The curriculum closely resembles what basic-skills tests measure, and charters have advantages some other public schools do not have. At the four charters, he said, students spend more time learning the basics than they do on art, music, sports and other activities. All five have long waiting lists for fall enrollment, and more fundamental charters are opening in Jefferson County and Littleton to help meet the demand. Hirsch, a University of Virginia professor, is the author of the bestseller Cultural Literacy . The curriculum stresses basic skills such as phonics, spelling and European and U. S. history.
Critics say the core knowledge curriculum shortchanges contributions by minorities and women.
Standardized tests were taken last spring at all Colorado schools. Kevin Matter, Cherry Creek Schools coordinator of assessment and evaluation, said that the charter scores are impressive but that other academic indicators also must be considered. Plagued by administrative problems and parent squabbling since it opened in the fall, their scores have shown significant improvement. School administrators were out of town and unavailable for comment. Because of the school's late opening date in September, Cherry Creek Academy students were tested in the second week of class.