Colorado Board of Education rejects STEM School High School relocation into LPS

September 17, 2026 - 00:03

The Colorado State Board of Education voted 6-3 to reject an appeal from KOSON Schools to relocate the high school portion of STEM School Highlands Ranch within the Littleton Public Schools district boundaries. The decision ends a lengthy dispute over where the charter school's high school students should attend classes.

KOSON Schools, which operates the STEM School, sought to move its high school program into facilities within the Littleton district. The charter network argued that the relocation would provide better access to resources and serve students more effectively. However, Littleton Public Schools opposed the move, citing concerns about capacity, funding impacts, and the district's existing obligations to its own students.

The state board's majority sided with the district, determining that the appeal did not meet the necessary criteria for approval. Board members who voted against the relocation pointed to the potential strain on Littleton schools and questioned whether the proposal aligned with state requirements for charter school expansions.

Supporters of the charter school expressed disappointment, saying the decision limits options for families seeking a specialized STEM-focused education. They noted that the school has operated successfully and that demand for its programs remains strong.

The vote marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over charter school growth and district boundaries in Colorado. For now, STEM School Highlands Ranch will continue operating its high school program at its current location, leaving families and administrators to plan for the upcoming school year under existing arrangements.