Business Details
10 Years
experience
Innovative Entrepreneurial Education Program
Launch High School was founded in 2016 as an innovative charter institution dedicated to integrating rigorous academics with entrepreneurial education. Our mission centered on empowering students to bridge academic knowledge with real-world application through personalized learning plans, venture projects, and mentorship. While our physical campus in Colorado Springs has closed, we are developing an immersive online entrepreneurship program set to launch in January 2022. Our approach emphasized small class sizes, hands-on project-based learning, and a unique curriculum designed to cultivate self-reliance, creativity, and leadership.Students engaged in authentic venturesfrom for-profit businesses to social enterpriseswhile receiving continuous support from educators and industry professionals. Our program was nationally recognized for its collaboration with Stanford School of Education, Facebook engineers, and the Zuckerberg Foundation. Though no longer enrolling students, our legacy remains focused on preparing graduates for immediate success in college, careers, and community leadership through entrepreneurial thinking.
Services
Entrepreneurship Program
Personalized Learning Plans
Venture Development
Mentorship Network
College Credit Courses
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offered personalized learning plans developed with Stanford School of Education experts
- Our venture fund supported student-created businesses and social enterprises
- 1:35 student-to-personal learning coach ratio ensured individualized attention
- Hands-on projects required authentic problem-solving for real-world impact
- Graduates received laptops to keep as graduation gifts for continued success
Associations and certifications
- Colorado Department of Education
What people say
Transformative learning experience
Excellent mentorship opportunities
Real-world project application
Services
Entrepreneurship Program
Our entrepreneurship program equipped students with skills to create actual businesses or social enterprises. Through mentorship and practical projects, learners developed marketable solutions while mastering core academic standards. The curriculum emphasized risk-taking, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
Personalized Learning Plans
Each student received a tailored learning plan allowing self-directed study in preferred subjects and pacing. This approach, developed with Stanford School of Education experts, balanced academic rigor with individual interests and career aspirations through digital resources and teacher support.
Venture Development
Students created authentic ventures addressing real-world problems, from local community needs to global challenges. The program provided access to a dedicated venture fund, professional mentors, and collaborative tools to develop business models, prototypes, and implementation strategies.
Mentorship Network
Our mentorship program connected students with local and global industry professionals. Advisors provided specialized expertise in business development, technical innovation, and social entrepreneurship to support project execution and career preparation through ongoing guidance and networking opportunities.
College Credit Courses
The concurrent enrollment program allowed students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements. Partnering with higher education institutions, this initiative provided head start opportunities for academic advancement and reduced future tuition costs through early degree completion.
People
Patrick Cush
Founder, Head of School
Education innovator with extensive experience in entrepreneurial learning models. Previously served as founding board member and executive leader for multiple educational initiatives in Colorado.
Rhea Murphy
Administrative Assistant
Supported school operations with over 15 years of experience in educational administration. Managed day-to-day logistics and parent communications during the school's operational years.
Jonathan Just
Entrepreneurship Program Director
Led curriculum development for entrepreneurial education programs. Brought industry expertise in business innovation and venture creation to student projects and mentorship initiatives.
Steven Hanenberg
Mathematics Teacher
Specialized in integrating mathematical concepts with entrepreneurial applications. Designed practical learning experiences connecting quantitative skills to business operations and financial management.
Kristen Sharpe
Executive Board Member
Education policy expert with focus on charter school governance. Provided strategic oversight for academic programming and institutional compliance during her board tenure.
Questions
Is Launch High School still operating?
We closed our physical campus in 2022 and are developing an online entrepreneurship program. Check our website for updates on digital offerings.
What made Launch High unique?
Our program combined college-prep academics with real-world venture creation, personalized learning plans, and mentorship from industry professionals in a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
How did students earn college credits?
Through our concurrent enrollment program, students could complete college courses alongside high school requirements to accelerate degree attainment.
Can I request student records?
Contact the Charter School Institute at 303-866-3299 or visit their website to submit a records request form.
What happened to enrolled students?
Current students were supported in transitioning to other educational programs. The Charter School Institute provides resources for alternative school placements.
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