Southwest Open School, a charter high school started in 1986 that combines expeditionary learning, character development and traditional academics, was one of 215 sites around Colorado participating in National School Choice week.
Junior Nick Martinez and senior Margarita Ketchem led Tipton around after a brief presentation about their experiences with the school and how it has prepared them for life after high school.
“I’m the kind of person that gets more out of a class when I have an emotional connection,” said Ketchem, mentioning the trips she took in her classes really helped her apply the material to the external world and understand it on a practical level.
“I’m thinking about traveling the world and helping kids who medicine, food... just love,” said Martinez, when Tipton inquired about his post-SWOS plans.
“I think this is great,I’m a strong advocate for school choice. I really want to applaud what you’re working on here,” said Tipton. “I remember when (SWOS enrollment) was 30 to 40 kids. It’s really grown here.”
The student tour guides led Tipton into a SWOSology class, a radio class and a Protect Our Winters class – all united in a common theme of hands on learning and teamwork.
SWOSology, the first class new students take to acquaint them with the school’s character-centered philosophy, struck a chord with Tipton. He noted the principles of learning to respect other opinions and to work well with others were crucial to his job in Congress and everyday adult life.
“Sooner or later you’re going to have to be able to work with people,” he said.
After hearing from students about how SWOS has made them more enthusiastic about coming to school everyday,
Tipton told a story about a rough patch he hit in junior high school and how he overcame it. His mother was extremely ill and in the hospital, and his grades slumped as a result. After explaining to the teacher his situation, and getting some extra help, he was able to pull his grade up from an F to a B.
“I learned from that to never give up and never be afraid to ask for help. You don’t get anywhere without the help of other people,” said Tipton. “I still try to apply those same principles in the political world.”