioeconomic status or reputation.
-Brittany Baerenwald

Janet Nace, PPP Middle College Program Coordinator

Janet Nace was born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated with an undergraduate degree in Communication from Penn State University. She was hired by General Electric as a Marketing Communications writer, a position she held until she joined the US Army in 1989 where she served as a Russian Linguist. Nace moved to Tennessee in 2000 and began her career in teaching at Fort Campbell High School as a German language instructor. In 2003, Nace moved with her family to Washington, DC where she attended American University and earned a Masters Degree in Teaching, Secondary English and taught language arts at Hardy Middle School. Nace then moved to Prague, Czech Republic where she taught English as a Foreign Language to Czech soldiers and representatives of the Ministry of Defense. In 2005, Nace moved to Colorado Springs where she took an adjunct position at Pikes Peak Community College teaching reading, composition, and study skills. She joined the staff of Pikes Peak Prep teaching English language arts in 2006. In 2008 Nace took over the responsibility of coordinating the Pikes Peak Prep Middle College Program, which currently serves seven concurrently enrolled students.

Tracy Kimball is originally from Chicopee, Massachusetts and graduated from Smith College with a Bachelor’s in American Studies. While still in college, she co-curated an exhibit about African American activism in Washington, D.C. for the National Museum of American History, at the Smithsonian. Tracy began her career in education in 2006, working for LeadAmerica, an organization that hosts youth leadership conferences. She wrote the curriculum for high school and middle school students, focusing on the topics of politics, leadership, and national security. While working at LeadAmerica, she shared her passion for traveling with students when she took a group of 65 high schoolers on a month-long trip across Europe. The group traveled across England, France, Switzerland and Germany.

In 2010, Tracy joined Teach for America and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to teach 5th grade at Pikes Peak Prep. She is currently working toward her Masters in Urban Leadership and Curriculum Development at the University of Colorado, Denver.

PPP School Counselor: Kristin Jaramillo

I was born and raised in Leadville, CO and moved to Colorado Springs at 18 years old to attend the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. After receiving my degree in 2005, I worked as a child care counselor at The Griffith Center for Children, a residential treatment center, in Larkspur, CO. After two years I decided to return to school and pursue a career in school counseling. I attended the University of Phoenix and received my Master of Science in School Counseling/Counseling in 2009. This is my second year as a school counselor and I love working with our students and watching their amazing triumphs!

I have a passion for athletics and believe sports can bring so much to a students’ overall well being. I love exploring the outdoors during the warm months and reading during the cold ones! My husband and I have a wonderful 6 year old daughter and added an amazing dog to our family this summer.

I believe every child has the ability to succeed and life is what you make it!

Ms. Cross, a PPP Art Teacher!

Lisa Cross was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1978 and moved to Colorado as a child. She was a pastry chef for many years before deciding to go back to school and pursue her dream to study art. Cross received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2010. The 2010-2011 school year is her first year teaching. She was awarded the Janell Harris Scholarship in 2009 and named the Outstanding Visual Art Student of the Year in 2010. Mrs. Cross has a deep passion for the arts and believes that creativity is essential to life long learning. Mrs. Cross loves the delightful experience of discovery and childhood wonder. She strives to incite imagination and curiosity through interaction through art work.

What to Read This Summer

Ms. Joseph- A Life-long Learner

I am Halley Cohen Joseph, a life-long learner. I have been an educator for over 15 years. I did not choose to teach, education chose me; I am merely fulfilling my purpose. I began my journey in New Hampshire at the University of New Hampshire where I was selected to join the professional team of the National Child Research Center in Washington, D.C. (NCRC) in 1998 as they were expanding their Special Education program. After several years, the journey continued to Atlanta, GA. where I taught in the inner city schools and continued my education in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. Five years, I moved to Colorado Springs, where I taught in a “middle class” school. After four years, I had to make a change as I was not fulfilling my obligation to meet the needs of at-risk students. Six years ago, I had been given an incredible opportunity to join the team of 21st Century Charter School @ Colorado Springs, now Pikes Peak Prep. Currently, I am the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving your students!

Learn More About Ms. Duran

Marlene Duran has been teaching for 9 years. She has been teaching Secondary Science at Pikes Peak Prep since 2008. She also has experience in the elementary classroom as a 5th grade teacher. She graduated from McPherson College with a B.S. degree in Biology. Despite her intention to pursue a degree in music, she quickly became interested in and starting running the Chemistry labs on campus. It was during that time that she found an interest in research. Upon graduation, she entered the University of Southern Colorado where she pursued her graduate coursework in Applied Natural Science with a focus on Biochemistry (MS-ANS). She served as a graduate research associate and during her tenure was a presenter at the MBRS-MARC Symposium in Nashville, TN and the FASEB Convention in Atlanta, GA as well as authored an abstract entitled, “The Biosynthesis of heme a in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” After many years in the research field, Ms. Duran began to consider a career in teaching. She received her teaching credentials from Western State College. As a teacher, she has had the opportunity to serve on many district assessment committees and was appointed to the Superintendant’s Leadership Committee in Harrison School District. Ms. Duran strives to uphold students to high academic standards and hopes to instill her love of science into her students as well as provide them with a well-developed knowledge of the three areas of science- Life, Physical, and Earth. She currently sponsors the Science Club at Pikes Peak Prep where the main focus is career exploration in the fields of science. Her philosophy and passion about science and education can be summed up in one quote- “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pikes Peak Prep End of Year Awards

Pikes Peak Prep held their end of year awards ceremony with more than two hundred awards handed out to students that demonstrated Academic Excellence, Most Improved, Good Citizenship and Perfect Attendance.

At Pikes Peak Prep students must demonstrate an 80% mastery of their work before moving on to new material.  This semester 20 students earned placement on honor roll and another six students hard work placed them on high honor roll.

It is a proven fact that attendance is a major contributor to good grades.  Pikes Peak Prep had 33 students with perfect attendance.  

Ms. Duran, science teacher, presented a special award to an individual student that demonstrated a passion for science. This year that award was presented to 8th grader, Madison Lucas.

This was the first year that the school recognized a parent for the valuable volunteer contributions. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Cyndi Chappell for her dedication and committment to Pikes Peak Prep.  Over the past few years Cyndi has worked as President of the PTO and has donated countless hours to events, fundraising and committee meetings.  Thank you Cyndi for all your hard work.

Pikes Peak Prep Class of 2023

I was moved as I watched our kindergarten class graduate in their little white and light blue graduation cap and gowns. It made me think back to when my son was that small and how this was just one of the first momentous occasions of many. The students were so excited to receive their diploma, but had to wait as they performed the “We are Counting Kindergarten” and “The Problem Solving Rap”. Commencement of the students was conducted by the principal of Pikes Peak Prep, Dr. Arnold and the kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sherman.

There was a lot of emotion from Ms. Sherman as she gave her closing and said goodbye to these students. Ms. Sherman and Ms. Trox, classroom aid, worked extremely hard to make certain they students were ready for their next step. These students were reading and writing. The event concluded with a pizza party in the classroom.

Let me introduce you to the Class of 2023 and welcome them all to First Grade.

A day of fun for the entire school

Field day at Pikes Peak Prep was a day of sports, music and magic with an ice cream treat to enhance the experience. Kindergarten - sixth grade students started the day by participating in long jump, tug-a-war, 50-yard dash, sack races, and other fun outdoor activities. All the kids were ready for a cool ice cream treat that was served by the PTO. The junior and high school students enjoyed a competitive game of softball. Even Spanish teacher, Ms. Carlson swung the bat to get on base. All the classes had fun at the magic show and finished their day with some dancing to the Mariachi Band.

PPP Staff Sings and Dances

The student body recently selected three staff members to compete in the first annual Pikes Peak Prep karaoke contest on Tuesday, June 28. Songs were voted on by the students for each of the staff finalists to perform. Ms. Lindsay Carlson, Spanish teacher, was given the honor to perform “Hips Don’t LIe” by Shakira. In front of a packed house, Ms. Carlson swung her hips with a hula hoop while tossing glitter into the crowd. Next, Mr. Tony Vorster, third grade teacher, sang “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. And lastly, Mr. Andrew Pompelia performed “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. The crowd roared with laughter while Mr. Pompelia danced and moved like never seen before. I think Beyonce would have been proud. The judges, which consisted of music teacher Mr. Willmann and student council representatives Jaydi Starling and Katie Hartleben, selected Mr. Pompelia as the winner and all three staff members sang the final song “Barbie Girl” by Aqua. This was so much fun that we may need to do this again in the fall.

D'Metria Thornburg, a PPP Student Story

My name is D’Metria Thornburg, and I am a junior at Pikes Peak Prep. When I first came to PPP I was a shy shophmore, from a small school. The school I transfered from had 30 students from kindergarten to nineth grade, which was reason why I was scared to enter PPP. Eventually, the shyness and fear subsided and I met amazing teacher and made great friends. At my previous school I had only one teacher for all subjects and her teaching style did not fit my needs and upon arrival to PPP I felt behind. I was about a year behind for my age it seemed, and I had struggles while catching up, but when I did it felt great! More importantly though, I felt smart for the very first time in my life. The reassurance from my teachers telling me that I was a bright student and that the potential they saw in me was extrodinary really helped in times of discouragement. Since last year I haven’t had a grade drop below and 80%, though I had trouble in math I recieved the guidance I needed and am excelling now. When I think about my education I think about this, you could be the best architect in the world but if you don’t have the tools you’ll never be able to build a house. I know that PPP is providing me with the tools I need for a successful future! If you or your child is like me and just needs a push in the right direction, this school is perfect for you!

Student Perspective: Eileen Alvarez

I can’t say I’ve never thought about my future. Actually, if I was being completely honest, it’s always on my mind, like a puppet master pulling strings influencing my every action. I guess it makes sense for my brain to be hardwired that way since I’d decided before I was five that I’d wanted to become a pediatrician. My every decision has pretty much been aimed toward that goal. I knew what I wanted so when I heard that Pikes Peak Prep had a middle college program I was thrilled. How great it would be if I had gotten into college as merely a sophomore! I became determined. Finally, I’d gotten the news I’d only ever dreamed of. Ms. Nace crowed proudly the accomplishment of my acceptance. I was going to be attending Pikes Peak Community College with the other middle college students. I’d worked my tail off and the teachers were forever offering their generous encouragement. They treated us with respect and dignity.

Responsibility was thrust upon the student body the day we received Ipads. Things were changing and the teachers’ positive outlook grew on each of us. They told us how we would be able to do so much more; how our lives would be easier, brighter, more fun, and things were looking up. Our current events, our work, some of our labs, even the internet would be at the tips of our fingers; Facebook and other social things were blocked of course. Those were just a blip on out windshields though. How much cooler could it get?! Things were easier, but that didn’t hinder us from hands on. Quite the contrary, it required us to do more. We were finally getting what we so fervently hoped for. Our futures were that much brighter.
-Eileen Alvarez

Student Story: Jonathan Soules

My experience at Pikes Peak Prep has been a great learning experience. The education, with the opportunity to take college courses, and teachers are amazing. The teachers are much different than teachers at other schools. Unlike other schools where the teachers are uninvolved and don’t care what grades you get. Here the teachers will give you one on one time to make sure that you understand what they are teaching. They will give you suggestions on how to keep or get your grades up.

The teachers will go above and beyond with your education. Unlike other schools where they teach you to a certain level, here they teach high school students college level Math and English. This school’s curriculum is not like other schools which their lowest is a D, here the minimum grade requirements is a B. It’s a very high standard compared to others. The thing I really love about this school is the opportunity to take college courses. This is the main reason the teachers teach at such at a high level, to get the kids ready for what college is about. You take college courses in high schools starting at ninth grade.

What I didn’t mention is that we get to use iPads at our school and we are the only school in the country that gets to use them. With the iPads we use them in every class to help expand our learning to make it a more enjoyable experience. We get our own personal iPads and we get to customize what the screen looks like. Only high school students get to use them but soon, maybe even middle school students will get to use them. Getting to use an iPad is a huge privilege at our school.

When I first started going to PPP I thought that it was a regular charter school, but it’s different in many ways. So Pikes Peak Prep is one of the greatest learning environments out there in the world; don’t pass up an opportunity like this.

Student: Jonathan Soules Grade: 10     

Dave Feamster visits PPP

Dave Feamster recently shared his philosophies about success with students at Pikes Peak Prep. Dave is a retired American ice hockey player who played for the Chicago Black Hawks. He was picked in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft after coming through Colorado College and made his debut in 1982. He retired in 1985 and currently owns seven Little Caesars pizzerias in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Growing up wasn't easy for a Dave who was a small kid from Detroit. Life could have turned out much differently for had he not discovered his passion for skating when he did. This passion brought him serenity, which in turn gave him the ability to focus on his dream of going pro despite his smaller-than-average size.

"What is your passion?" Feamster asked the members of the audience. He Refers to the interviews on CNN's "Larry King Live" show with the CEO of the Ford Motor Company helped him identify the three key ingredients that are critical to success in any endeavor.

1.) Ability to focus. If you can't focus on the problem, an employer will hire someone who can. Your heart is the game changer and your desire to work will get you to the next level. It's important to step out of your comfort zone and take risks.

2.) Self-Discipline is the ability to "do the right thing when no one is watching". The prisons are full of smart people who have made bad decisions. The highest form of correction is you correcting yourself. Feamster asked, "Do you want a high, an average, or a low grade?" It's your choice. You must give yourself the chance to stand out.

3.) Attitude is more than wanting to win, he stresses. It's believing you can, but being able to lose with dignity - and being humble enough to learn from losses, as well. If you don't have a good attitude the other two (focus and self-discipline) don't count. If you can't work with people, you won't be successful. Each of us can change the molecules in the room with our attitude. People either want you on their team or they don't.

Feamster emphasized "If you apply these traits to your dream, anything is possible."

Words of Wisdom from Nurse Nowland

Happy Summer!

The sun can be both beneficial and harmful, following the general rule of moderation is best. The sun provides for us Vitamin D, something our bodies cannot live without. Sunshine affects our hormones in positive ways, boosting our immune system and our moods! And, most of us have experienced what happens when we are out in the sun too much-SUNBURN, or even worse, heat stroke. Sunburns can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer, in fact, one of the most deadly kinds of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. So, let us take advantage of the sunshine but in moderation. The safest times to be in the sun are before 10:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. This is when the sun is the least intense. If you are in the sun between 10:00 and 3:00, wear sunscreen and/or cover up with a hat and light clothing. The following information is here to remind us all of several summer rules of sunscreen usage-thank goodness we have it!

Did you know?
Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage.
Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin.

Career Day: Success!!

Recently Pikes Peak Prep students got to spend the afternoon hearing about some interesting career options. There were a handful of speakers that provided the students with some great information.

Sarah Price from ENT Credit Union discussed jobs in banking and finance. Craig Rae from HHR Creative talked about being an art director / graphic designer and what opportunities are available in advertising, marketing and design. Kimberly Price, morning anchor for Fox 21, talked about the broadcast opportunities and how competitive that field has become. Next we heard from Melissa Lewis, USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).  John Githara, Station 7, Colorado Springs Fire Department talked about opportunities, the salary structure and the educational requirements available within the Fire Department. Cynthia Barrington, a local registered nurse used her puppets to illustrate the field of medicine. The last career presenter was Shannon Reed from the Gazette. Shannon has actually spent time at Pikes Peak Prep working with the cheerleaders.

After all presentations were complete students were given the opportunity to mingle and ask questions to all those who attended the event. This was Pikes Peak Prep’s first career day and it was definitely a success thanks to the hard work of Pikes Peak Prep’s Ms. April Pratt who organized the entire event.

June 2011 Eagle Viewer Newsletter

April 2011 Eagle Viewer Newsletter

Eagle Viewer Newspaper

Pikes Peak Prep is honoring the work of our student newspaper columnists! These students have been doing an outstanding job informing the Pikes Peak community about the charter school that aims for 100% educational success.

The newspaper contains great inside information that illustrates the appreciation that the students have for their charter school. The excitement for the Middle College Program that allows students to “start” college early is a must-know-about.

The newspaper editions mention how the technology at the school is significantly enabling these young minds to expand into technical realms that will tag along their professional careers in the upcoming years. Overall, the work that was produced by students is demonstrated in the well-written newspapers that recognize Pikes Peak Prep as an outstanding charter school.