Mar 20, 2025 — Dan Abanian: East Hills Academy

Bulletin for March 20, 2025

Featured Speaker: Dan Abanian

Founding East Hills Academy — Charter Schools, Education Reform, and Closing the Gap in Colorado Springs

OPENING AND CLUB BUSINESS

Guest MJ Coons (financial background) was introduced. Upcoming events: meeting at Hotel Polaris on April 24th and the Rodeo from July 8–12. The Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for March 25th.

Marlene's Book Talk

Marlene will give a talk about her book. Copies are being circulated among interested members.

Cryptocurrency Security

Ned explained the benefits of cold wallets and the risks of leaving crypto purchases with brokers or exchange providers. Without proper storage, cryptocurrency is vulnerable to hackers — 'like the Wild West.'

KEYNOTE: DAN ABANIAN — EAST HILLS ACADEMY

Dan Abanian is in the process of founding East Hills Academy, drawing on 15 years of experience in various educational roles. He is a fellow in a two-year training program at the Legacy Institute, founded by Zach McComsey, inspired by a similar program in Boston.

The Educational Landscape in Colorado Springs

The Gazette ranked Colorado Springs schools based on student performance in math and English language arts. Top schools are concentrated in Districts 20 and 12. The lowest performing schools — primarily in East Colorado Springs — have only 10–15% of students at grade level, and performance in the bottom 10 schools declined from 2023 to 2024. One school is on a 5-year turnaround plan; another is on an improvement plan.

Why East Hills Academy?

The name East Hills Academy combines neighborhood names: East Lake, Eastboro, Hillside, Park Hill, and Knob Hill. The closing of Divine Redeemer School (a small Catholic school in the same area) adds urgency. The charter application was submitted by April 1, 2025.

The Educational Model

• Direct instruction and classical curriculum, based on visits to 20 schools across the country

• Core Knowledge curriculum with character education using the RISE acronym

• Small class sizes, ability groupings, and competitive teacher pay

• Busing, before/after school care, and summer school to eliminate access barriers

• Goal: a diverse student body mixing low-income and non-low-income students

Charter vs. Public Schools

Charter schools introduce accountability and competition that can improve public schools, but public schools remain essential. Funding follows the student (~$15,000/year per student). Charter schools often perform better academically, but size — not charter status — may be the key variable. Florida's example was noted: high school choice but 47th in SAT scores (though only 44% of students take the SAT).

"Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world."

— Isaac Asimov

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