Across Colorado, the conversation around education is shifting. Parents and students are looking for schools that do more than prepare teens for graduation day. They want real choices, real skills, and a head start on what comes next. That search has led many families to Colorado Early Colleges, a network that has been quietly reshaping what high school can look like.
Colorado Early Colleges, known as CEC, opened its first campus in Colorado Springs in 2007. From the beginning, the vision was ambitious: make college-level learning available to every student, regardless of where they started academically. The idea was simple but powerful. If students could earn a college degree, an industry credential, or both while still in high school, they could step into adulthood with confidence and opportunity.
Over the years, this vision has grown into a network that now spans multiple campuses across the state. CEC offers middle schools, high schools, homeschool enrichment programs, online learning, and College Direct partnerships with more than a dozen higher education institutions. Its mission stays clear. CEC works to remove barriers that keep students from pursuing college and career pathways, making sure the doors stay open for everyone.
As CEC approaches its 20th year in October 2026, its story continues to evolve. The network remains focused on helping students find their place in the world and preparing them for what lies ahead.
A Model Built Around Students
CEC’s approach to academics looks different from a traditional school. Instead of following a single track, students are placed where they are ready to start learning and are guided from there. The model serves grades 6 through 12, giving students a chance to step into college-level work when they are prepared, not just when their age says they should.
At the middle school level, CEC builds a strong foundation. Students in grades 6 through 8 work through rigorous academics that prepare them for the challenge of high school and college. The focus is on developing study habits, critical thinking, and the confidence to take on more advanced coursework.
High school at CEC is where the model really shines. Students can earn an associate degree, industry-recognized certifications, or more than 60 transferable college credits by the time they graduate. For some, that means leaving high school with a diploma and a college degree in hand. For others, it means heading to a four-year university already well ahead of their peers, at no cost to student families.
For students who prefer a different setting, CEC offers College Direct, which allows them to take classes at local colleges while remaining enrolled with CEC. Families who homeschool have options too, with flexible enrichment programs that mix home-based learning with professional instruction. Career and Technical Education pathways round out the choices, giving students hands-on training in healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades.
What makes this all work is CEC’s commitment to meeting students where they are. Every student begins at their assessed academic level and has access to tutoring, bridge courses, and advisory support. This approach ensures that no one is left behind, no matter their starting point.
Opening Doors for Every Student
CEC offers a wide range of opportunities that prepare students for careers in STEM fields through hands-on, real-world experiences. Nearly all campuses offer robotics programs where students compete at high levels, with some teams placing in the top percentage of national and international competitions. Students also participate in innovative engineering challenges such as building Rube Goldberg machines, battery-powered race cars, and renewable energy projects using 3D printing technology. Many of our campuses have launched drone soccer clubs, drone courses leading to FAA certification, and aviation experiences in partnership with professional organizations and airshows. These engaging programs not only develop technical skills but also inspire students to explore career pathways in STEM from an early age.
Additionally, CEC’s hands-on learning approach emphasizes career readiness by offering industry-recognized certifications and project-based experiences. Students have earned credentials in areas like cybersecurity, programming, electronics, SolidWorks, welding, automotive systems, and more—many of which are aligned with professional standards and supported by community partners. Through coding clubs, computer science pathways, and participation in national competitions like CodeQuest, students gain practical skills in high-demand fields. Some campuses also offer college-level technology courses and certification pathways in cybersecurity, preparing students for credentials such as A+, Network+, and Security+. This comprehensive approach equips students with both the knowledge and the credentials needed to thrive in STEM careers after graduation.
A Message from Leadership
At the heart of CEC is a belief that students deserve more than a one-size-fits-all education. This vision is championed by Dr. Jill Gildea, the network’s CEO, who brings decades of experience in K–12 and higher education leadership. Under her guidance, CEC continues to grow while staying true to its mission of creating opportunity for every learner.
Dr. Gildea’s message to families is both clear and inspiring. “At Colorado Early Colleges, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a future of their choosing without barriers,” she says. “Whether that means earning a college degree, industry credential, or both, CEC is here to help students dream big, work hard, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.”
Her words reflect the spirit that runs through every CEC campus. It is a place where students are encouraged to set ambitious goals and are given the support to reach them.
Growing to Meet the Need
Colorado Early Colleges has seen steady growth since opening its first campus in 2007. Today, the network serves more than 4,000 students across eight campuses, including a fully online program that extends access to families statewide. The growth has been especially strong in Colorado’s urban and suburban regions, where the demand for early college opportunities continues to rise. As a public charter school network, all CEC programs are tuition-free and supported by regular education taxes.
CEC’s student body reflects the communities it serves. More than 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and nearly half identify as students of color. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, a fact that highlights CEC’s impact in creating pathways that may not have existed otherwise.
The numbers tell a story of access and ambition. Every year, more families choose CEC because it offers something both practical and transformative: the chance for students to graduate high school with college credits, degrees, and career skills that set them apart.
Meeting Students Where They Are
One of the hallmarks of Colorado Early Colleges is its focus on personalization. Each student receives an individualized academic and career pathway, designed in collaboration with advisors, teachers, and parents. This approach helps students see a clear connection between where they are now and where they want to go.
Support is built into the model. Tutoring and academic support centers are available on every campus. Students learning English receive language development services, and those who want to celebrate their backgrounds can participate in cultural programs and student clubs that reflect Colorado’s diversity.
CEC’s commitment goes beyond academics. The network works to honor each student’s cultural identity and learning style while maintaining high expectations. Whether a student is working below grade level or ready to take on advanced coursework, the goal is the same: make sure they are challenged, supported, and set up for success.
Life Beyond the Classroom
CEC believes that education should be more than textbooks and tests. Each campus offers a lively mix of clubs, activities, and events that let students explore interests and build connections with their peers.
Clubs range from debate and theater to robotics and cultural groups, giving students plenty of ways to get involved. Enrichment programs add another layer, with leadership workshops, STEM fairs, and service-learning projects that encourage students to grow beyond academics.
Community events are a highlight of the year. Families and students come together for cultural celebrations, career conferences, and student-led traditions such as homecoming, senior sunrise, and senior sunset. These moments give students the full high school experience while they work toward college-level goals.
Leadership That Keeps the Mission on Track
Behind Colorado Early Colleges’ success is a leadership structure designed to keep every campus aligned with its mission. The network operates under a Governing Board and a centralized executive team that works to ensure consistency, quality, and accountability across all campuses.
At the top, the Chief Executive Officer oversees the mission, vision, and compliance, making sure the organization stays focused on its purpose. Heads of School, Academic Deans, and Deans of Students/Campus Culture manage the day-to-day operations of their campuses, guiding both academics and student life.
Supporting them is the Executive Leadership Team, which provides expertise in educational services, operations, and finance. Their work keeps academics strong, budgets balanced, and campuses safe and well-resourced. This networked model allows CEC to grow while keeping its attention where it matters most: helping students succeed.
Building a Culture of Inclusion
CEC treats diversity and equity as essential parts of its mission. The network welcomes students through open-enrollment practices and then works to make sure every student has what they need to succeed.
Data plays an important role in this work. School leaders track where opportunity gaps exist and create interventions to close them. Student affinity groups and cultural celebrations bring voices from across the community into focus, allowing students to share who they are and see their identities valued on campus.
CEC also invests in its teachers and staff. Regular professional development helps them learn new strategies for inclusive classrooms and culturally responsive teaching. This steady effort creates schools where students are not just taught but truly seen, preparing them to step into a world that values many perspectives.
Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Success at CEC is built on more than strong academics. Each student has access to a network of services that guide them through high school and help them take their next steps with confidence.
Advisors work closely with students to create academic and career plans that reflect their goals. College and career counselors are available to talk through majors, certifications, and future opportunities. For students who need extra help, free tutoring and bridge courses are ready to keep them on track.
Mentorship is a central part of the experience. Faculty members and community partners share their knowledge and encouragement, helping students picture what their future might look like. Internship opportunities and local business connections give students a taste of the professional world before they graduate. Together, these supports create a safety net that helps students make a smooth transition into college or the workforce.
Looking Ahead
CEC continues to look toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. The network is focused on expanding career and technical education pathways so students can explore more industries and graduate with practical skills.
Online and hybrid learning options are another priority, giving families greater flexibility while keeping students connected to their academic goals. CEC is also working to deepen its partnerships with colleges and workforce leaders across Colorado, building stronger bridges between education and the careers that await students after graduation.
A key goal is to increase credential and degree attainment, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students. At the same time, CEC is exploring new ways to personalize learning and use technology, including AI-powered supports, to help students stay engaged and on track. These efforts reflect a simple idea: graduates should leave CEC ready for what comes next, with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to lead in a changing world.
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“We believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a future of their choosing without barriers.”
