Colorado Core Knowledge Network
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The Rising Generation
Core Knowledge Network Conference 2026
2026 Core Knowledge Network Conference
Friday, February 13, 2026 | Fort Collins, CO
Liberty Common School began the Colorado Core Knowledge© Network Conference in 2013. Since then, the conference has been held annually at Core Knowledge© schools throughout the state. This gathering serves as a prime platform for educators and staff to engage in enriching professional-development opportunities. Educators converge, exchanging ideas and fostering a collaborative environment to uphold the integrity of the Core Knowledge© curriculum.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, this year’s theme highlights early American music, art, literature, and history—all deeply rooted in the Core Knowledge® curriculum.
“It is to them I look, to the rising generation, and not to the one now in power, for these great reformations.”
—Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Chastellux
Developed by E.D. Hirsch Jr., the Core Knowledge© curriculum is a comprehensive educational framework designed to provide students with a rich and coherent foundation of knowledge across various subjects.
Registration is $50 per attendee. Lunch is provided. Only one registration is needed per school. Please be sure to enter your affiliated school or business on the address line at checkout.
2026 Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Diener
Dr. David Diener works at Hillsdale College where he is an Assistant Professor of Education. Previously he spent fifteen years in k–12 private education, eleven of those in administration and eight as headmaster of classical schools.
He is the author of Plato: The Great Philosopher-Educator and has published articles on Plato, Kierkegaard, and various topics in philosophy of education.
He holds a BA in Philosophy and Ancient Languages from Wheaton College as well as an MA in Philosophy, an MS in History and Philosophy of Education, and a dual PhD in Philosophy and Philosophy of Education from Indiana University.
Event Schedule
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:00AM |
Light Breakfast
Food and Networking
|
| 9:00–9:45AM |
Event Kick-Off and Welcome Address
Mr. Casey Churchill, National Core Knowledge Consultant
|
| 9:45–10:55AM |
Keynote Address
Dr. David Diener, Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College
|
| 11:00–11:45AM | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:00–1:00PM |
Lunch
Food & Networking
|
| 1:00–1:45PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:00–2:45PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:00–4:00PM |
Happy Hour
Snacks and Networking
|
The Schools Kids Need
An Evening Conversation on the Schools the Rising Generation Deserves
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 6:30PM
C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, Fort Collins, CO
Educators are invited to a special pre-conference event the evening before the Core Knowledge Network Conference. Join Dr. David Diener for a discussion on the purpose and promise of classical education in forming the next generation.
Hosted by a consortium of Northern Colorado’s leading k–12 classical schools, this free public forum offers insight into the principles of classical education and the growing network of local options—charter, private, micro-school, and homeschool.
Presenters
Liberty Common School is seeking presenters for the 2026 Colorado Core Knowledge© Network Conference. Presenters from all areas of disciplines with an emphasis on classical education and the Core Knowledge© curriculum are welcome.
If you are interested in presenting at the event, please contact Mr. Casey Churchill at cchurchill@libertycommon.org
Sponsorship Opportunities
Why Sponsor?
For the first time in its history, the Core Knowledge Conference at Liberty Common School is opening its doors to Core Knowledge schools across the country. With over 770 Core Knowledge schools in 45 states, this event will attract educators and administrators who are shaping the rising generation of American students.
By sponsoring the 2026 Conference, companies have the opportunity to:
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Reach a National Audience – Engage directly with decision-makers and classroom leaders representing schools from across the United States.
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Support Core Knowledge Education – Align your brand with schools committed to high academic standards, classical content, and civic virtue.
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Demonstrate Leadership in Education – Showcase your products, services, and solutions to educators who are implementing one of the nation’s most respected curricula.
Your sponsorship helps create an extraordinary experience for educators—providing high-quality professional development, inspiring presentations, and memorable celebrations that will ripple back into classrooms across the nation.
Event Venue
Liberty Common School | 1725 Sharp Point Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Liberty Common School is located in the vibrant city of Fort Collins, Colorado—about an hour north of Denver. Just minutes from the school is Fort Collins’ historic Old Town, a lively downtown district filled with locally-owned restaurants, unique shops, art galleries, and live-music venues.
With easy access from Denver International Airport and breathtaking mountain scenery, Liberty Common School is not only a premier educational destination but also situated in one of Colorado’s most exciting cities to visit.