Windsor Charter Academy Early College High School
2026-27 Back-to-School information
We are excited to start preparing for the 2026-27 school year! To ensure a seamless start, families are asked to review the following information carefully and complete each action step before returning in August. This webpage serves as a single point of communication for everything our Firebird families need to begin the school year!
Important Dates
Please download our 2026-27 School Calendar for all official dates. Important upcoming dates are:
August 6th:
WCA 101: A Guide for Firebird Families from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.—Firebird Facility
August 10th:
HS Back-to-School Open House from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.—HS Classrooms
Fall Sports Begin
August 12th:
Freshman & New Student Orientation Day - Half-Day Schedule
First Day of School for 9th Graders and New Windsor Charter Academy High School Students
Please see the full schedule in the description below, noting early release times.
MS/HS Fall Athletics Parent Information Night @ 5:30 p.m.—HS Gym
August 13th:
First Day of School for 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders
August 21st:
½ Half Day of School for PSAT/SAT Practice Testing - Early Release
August 25th:
Picture Day
Summer Office Hours
The high school front office will be closed from June 1st through July 31st. While our offices are closed to the general public, families may have questions about enrollment or class registration. For questions, please email our registrar, Mrs. Fagler, or call 970-833-5190 Ext. 2006. Our Registrar’s Office will be closed from June 19th through July 13th.
If you have course registration questions, our middle and high school counselors and early college academic advisor will return to the office on July 20th. If you would like to set up a meeting with our counselor or advisor, please email:
Ms. Seneca, High School Counselor
Mrs. Ringlein, Early College Advisor
WCA 101: A Guide for Firebird Families
Whether you're new to Windsor Charter Academy or simply want to learn more about our school, we invite you to attend WCA 101 on Thursday, August 6th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Windsor Charter Academy Firebird Facility.
This informative session will provide an overview of what it means to be part of the Firebird Family. Topics include academics and curriculum across our elementary, middle, and high schools; our AVID program; dress code requirements; arrival and dismissal procedures; athletics and clubs; Infinite Campus, ParentSquare, and StudentSquare; volunteer opportunities; and much more.
Whether you're preparing for your first day or looking to better understand all that Windsor Charter Academy has to offer, WCA 101 is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and connect with our school community. We look forward to welcoming you!
Schedule Changes
Ms. Seneca and Mrs. Ringlein will be available on August 11th and 12th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. to meet with students regarding schedule changes. Please note the grade levels below:
August 11th: 10th & 12th Graders
August 12th: 9th & 11th Graders
Back-to-School Open House
Our Back-to-School Open House is one of our favorite events of the year! It is a time for students to meet new teachers, rekindle old friendships, and prepare for a new school year. The High School Back-to-School Open House will be held on Monday, August 10th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Families can also stop by our informational booths to learn more about volunteer opportunities, committees, food services, Infinite Campus, complete their background check, and pay registration fees. We can’t wait to see you there!
Freshman & New Student Orientation
Our Freshman & New Student Orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 12th, during their first day of school. Freshmen & New Student Orientation aims to help students acclimate to their new school and form relationships with fellow students and staff. This event is an integral part of every student's development and transition into the high school environment.
9th-Grade Schedule for August 12th:
8:00 to 8:15 a.m.: Check-in at the courtyard
8:15 to 8:35 a.m.: Assembly (parents/guardians are highly encouraged to attend)
8:40 to 8:45 a.m.: Drop off backpacks at lockers and transition to Period 1
8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Periods 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 4, 6, 8
12:30 to 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m.: Dismissal
New 10th, 11th, and 12th-Grade Student Schedule for August 12th:
8:00 to 8:15 a.m.: Check-in at the courtyard
8:15 to 8:35 a.m.: Assembly (parents/guardians are highly encouraged to attend)
8:35 to 8:40 a.m.: Drop off backpacks at lockers and transition to room 2018
8:45 to 10:30 a.m.: Strategies for Success
Dismissal at 10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Exchange students WIDA testing - Dismissal at 12:45 p.m. for WCA exchange students
We will need student and parent volunteers to assist with some volunteer projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.
School Supplies & College Textbooks
The 2026-27 Student Supply List is available! If your students are enrolled in concurrent courses, they may be required to purchase their textbooks. Instructors will provide more information on these textbooks and where to buy them during the first week of class.
We also have a school-wide Health & Wellness Amazon Wish List to help provide our students with necessary health and wellness products. All items on this list will be shipped directly to our school. For questions, please contact Sara Sanders, Director of Communications.
School Fees
School fees for Windsor Charter Academy students are due at the start of the school year. The Executive Board approved the 2026-27 Student Fees. Fees can be paid online through Infinite Campus or by dropping off cash or a check at the office. New Windsor Charter Academy families can pay their fees at our back-to-school events. Fees may be waived or reduced for families that qualify for our Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Program. For more information on how to apply to this program, please click here.
Other specific Aims Community College course fees may apply and are the student's responsibility. These additional fees typically range from $0 to $200; however, students should verify the exact amount before enrolling in these courses.
Students who participate in specific electives or clubs will be required to pay additional fees. Once students receive their class schedules, families can see which electives their students are registered for and the associated elective fees. Fees will be applied to Infinite Campus accounts approximately two weeks after the start of school, when schedule changes are completed, and all schedules are finalized. Any outstanding fees must be paid before students can register for a new fee-based elective or club.
ParentSquare
Make sure to stay connected to school communications with ParentSquare! ParentSquare is a comprehensive tool that enables families to communicate with teachers and coaches, track volunteer hours, and register for events. To learn more about using ParentSquare, click here. New Windsor Charter Academy families will receive an email invitation to register!
StudentSquare
Students also have the option of using StudentSquare. High school students will receive an email invitation to register, but participation is optional. Students who download the app can stay up to date on communications about school sports, clubs, and other activities. Click here to learn more!
Required for All Parents: Submit Parent Agreement Form
Each year, families are asked to complete a High School Parent Agreement Form for each student enrolled. To make the process convenient, everything is in one place. This agreement gives permissions and acknowledgments for the following:
Acceptable Use of Technology
Student Data Privacy
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Student Attendance
Library Checkout Email Notifications
Student Cell Phone Numbers in Infinite Campus
Walking Field Trip Permission Form
Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Once you have reviewed our Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, please complete the High School Parent Agreement Form.
Families are asked to complete one form for each student enrolled before the start of the school year. Students must have a signed form on file by the last day of August to avoid having their Google account access revoked.
Required for All Families: Set Up or Update Infinite Campus Account
Infinite Campus, commonly referred to as IC, is a student information management system used by the Weld RE-4 School District and Windsor Charter Academy. All families have an IC account, which includes one for each parent and one for each student. Windsor Charter Academy uses IC to assess student fees, post grades, track attendance, send report cards, and verify emergency contacts for pick-up. It is essential that families frequently access their IC accounts and keep their contact and emergency contact information up to date. If you have questions regarding your IC account, please contact Mrs. Fagler or Mrs. Ridout.
Infinite Campus Links: Please bookmark the links below.
New Families: At our back-to-school events, Windsor Charter Academy families that are new to the Weld RE-4 School District will receive information on creating an IC account and be issued an activation key. Once the key is issued, please visit our website for details on setting up your account.
Returning Families: All returning families are asked to verify that their contact information is up to date in IC. Instructions on updating this information can be found on our website.
Required for All Families: Review Policies & Procedures
Start and End Times for MS/HS Students:
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
End Time: 3:21 p.m.
Parking Permits: All student drivers must complete a Parking Permit Registration Form. Once the registration form is approved, the student will be issued a parking permit.
Background Checks: Windsor Charter Academy welcomes guests to visit or volunteer at our school. We require all visitors who come during school hours to have a current background check on file and be listed in Infinite Campus. All new visitors or visitors who need to update their background checks must complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) Background Check form.
MS/HS Backpack Policy: As stated in the Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, students may bring backpacks, string bags, purses, and lunch boxes to school. However, these bags must be placed in student lockers at the start of the school day. For the safety of students and staff, bags and purses are not allowed in the classroom.
Health Services: If your child has experienced a change in health status since the last school year, please contact Mrs. Ibarra, School Nurse.
Student Attendance: Student attendance and tardy policies will be strictly enforced. Please review Executive Board Policy JE: Student Attendance.
Personal Technology Devices
Windsor Charter Academy has implemented a procedure for students' personal technology devices. A Personal Technology Device (PTD) includes any privately owned electronic device, such as:
Cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
Smartwatches, wireless earbuds/headphones.
Cameras, video/audio recorders, or players.
Virtual reality devices and other portable communication or storage tools.
AI wearables and accessories.
We recognize that PTDs can serve as valuable tools for learning and communication, especially during emergency situations. However, their use must be managed to prevent disruption to instruction, preserve student and staff privacy, and maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
To support focused, engaging educational spaces, Windsor Charter Academy will implement the following expectations for PTD use on school grounds, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored activities.
Grades 9–12
Students in grades 9 through 12 may use PTDs during lunch periods and passing times; however, such use is discouraged to encourage healthy peer interaction and engagement. During instructional time from bell to bell—the entire duration of scheduled class periods, including open blocks and study halls—PTDs must be turned off or fully dormant at all times and stored in designated areas. “Dormant” means all vibration alerts, alarms, ringtones, flashes, and other notification methods are completely disabled. Students may wear smartwatches; however, communication functions and notification features must be disabled during instructional time.
AI Glasses
AI glasses—including models available with prescription lenses—are classified as PTDs. These devices are not permitted during the school day at the elementary and middle school levels and during instructional time at the high school.
In addition to school expectations, this guidance is reinforced by Colorado state testing protocols. The Colorado Department of Education requires that all state assessments (CMAS, PSAT, and SAT) be administered in secure testing environments. Any device capable of capturing images, recording audio, accessing the internet, or utilizing artificial intelligence is considered a prohibited device during testing.
Given both instructional and assessment expectations, families are strongly encouraged not to purchase AI-enabled glasses as a student’s primary prescription eyewear. Students would be required to remove these devices during significant portions of the school day, including all testing environments, thereby limiting their usability and potentially disrupting learning.
We appreciate our families' partnership as we work together to foster a culture that supports student success and well-being!
Farm-to-School Food Services Program
Linq Connect School Lunch Accounts
Windsor Charter Academy uses Linq Connect to manage student meal accounts. Students are asked to have active accounts on Linq Connect. Breakfast and lunch are free to all students for the school year.
Although breakfast and lunch are free, keeping funds in your student’s meal account is recommended for purchasing an extra entree, milk, cookies, and other à la carte items. If a student does not have a Linq Connect account, they will need to pay for these items with cash.
To Create an Account:
New Families: If your student is new to Windsor Charter Academy, they will not be listed in the Linq Connect software system until a few days before the start of school. Once they are listed in the system, families can create an account.
Click here for instructions on setting up your family portal. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district.
Please note that students will receive a free breakfast and lunch regardless of whether they create an account. Additionally, families can access the menu without needing an account.
Returning Families: Your Linq Connect account funds will automatically transfer from the previous school year.
Free or Reduced-Price School Benefits
Although meals are free, it is essential for families who qualify to still apply for the Free or Reduced-Price Program to access additional benefits. Eligible families can apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Benefit Application. Once on the site, click “Start Meal Application” and follow the registration prompts. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district on the application.
Once your application is approved and the letter is received, please submit a copy to Mrs. Miller, Finance Manager.
Please note that if your family has been approved for this program in the past, you are required to reapply every year. Paper applications and instructions are also available at the front desk of each of our schools. For questions, please contact Ms. Davison, Director of Food Services.
Food Allergies
Students who need their school meals modified to accommodate food allergies or dietary preferences must submit a Meal Modification Form signed by their medical provider. The Food Services Department will only modify meals if this form is completed.
Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer in our kitchens, cafeterias, or our organic garden, please contact Mrs. Barraza.
Navy / Green Day Schedule
Our high school has a rotating block schedule. Navy and Green Days will rotate daily. The new schedule can be downloaded here.
Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO)
All 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students will be assigned to an ELO class, and attendance will be taken. We kindly ask parents to refrain from checking their students out of the building during ELO time. Content teachers will draft students into their classroom for additional teaching or enrichment on a rotating basis. If students are not drafted, they will use their ELO as an additional study hall for homework.
Athletics
We are excited for our Firebirds to participate in high school athletics! The 2026-27 MS/HS Season Dates list important dates for each sport. To register for a sport, please complete the Athletics Registration Form. For more information, please visit our athletics webpage. For questions, please reach out to Mrs. Boyle, Athletic Secretary.
Gate Fees: Gate fees will be charged for all high school athletic events. Passes will be sold during our back-to-school events.
Order Uniforms and Spirit Wear
Families can purchase uniforms at any store, but all garments must comply with our Dress Code Policy. Families generally purchase uniforms at Old Navy, Target, Kohls, Costco, or A Children’s Place. Items can also be purchased online through our official WCA French Toast Online Store.
K&W Firebird Spirit Wear
Windsor Charter Academy spirit wear can be ordered from the K&W Printing Online Store. The store will open on July 7th, and all orders placed by July 24th will be delivered to the school by Back-to-School Night. All orders placed after July 24th will be delivered approximately two weeks after that.
BSN Sideline Store
In addition, Firebird Fan Apparel can also be purchased from our BSN Sideline Store. Purchases made through this site are shipped directly to your home.
Please note that all spirit wear worn during the school day needs to comply with our Dress Code Policy. For instance, sweatpants or hats may be sold in our spirit stores, but may not be worn during the school day.
Email Lists & Facebook Groups
All families are automatically subscribed to our email list during enrollment. Relatives can also subscribe to receive newsletters by joining here. If you would like to confirm that you are on our email list, please contact Sara Sanders, Director of Communications, with your name, email address, and the school with which you are affiliated.
Parents and legal guardians can join our private, grade-level WCA Facebook Pages. To request admission to these groups, please complete the three-question membership form.
Service & Volunteer Commitments
Community service is an integral part of the Windsor Charter Academy culture, and all high school students are required to complete 25 volunteer hours each school year. Seniors must complete their hours in order to walk at graduation.
Students record their hours on the Community Service Form, also available at the front office. Forms are due by May 1st each school year. Service hours can be accrued between May 1st of the current year and April 30th of the following year.
Parent Volunteer Hours
We have a strong service culture in our schools. Every family is expected to volunteer 35 hours per school year, which can be logged into their ParentSquare account.
A few important points about volunteering:
A 35-hour commitment is required per family, not per student. Grandparents or other relatives can help fulfill a family’s service commitment.
Donating to the school can count toward your family’s volunteer commitment. Every $12 counts toward one volunteer hour. In other words, a one-time donation of $420 would cover your volunteer hours for the year.
If you plan to run for WCA’s Executive Board in the spring, hours need to be tracked individually. Service hours must be fulfilled by the candidates and not by other family members. All volunteer hours will be verified.
Board & Support Committees
Board Committees support Executive Board members in their governance and oversight work. Board Committees include the:
Safety Committee
Education Committee
School Accountability Committee (SAC)
Finance Committee
Election Committee
Support Committees support our students with memorable activities throughout the year, including:
Snapshots with Santa
Trunk-or-Treat
After Prom
Field Day
Firebird Fest
To learn more about each committee, click here. If you are interested in serving on a Board or Support Committee, please sign up here.
Transportation
Families interested in joining our Way-to-Go Schoolpool carpool program can register online! Join Windsor Charter Academy’s Schoolpool program to connect with other families to drive, walk, or bike to school together. This is a free service with no obligation to participate. Schoolpool is a service of Way to Go, a federally funded program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).