High test scores for 'No politics' school in blue state despite battle to open.

The first charter school in Colorado has outperformed other local schools on state tests, and the parents and teachers who fought for its creation are celebrating.

"Marc Vieux, father of three Merit Academy students, told Planet Chronicle Digital that he believes classical education produces great test results without teaching to the test. He emphasized the importance of teaching students to love learning, stating that the tests will take care of themselves."

In 2021, Merit Academy was established by parents who were dissatisfied with pandemic-related school closures and perceived growing politicization in public schools.

The school, which emphasizes classical education and does not involve politics, faced opposition from the local teachers union and some community members when it opened in Woodland Park, a town of approximately 7,800 people in Teller County.

Vieux, whose children have been homeschooled, attended private school and are now in their second year of attending Merit, stated that the arrival of school choice caused a slight disturbance.

The school board of Woodland Park initially rejected Merit Academy's charter application due to budget concerns, insufficient facility plans for future years, difficulties in recruiting staff, and doubts about the academics of low-performing students.

In a January 2022 special meeting, four conservative candidates won seats on the nonpartisan board, clearing the way for Merit to become the district's first charter school.

The district's teachers union deemed the move "unethical and potentially illegal" because the agenda did not mention Merit Academy, according to NBC News. Despite a judge's order for the board to list future agenda items "truthfully and transparently," the outlet did not rule on the legality of the board's actions.

The school, which initially had around 100 students learning in church basements and a remodeled hardware store, has since grown and moved into half of a Woodland Park middle school, sharing the building with public school students.

One group of students, dressed in red, white, and blue uniforms, headed towards the Merit side of the building, where phone use is prohibited and students spend more time reading books than using computers.

The students, dressed in a variety of outfits such as jeans, flip-flops, sweatpants, and tank tops, turned to face the public side. Vieux viewed the two separate groups as a clear representation of the importance of school choice, which links tax funds to individual students rather than specific schools.

"We have opted for the path that we believe is best for our children as a family," he stated. "A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't always work."

Merit Academy, which took over the former public school building, welcomed nearly 500 students in grades K-11 this year, with plans to expand again next year to have their first graduating 12th grade class.

The new 2024 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) scores reveal that Merit Academy ranks in the top 21% statewide, surpassing Woodland Park and other nearby school districts.

In comparison to the state average, a higher percentage of Merit students met or exceeded the standards in English and language arts (64.1% vs 44.1%) and in math (43.6% vs 34.2%).

"While test scores are not the only indicator of growth, examining them can show the progress we're aiming for," Priest stated.

The curriculum at Merit Academy places a strong emphasis on subjects such as science, math, history, literature, and the arts, while also promoting patriotism and five core values: valor, goodness, perseverance, responsibility, and friendship.

For university-bound students, there are AP classes and college credit opportunities. For those looking to graduate career-ready, there are trade certificates available. Additionally, there is a Civil Air Patrol squadron that is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force for those interested in the military or aviation sciences.

What Merit doesn't offer is political indoctrination, according to supporters.

"Our role as educators is to teach the curriculum," Priest stated when questioned about the school's "no politics" policy. "As a math teacher, I focus on teaching math."

Lately, there has been a surge in support for school choice, particularly following the closure of many public schools to in-person instruction due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This spring, EdChoice reported that 11 states have nearly universal school choice.

In November, Colorado voters will determine whether to safeguard families' right to school choice in the state constitution. The state board of education, comprising conservative-leaning members, has voiced opposition to the initiative, contending it would pave the way for a voucher program in private schools.

While some pundits view "no politics" as a conservative dog whistle, Vieux disagrees.

""Perhaps one of the benefits of good schooling is that you learn to develop a set of values and critical thinking skills that enable you to engage in the political process as an adult, regardless of your political leanings," he said."

The success of Merit Academy, where the priest has been teaching for six years after leaving traditional public schools, is attributed by the priest to the students and parents.

"Our parents have chosen classical education for their students," she said. "They are very supportive of what happens here at school and of their children's education."