Scenic Elementary may be shutting its doors, but a group of determined parents isn’t letting the community’s spirit fade. With Somerset Academy by their side, a fresh vision for local education is quickly taking shape.

A quiet but emotional shift is unfolding in Grand Junction, Colorado. Scenic Elementary, a school deeply woven into its neighborhood, will close at the end of this academic year. But from this closure, something new is bubbling up — a charter school proposal spearheaded by parents who just aren’t ready to say goodbye. They’re calling it Somerset Academy Scenic View.

A Parent-Led Rebirth

Kim Carville, one of the driving forces behind the new charter, couldn’t hide her excitement. “We’ve come a long way since November,” she said, reflecting on how far the group has come in just a few months.

It’s personal for her. Her son is a non-typical learner who does better in smaller classrooms with more hands-on teaching. The idea of a traditional, crowded setting just doesn’t cut it.

Josh Worth, now Acting Board Director of the proposed school, started this initiative after seeing a huge gap in learning options for families like his. He approached Somerset Academy, a nationwide nonprofit charter network, to create something local — but different.

“One of the things we kept hearing,” Worth said, “was families wanted peace of mind. They wanted choices. This school could give them that.”

Funding, Logistics, and Federal Backing

Building a school from scratch isn’t cheap. But this isn’t just wishful thinking — Worth believes real money could be on the table. He pointed to a Federal Expansion Grant already available to Somerset Academy affiliates.

“This grant could help us with things we need day one,” he said, listing off everything from upgraded classroom tech to new furniture and supplies.

For many public school parents navigating closures, funding options like these aren’t even on the radar. But charter schools, especially those linked with a proven network like Somerset, have access to a different playbook.

The proposed location? Scenic Elementary’s current site. It just makes sense, Worth said. “It fits the needs so well for our community.”

Fast Timeline, Big Ambitions

Officially, the charter application targets a 2026 launch. But Worth and the team aren’t keen on waiting.

They’re pressing for an August 2025 opening, hoping to begin hiring and logistics the moment the green light comes through.

One paragraph. One sentence.

June is crunch time. On the 4th, District 51 will ask questions. On the 17th, they’ll vote.

Worth says if the local board denies them, there’s a Plan B. They’ll escalate it to the state level.

What Scenic Parents Really Want

Not everyone’s child fits neatly into the traditional public school box. That’s a core part of this whole effort — giving families different tools for different kids.

Kelsey Stanley, another parent pushing for the charter, said something that hits hard: “ZIP codes shouldn’t dictate what school you go to.” Her words reflect a growing frustration among parents across the country.

Carville, too, emphasized the need for small class sizes and practical learning. “We’re just looking for options that are going to be the best for him,” she said of her son.

The parents behind this plan aren’t trying to make noise for attention. They’re making moves because they don’t see another way. They’re pushing a school they believe would work better — for their own kids and for others who just don’t fit the mold.

Why Somerset? Why Now?

Somerset Academy isn’t some upstart experiment. With over 70 schools across Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona, it’s a seasoned player in the charter space. But Scenic View would be its first step into Colorado.

Here’s a quick look at the Somerset footprint:

The timing seems right. With multiple schools in the area closing, and public faith in district decisions on shaky ground, parents are more open than ever to trying something new.

Even some district officials are quietly acknowledging that community-led efforts like this could become more common if closures keep piling up.

What’s Next for the Scenic Community?

The community has been through a lot this year. School closures aren’t just logistical nightmares — they’re emotional, disruptive, and often leave families scrambling.

That’s why this project feels different. It’s not being imposed from above. It’s growing from the ground up.

And it’s not just talk.

• Charter application: Submitted

• Location: Existing Scenic Elementary site

• Potential opening: August 2025 (pending approval)

• Network: Somerset Academy, a national nonprofit

• Backup plan: State application if local board says no

Worth said the moment approval comes through, they’ll start hiring. Teachers, admin, staff — everything would need to move fast. But there’s energy and urgency driving it now.

A single sentence here to keep it real.

Families aren’t waiting for someone else to save their school. They’re doing it themselves.