Academic Overview
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a tuition-free public charter school offering a well-rounded education with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement in a supportive and innovative learning environment. At Banning, we foster connections across disciplines such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Science. Beyond these core subjects, our elementary students enjoy regular instruction in Technology, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Additionally, they benefit from an extended school day, providing 20-30 minutes of extra learning time compared to the district average.
Elementary School, K-5
Our interdisciplinary program instills in students a captivating conceptual understanding and chronological picture of history, as well as an awareness of the interrelationships between different domains of knowledge such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Science. In addition to these core subjects, our elementary students also receive regular instruction in Technology, Art, Music & PE. Our students additionally benefit from a longer school day, with 20-30 minutes more learning time than the district average.
Core Subjects
Daily instruction in:
- English Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Specials
Additional instruction in:
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Technology
Character Education
Since 2018 Banning Lewis Ranch has used Capturing Kids Hearts as our character education program.
Capturing Kids’ Hearts is an ongoing and immersive process to engage students academically and reduce behavioral distractions. The program is grounded in the belief that “if you have a child’s heart, you have their mind.” The program creates high-achieving centers of learning by strengthening students’ connectedness to others by establishing collaborative agreements of acceptable behavior. These “social contracts” are present in each Banning Lewis Ranch Academy classroom.
Special Education
At Banning Lewis Ranch Academy K-5 in Colorado Springs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Our Special Education program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities, providing individualized learning plans, specialized instruction, and a team of highly qualified educators and support staff. We focus on building strong partnerships with families to ensure that each child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. With research based resources and a commitment to celebrating every student’s unique potential, Banning Lewis Ranch Academy is where learning knows no limits.
Instructional Approach
Design
At Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that empowers every student to thrive. We offer guaranteed and viable curriculums, ensuring all students have access to high-quality, consistent instruction designed for success. Our classrooms implement the 7 Steps for a Language-Rich Environment, fostering meaningful communication and active engagement. Through the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, we guide students from teacher-led instruction to independent mastery. Data-informed instruction, supported by collaborative teacher Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), drives personalized learning strategies that meet the unique needs of each student. Additionally, we prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
Curriculum
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy is proud to offer a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum designed to inspire a love of learning and build strong foundational skills. For our youngest learners in grades K-2, we use SuperKids, a proven literacy program that integrates phonics, reading, and writing in an engaging and effective way. In grades 3-5, we transition to Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), a rigorous program that develops critical thinking, comprehension, and knowledge-building across a variety of subjects. Math instruction is guided by the Bridges curriculum for grades K-5, blending hands-on exploration and conceptual understanding with practical problem-solving skills. To enhance writing instruction, we implement ThinkSRSD across all K-5 grades, equipping students with strategies to organize their ideas, write with clarity, and express themselves confidently. Together, these programs provide a cohesive and enriching educational experience for every student.
Technology
At Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, each classroom is equipped with Education Technology used to individualize and accelerate student learning.
Beginning in Kindergarten, students have access to computers and other devices and are taught to use technology purposefully to produce and create content to showcase their learning.
Assessment
At Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, we are dedicated to supporting every student’s academic growth through the use of high-quality assessment tools that guide instruction and improve learning outcomes. For early literacy, we utilize DIBELS 8, a reliable and research-based assessment designed to identify foundational reading skills and provide timely support to help young learners succeed. To monitor progress and inform personalized instruction in reading and math, we employ STAR Renaissance, a comprehensive assessment system that delivers actionable insights into each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. These tools allow our educators to make data-driven decisions, ensuring that every student receives the targeted instruction they need to excel.
Teachers
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy is proud to employ highly qualified teachers who are passionate about education and dedicated to student success. Each member of our teaching staff brings expertise, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of our students. For educators entering the profession, we offer a robust induction program that provides comprehensive support, mentorship, and professional development. This program includes pathways for obtaining a professional teaching license, ensuring our educators are well-prepared to excel in the classroom. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, we empower our teachers to deliver exceptional instruction and create a positive impact on our school community.
Parents
At Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, we take immense pride in the parents of our students and are deeply grateful for their active involvement in both our school and the wider community. We believe that a strong partnership between families and educators is key to student success, and our parents exemplify this through their dedication and support. Whether volunteering at events, participating in school activities, or contributing to community initiatives, our parents play an integral role in creating a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. Their commitment not only strengthens our school but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging that benefits every student.
