What STEM School Highlands Ranch does

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a tuition-free public charter school located at 8773 S Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado, serving approximately 1,500 K-12 students under authorization of the Douglas County School District. Founded in 2011 as a middle school program and expanded to a full K-12 offering by 2016, the school is operated within the KOSON Schools nonprofit network and differentiates on a proprietary five-step Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology that integrates STEM thinking across all subjects rather than treating STEM as a standalone track. The core product surface comprises three academic programs (Elementary K-5, Middle School 6-8, High School 9-12) layered with a STEM+ extracurricular umbrella of 60+ clubs, athletics, fine arts, FIRST Robotics Team Impulse #4418, and concurrent enrollment / P-TECH college-credit pathways with Metro State University.

The school runs on standard K-12 SaaS infrastructure — Canvas LMS for grades 6-12, Infinite Campus SIS, Google Workspace with student email at s.stemk12.org, Chromebooks/laptops issued in grades 1-7, Smore for the STEM Spotlight newsletter, PikMyKid for dismissal, MySchoolBucks for fee collection, SmartCare for secondary after-school care, i-Ready for diagnostics, and Raptor/Evolve for campus security screening. Curriculum partners include Benchmark Education for elementary literacy, Savvas enVision Mathematics for K-5 math, and ARGO Translation Services for multilingual family communications.

The business model is nonprofit public-charter funding: core revenue derives from Colorado per-pupil allocations and DCSD authorizer funding on the 1,500+ enrolled students, supplemented by optional fee-based services (B.A.S.E. after-school care, athletics, locker/parking fees, summer camps, homeschool enrichment) and donations. The school does not disclose revenue figures and has no venture or PE ownership. A 2024-2028 Strategic Plan developed with Bellwether Consulting and the appointment of a Chief Innovation Officer (Matt Cartier) within the KOSON network signal organizational ambition to replicate and expand the STEM model across the Mountain West.

Name

STEM School Highlands Ranch

Legal name

STEM School Highlands Ranch

Website

https://stemk12.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a tuition-free public K-12 charter school in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, serving 1,500+ students with a proprietary Problem-Based Learning model, operated within the KOSON Schools nonprofit network under Douglas County School District authorization.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Charter School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter STEM/STEAM-Focused Schools (EDAJACAG)

Keywords

• K-12 STEM education
• Charter school programs
• Problem-based learning
• Project-based curriculum
• College preparatory education

Headquarters

HQ city

Highlands Ranch

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public School Funding: As a tuition-free public charter school, STEM School Highlands Ranch receives per-pupil funding from the Colorado Department of Education based on student enrollment. Additional funding comes from Douglas County School District as the authorizer. The school also accepts donations and may receive grant funding.
2. Fee-Based Services: Optional fee-based programs including athletic fees, yearbook purchases, field trip fees, and after-school care (B.A.S.E. Program, SmartCare). Locker rental fee of $10/year and parking pass fee of $50 for high school students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

STEM School Highlands Ranch operates a tuition-free K-12 public charter school delivering Elementary (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12) programs unified by a Problem-Based Learning model that integrates STEM thinking across all subjects. It also provides supplemental services including the STEM+ extracurricular program (athletics, arts, 60+ clubs including FIRST Robotics), summer camps, homeschool enrichment, before/after school care (Spartan B.A.S.E. for K-5 and SmartCare-managed care for 6-12), and college pathway programs including Concurrent Enrollment, P-TECH with Metro State University, Advanced Placement courses, internships, and a capstone/competency graduation requirement.

Product overview

STEM School Highlands Ranch operates as a unified K-12 public charter school with a campus-based educational model. The school offers three core academic programs (Elementary K-5, Middle School 6-8, and High School 9-12) unified by a Problem-Based Learning approach. Beyond core academics, the school provides STEM+ as a comprehensive extracurricular umbrella covering athletics, fine arts, and 60+ enrichment clubs including robotics and FIRST competitions. Supporting programs include homeschool enrichment, summer camps, before/after school care (Spartan B.A.S.E. for K-5 and After School Care for 6-12), and college pathway programs (Concurrent Enrollment, P-TECH). All programs are delivered on-campus with technology integration including Canvas LMS, Infinite Campus SIS, and various communication platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STEM Elementary School (Grades K-5) K-5 educational program offering a strong academic foundation with emphasis on reading, writing, math, and STEM-based learning through Problem-Based Learning units; includes technology instruction with coding, design, and digital literacy taught by a licensed technology teacher.
• STEM Middle School (Grades 6-8) Middle school program with Problem-Based Learning curriculum, six computer science tracks (Computer Science I/II, Game Design, Python, Cybersecurity, Networking), theater and performance tracks, visual and performing arts, world language programs (Spanish, French), and accelerated math pathways including Algebra I by 8th grade; includes Access period twice weekly for mentorship and SEL.
• STEM High School (Grades 9-12) High school program with inquiry-based model rooted in Problem-Based Learning. Offers Advanced Placement courses, concurrent enrollment opportunities, P-TECH pathway, Metro State partnerships, internships, and capstone/competency graduation requirements.
• STEM+ Programs Comprehensive extracurricular program encompassing athletics, fine arts, and enrichment activities with 60+ clubs including BEST Robotics, Dungeons & Dragons, Girls Who Code, and FIRST Robotics Competition Team Impulse #4418. Includes sports, theater, music, student government, and leadership opportunities.
• Summer Camps STEM-focused summer camp programs offering enrichment activities during summer break for students.
• Homeschool Enrichment Program Program providing curriculum, FAQ, and enrollment/fees information for homeschool families seeking enrichment opportunities at STEM.
• Spartan B.A.S.E. Program Before and After School Care Program (licensed through State of Colorado Office of Early Childhood Education and run by Douglas County School District) providing care for K-5 students with qualified teacher supervision, homework time, and enrichment activities.
• Secondary After School Care (6-12) Supervised after school care for middle and high school students from 3-5:30 PM on school days, managed through SmartCare childcare platform; takes place in MS cafeteria with pickup at Athletic Entrance.
• Concurrent Enrollment & P-TECH Pathway College pathway programs allowing high school students to earn college credit through concurrent enrollment courses and P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) partnerships with Metro State University, including industry credential pathways in STEM fields.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% Graduation and College Acceptance Rate
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM School Highlands Ranch partners with FIRST through Team Impulse #4418, a FIRST Robotics Competition team. Students gain hands-on experience in robotics design, fabrication, and programming, mentored by industry professionals. The program emphasizes gracious professionalism, safety, and creativity. The school provides state-of-the-art engineering labs with 3D printers, laser engraver, CNC milling table, and vertical mill.
• Bellwether ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBellwether Consulting, a nonprofit organization, collaborated with Chief Innovation Officer Matt Cartier and Executive Director LynAnn Kovalesky to develop the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Bellwether works with education leaders to accelerate impact and drive innovation.
• Metro State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for P-TECH pathway and Metro State concurrent enrollment programs, allowing high school students to earn college credit and pathway credentials toward careers in technology and STEM fields.
• P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerP-TECH partnership provides a 6-year pathway where students earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, and relevant industry credentials in STEM fields, with direct pathway to workforce.
• Douglas County School District (DCSD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDCSD is the authorizer of STEM's charter and provides operational support including Infinite Campus student information system, nutrition services, and before/after school care (B.A.S.E. Program). STEM follows DCSD's open enrollment timeline but maintains independent enrollment processes.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• STRIVE Prep: STRIVE Prep is a Denver-area charter school network serving grades K-12 with college-prep focus. Comparable as a Colorado charter serving similar demographics and competing in the same Denver-metro choice/enrollment ecosystem as STEM Highlands Ranch.
• Rocky Mountain Prep: Rocky Mountain Prep is a Denver-area charter network serving grades K-12 with strong academic outcomes. Comparable as a Colorado charter competitor in the same enrollment geography with similar college-prep value proposition.
• Valor Christian High School: Valor Christian is a Highlands Ranch-based private Christian school serving grades 9-12. Comparable as a Highlands Ranch competitor for high-achieving college-prep families, though charging tuition versus STEM's tuition-free model.
• KIPP Colorado Public Schools: KIPP Colorado operates charter schools in the Denver metro serving grades K-12. Comparable as a nonprofit charter network competing for the same Douglas County and Denver families seeking alternative public school options.

Direct peers

• BASIS Charter Schools: BASIS is a nationally recognized STEM-focused charter network with a Colorado presence. Directly comparable through STEM-centered curriculum, accelerated pathways, and college-prep outcomes; competes for the same high-achieving STEM-oriented families.
• Great Hearts Academies: Great Hearts operates classical, liberal-arts charter schools including a Highlands Ranch campus. Comparable as a charter school directly competing for Highlands Ranch families, though anchored in classical curriculum versus STEM focus.
• DSST Public Schools: DSST operates one of Colorado's largest STEM-focused charter networks across the Denver metro, serving grades 6-12 with a college-prep mission. Directly comparable as a STEM charter in the same Colorado market, competing for the same Douglas County/Denver families.

Broad incumbents

• KOSON Schools: KOSON is the parent nonprofit network operating STEM Highlands Ranch and pursuing replication. Comparable as the management entity and broader network through which STEM's expansion and strategic planning are executed.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@STEMNewsNetwork
• Facebookfacebook.com/STEMSchoolHighlandsRanch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/stem-school-highlands-ranch
• Instagraminstagram.com/stemschoolhighlandsranch
• Xx.com/stemschoolhr

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about STEM School Highlands Ranch