History

The vision to establish a school grounded in the Core Knowledge curriculum and enriched by foreign language instruction originated with a dedicated group of parents. United by a shared commitment to academic excellence and a content-rich educational philosophy, these founders worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. Their determination culminated in the approval of a charter application, paving the way for the creation of Parker Core Knowledge Charter School.

With the charter secured, efforts quickly turned to locating and preparing a suitable facility in time for the 1994–1995 school year. On September 6, 1994, Parker Core Knowledge Charter School officially opened its doors to 164 students. The founding staff included nine teachers, a tutor, three educational assistants, a school secretary, a principal, and a nine-member governing board.

Today, PCK has grown into a thriving educational community serving over 700 students. The instructional team includes 28 classroom teachers, 12 integrated learning teachers, six resource teachers, and a range of dedicated support staff who serve in classrooms, the Learning Lab, and the front office. The school is led by a Director, two Academic Directors, a Preschool Director, and a ten-member Board of Directors. In addition to these leadership bodies, several volunteer organizations play an essential role in supporting the school’s mission, including the PCK Foundation, Parent Teacher Organization, and School Accountability Committee, all of which contribute meaningfully to the school’s continued success and sense of community.

What began as a grassroots initiative rooted in a rigorous curriculum and strong parental involvement has matured into one of the highest-performing schools in not just Douglas County, but the state of Colorado. PCK students consistently rank among the top on standardized assessments, reflecting the school’s continued focus on academic achievement and student development.

The success of PCK is the result of a true partnership among educators, students, and families. Today, the school remains deeply committed to providing a dynamic and challenging educational environment that cultivates the skills, talents, and potential of every student.

There are a lot of exciting things happening at PCK!

Enjoy this short video created in celebration of PCK’s 30th Anniversary Gala. Our students reflected on the past by imagining what PCK was like 30 years ago, envisioned its future 30 years from now, and shared thoughtful advice for future generations of PCK students.