BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Prospect Ridge Academy (PRA), a K-12 public charter school in Adams 12 Five Star Schools known for academic excellence and leadership development, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever endowment through the newly established Prospect Ridge Academy Foundation, which will house the endowment. The endowment is designed to enhance student opportunities and long-term stability, while complementing, not replacing, core educational funding.
This bold initiative marks a pivotal moment in the school’s history. The endowment was initially launched at PRA’s 14th annual gala event, providing a $29,000 springboard towards a long-term goal of creating a permanent, growing source of funding. This ensures PRA can continue to innovate, adapt, and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
As global challenges accelerate, from technological disruption to environmental and economic shifts, PRA remains committed to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and character needed to lead. Today’s kindergartners will graduate into a world vastly different from the one we know, and the endowment ensures the school is prepared to meet that future.
“With the pace of change in the world, we must ensure our students are prepared for challenges we can’t yet foresee,” said April Wilkin, Executive Director of Prospect Ridge Academy. “This endowment allows us to think beyond annual needs and build long-term stability so we can continue creating tomorrow’s leaders.”
For years, PRA has relied on the generosity of its community to bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of delivering a high-level, college-preparatory education. That support has fueled remarkable growth from the school’s early days in a strip mall to the thriving K–12 campus it is today.”
But as inflation rises and public school funding faces increasing political and fiscal uncertainty, relying solely on annual fundraising is no longer enough.
“This is about shifting from covering shortfalls to building legacy,” said Patty Kelly, PRA’s Community Operations Director and member of the leadership team. “Our ambition must continue to adapt, innovate, and expand to prepare students not just for college but for leadership in a world that will look very different by 2038.”
The PRA Endowment will be invested for long-term growth, creating sustainable funding to support:
Advanced Placement courses and AP testing access, expanding rigorous, college-preparatory opportunities for students.
Leadership development and civic engagement programs, reinforcing PRA’s commitment to developing academic, social, and ethical leaders.
Expanded math and science literacy initiatives, strengthening core academics and preparing students for future success.
Performing Arts enrichment experiences, including festivals, competitions, travel, and audition-related costs, ensuring broad student access
Athletic enrichment opportunities, including tournament travel, clinics, and competitive experiences that extend learning and team development
Whole-student support initiatives through expanded programming and continued professional development for staff, ensuring every student can fully access and benefit from the PRA experience.
National and global learning opportunities, helping students broaden perspectives and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Scholarships and college access support, reducing barriers and empowering graduates to pursue post-secondary goals.
Faculty professional development and instructional excellence, investing in educators to sustain high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
The endowment represents more than a financial strategy. It is a declaration of confidence in the school’s mission as a college-preparatory public school committed to developing academic, social, and ethical leaders.
At the launch event, families were invited to become founding contributors to the fund establishing a legacy that will serve students for generations to come.
“PRA is a different kind of school,” Kelly said. “When things get hard, this community doesn’t freeze. We lead. We show courage. We come together. We are choosing to invest in the future not just for our children, but for their children.”
The endowment will be overseen by the PRA Board during its initial phase, with long-term governance structures to be announced as the foundation grows.
The school invites families, alumni, community members, and supporters to learn more about and participate in this long-term transformational effort.
For more information about the Prospect Ridge Academy Endowment or to make a pledge, visit the PRA Endowment webpage.