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ENROLL TODAY
Welcome to stem school highlands ranch

About Us

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a K-12 public charter school located in Douglas County, Colorado, with an ambitious mission and vision for STEM education.

OUR MISSION
Our History

STEM School Story

Founded in 2011, STEM School Highlands Ranch transitioned from an afterschool program to a public charter school serving 480 middle school students. By 2014, we expanded to include a full high school, and by 2016, we grew further to offer a complete K-12 education.

In 2017, we underwent a rebranding process, solidifying our identity as STEM School Highlands Ranch and adopting the mission statement “Never Stop Innovating.” This dedication to continuous improvement and resilience has been the driving force behind our success.

From 2020 to 2022, we focused on strengthening our social-emotional learning initiatives, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support for their personal growth and well-being. We also reinforced our leadership and board, positioning ourselves for a period of revitalization and expansion in 2024 and beyond as the premier STEM School in the Mountain West.

meet our team
Our Mission

Never Stop Innovating

We envision a world of exponential possibilities where every child develops the innate knowledge, skills, creativity, and character to thrive, lead, and succeed in an ever-changing future.

Our Values

OUR Commitment

STEM School Highlands Ranch is driven by a commitment to…

  • success
    Creating an environment of respect and success
  • human potential
    Nurturing unlimited human potential
  • collabaration
    Leveraging the power of collaboration
  • operations
    Optimizing resources and operations
  • world
    Impacting the world ethically and positively
  • reinventing
    Reinventing and adapting relentlessly

Ranked #1

  • High School in Douglas County
  • College Prep High School in Douglas County
  • Most Diverse School in Douglas County
  • Public Elementary & Middle School Teachers in Douglas County

Our Development Pillars



PROBLEM-BASED
LEARNING

Learn By Solving Everyday Problems

 Solving meaningful problems is at the heart of our education. Our innovative curriculum goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to creatively tackle real-world challenges through hands-on projects like building robots and designing sustainable communities. This collaborative approach empowers students to make a positive impact on the world.



Real-World
Application

Innovate Beyond The Classroom

 We are a globally-minded school committed to positive change and continuous innovation. Our ethos of “Never Stop Innovating” drives us to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge through industry partnerships, community projects, student showcases, and extracurricular activities, ensuring they make a meaningful impact in the world.



Personalized
Pathways

A Tailored Learning Experience

We celebrate diversity and ignite a passion for learning in every student. Our adaptable pathways enable students to explore their unique strengths, pursue individual goals, and connect with the STEM community. With opportunities for advanced classes, college credit, and technical credentials, we support each student’s personalized journey to thrive and succeed at their own pace.



Whole-Child
Development

Nurturing The Whole Student

We nurture the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—preparing them for success in the real world, both academically and socially. Our approach includes wellness programs and social-emotional learning, complemented by STEM+ opportunities that encompass athletics, the arts, and a variety of enrichment activities. These experiences equip students with the resilience, creativity, and social skills needed to thrive in all aspects of life.

our staff

Meet the directors

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a self-governed charter school authorized by the Douglas County School District (DCSD), with a dedicated Board of Directors setting policies and ensuring actionable steps are taken toward the goals outlined in the strategic plan. The board’s commitment to excellence guides the school’s direction, maintains high standards, and contributes to its success and growth as a premier educational institution in the Mountain West region.

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Gustafson has been part of the STEM community since 2016 and a Board member since 2021. She has volunteered with BEST Robotics, the SAC committee, and STEM outreach programs. A chemical engineering graduate from Colorado School of Mines, she retired in 2024 after a 28-year career at Merrick & Company, where she held engineering and leadership roles supporting DOE and NNSA projects.

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Carla Gustafson

President

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Quigley joined the KOSON/STEM Board in 2023 as a Parent Representative. An education consultant and former teacher, principal, and charter school co-founder, she is passionate about supporting teachers and school leaders. She holds extensive experience in school governance and data-driven decision-making. A Colorado transplant since 2015, she enjoys cooking, painting, and outdoor activities.

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Erin Quigley

Vice President

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Kalra has been part of the STEM community since 2016 and joined the Board in 2022. An active volunteer, she has supported classrooms, school committees, and district advisory councils. She holds a master’s in Molecular Biology & Microbiology from San Jose State University and has worked in biotech research. Passionate about academic rigor and equity, she is committed to supporting STEM’s mission.

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Ishmeet Kalra

SECRETARY

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Alsup joined STEM School in 2021 after serving as Assistant Principal at Thomas B. Doherty High School. He previously held leadership roles at Evergreen High School and Juneau-Douglas High School in Alaska. Alsup began his career in Douglas County School District in 2000 as a Social Studies teacher before moving into administration. He is passionate about supporting students and staff to ensure all students are prepared for life after high school.

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Ryan Alsup

High School Director

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Ridder is the Middle School Director at STEM School Highlands Ranch, now in her 13th year at STEM. She previously taught English for nine years and held leadership roles in professional development. Ridder holds a J.D. from UOP McGeorge School of Law, an M.Ed. from Regis University, and a Principal Certification from Lamar University. She has directed STEM’s Got Talent for 12 years.

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Maura Ridder

Middle School Director

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McElroy joined STEM in 2020 as K-8 Dean and became Elementary School Director in 2022. She previously taught chemistry for 13 years in Jeffco Public Schools. Passionate about equity in education, she leads STEM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. McElroy holds a bachelor’s in Biology from Colorado State University and a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado.

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Amie McElroy

Elementary School Director
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
our vision

Strategic plan

01
Clarify and Communicate Our Identity

Our identity is at the core of who we are. Our first priority is to clearly codify STEM Highlands Ranch so that we can communicate our vision effectively.

02
Optimize the STEM Experience

Our goal is to create a world-class experience for every member of the STEM community, including students, staff, and parents, empowering them to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact on the world.

03
Prepare for Sustainable Growth

Our long-term vision is to broaden the reach of and expand access to STEM education to more Denver-area students and families. In doing so, we will strengthen communities, drive innovation, and contribute to a more prosperous society.

View Full Plan

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