I recently had the honor of sitting in the House chamber as Gov. Jared Polis delivered his State of the State address, where he spotlighted our school’s success in delivering exceptional education outcomes. As I listened to his words about eliminating “education deserts” and expanding innovative school options, I couldn’t help but smile thinking of our students’ faces and the transformative power of giving families meaningful educational choices.

At Global Village Academy North, a public charter school in Thornton, we’ve created a vibrant learning community where language immersion and academic excellence go hand in hand. More than 50% of our students come from low-income families, and many are English language learners. Yet our results speak volumes: more than 80% of our eighth graders are meeting or exceeding expectations in reading, and more than 90% in writing in their chosen immersion language. These aren’t just statistics — they’re real students whose lives are transformed through innovative education.

The success we’re seeing isn’t magic or something that happens by chance; it comes from a commitment to meeting students where they are and believing in their potential. When a child walks through our doors, whether they’re speaking English, Spanish or another language at home, they enter an environment where multilingualism is celebrated and high expectations are the norm. Our approach proves with the right support and opportunities, all students can thrive.

Gov. Polis’ visit to our campus further reinforced what we’ve known all along: innovative educational models work. As our students led him on a tour of our campus, he witnessed firsthand how our scholars seamlessly switch between languages, engage in rigorous academic discourse, and demonstrate the kind of critical thinking skills that will serve them well in an increasingly interconnected world.

But our school’s success story shouldn’t be the exception — it should be the norm. In too many Colorado communities, families lack access to high-quality educational options that meet their children’s unique needs. This isn’t just an education issue; it’s a matter of social justice and economic opportunity.

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The commitment expressed by our state leadership — Gov. Polis, Senate President Coleman and House Speaker Julie McCluskie — to expand access to innovative schools and a funding model that prioritizes students over systems, gives me hope. Their vision for education in Colorado aligns with what we see every day at Global Village Academy — when you give families choices and students opportunities, remarkable things happen.

However, vision must be matched with action. As we move forward, we need policies that make it easier for high-quality, innovative schools to open and operate in the communities that need them most. We need funding structures that ensure all public schools — district and charter alike — have the resources to serve their students effectively. And we need to continue breaking down barriers that prevent families from accessing the educational options that best fit their children’s needs.

The success we’ve achieved at Global Village Academy North isn’t just our story — it’s a preview of what’s possible for education across Colorado. When we combine high expectations with innovative approaches and unwavering support for all students, we can create schools where excellence isn’t the exception but the expectation.

As the legislature begins its important work this session, I urge our lawmakers to be bold in expanding educational opportunities for all Colorado students. The future of our state depends on ensuring every child, regardless of zip code or background, has access to the kind of high-quality, innovative education that allows them to reach their full potential.

Our students’ success proves it’s possible. Now it’s time to make it possible for everyone.

Nicole Wetzel is chief of staff for Global Village Academy Schools, where she has served in numerous capacities since 2011, including dean of students, principal and head of school for Global Village Academy North.