Marian Hejl, Executive DirectorFounded by parents seeking a more robust and relevant academic experience for their children, the school operates around a model of shared responsibility. Students, families, educators, leadership and governance collaborate closely to remain steady in purpose while refining practice as student needs evolve.
“Our community is reflective, not reactive, which allows us to focus on what is working, refine it, and understand the why behind what we do,” says Marian Hejl, executive director.
As Loveland’s oldest charter school, New Vision’s longevity reflects sustained family choice. As a 100 percent choice school, families enroll with a clear understanding of academic standards and behavioral expectations, establishing alignment from the outset. Instruction follows the Core Knowledge framework, a K–8 curriculum that intentionally sequences content across grade levels, allowing concepts to be revisited, deepened and connected over time.
Instruction Designed for Depth and Progress
Academic depth is defined by how education is structured and connected rather than how quickly content is covered. Instruction is designed to help students link ideas across subjects and apply knowledge in new contexts.
To make this approach effective, learning happens in a collaborative environment. Teamwork is embedded in daily academic experiences. Students engage in coaching conversations, articulate their thinking, identify missteps and reflect on how they arrived at solutions.
That teaching approach is reflected in program design. Advanced math pathways extend learning beyond grade-level expectations, helping students complete algebra and earn high school credit before leaving middle school. By providing rigorous opportunities for all, academic challenge remains a shared expectation rather than a selective track.
Instruction is further shaped through an emphasis on teacher expertise and data-informed practice. New Vision invests in developing educators’ ability to analyze assessment data and classroom observations to understand student progress. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports allows teaching teams to adjust instruction as needs evolve.
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Our community is reflective, not reactive, which allows us to focus on what is working, refine it, and understand the why behind what we do.
The What I Need block provides scheduled time for targeted instruction, supported by interventionists, learning center teachers and a full-time highly qualified teacher. When additional support is needed, families are engaged as partners, reinforcing shared responsibility for student growth.
Operational and financial autonomy enable quick response to student and classroom needs. While authorized by Thompson School District, the school independently manages staffing and program adjustments based on assessment data, classroom observations and family feedback.
Turning Learning into Real-World Impact
Alongside academics, New Vision integrates character development and real-world application into daily school life. Programs such as Character Counts and Second Step establish shared expectations for behavior, empathy and decision-making. Nighthawk Way in grades K–4 and Nighthawk Navigators help students understand how their actions affect the broader community.
In middle school, learning becomes increasingly applied. Programs such as The Amazing Shake focus on soft skills like making strong first impressions, holding meaningful conversations and engaging professionally with adults. Students are encouraged to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Service learning extends these skills into action. Junior Student Council, Student Council, and National Junior Honor Society guide initiatives such as Giving Tree, food drives and the student-led Nighthawks in Need program, connecting academic learning to community contribution.
Local artists collaborate with students on creative projects. Organizations such as Ursa Major Technologies introduce students to real-world engineering environments, while partnerships with UCHealth connect learning to health and well-being through initiatives such as Healthy Hearts.
The impact of the community-anchored approach extends beyond graduation. While attending New Vision, a former student secured grant funding through the Thompson Education Foundation to launch a community garden in partnership with Loveland Youth Gardeners. The project remains active, supporting families without access to fresh produce and reflects learning that translates into sustained community benefit.
Rooted in a deeply connected school community, New Vision Charter School supports lasting academic growth and prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
