Western States Core Knowledge Network
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Western States Core Knowledge Network Summit
February 11–12, 2027 | Fort Collins, CO
Liberty Common School began the Western States Core Knowledge Network in 2013 as the Colorado Core Knowledge Network. Since then, the event has grown to serve Core Knowledge schools throughout the region. 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.
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.
Save the Date
Western States Core Knowledge Network Summit
February 11–12, 2027 | Fort Collins, CO
Summit Fee: $100 per person
Announcing the 2027 Keynote: Natalie Wexler
Natalie Wexler is an education writer who has spoken before a wide range of audiences in the U.S. and elsewhere, focusing on literacy, cognitive science, and fairness. She is the author of Beyond the Science of Reading and The Knowledge Gap. She blogs at her free Substack newsletter, Minding the Gap, and is the host of Season One of the Knowledge Matters Podcast (“Reading Comprehension Revisited”) and a co-host of Season Three (“Literacy and the Science of Learning”).
Event Schedule
Thursday, February 11, 2027
Liberty Common School Campuses
CSU C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute
2350 Gillette Dr, Fort Collins, CO
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| 1:00–2:00 PM |
Liberty Common School Campus Tours |
| 5:00–7:00 PM |
Evening Keynote; Natalie Wexler, Author of The Knowledge Gap
Core Knowledge Foundation Updates
|
| 7:00–9:00 PM |
Welcome Reception
|
Friday, February 12, 2027
Liberty Common Junior High School
1825 Sharp Point Drive, Fort Collins, CO
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:00 AM |
Check-In, Breakfast, and Networking
|
| 9:00–10:00 AM |
Event Kick-Off and Welcome Address
|
| 10:00–11:00 AM |
Keynote Address and Q&A with Natalie Wexler, Author of The Knowledge Gap
|
| 11:00–12:00 PM |
Lunch
|
| 12:00–1:45 PM | Breakout Sessions I |
| 1:45–2:15 PM | Break & Sponsor Showcase |
| 2:15–3:00 PM | Breakout Session II |
| 3:00–3:15 PM | Break & Sponsor Showcase |
| 3:15–4:00 PM | Breakout Session III |
Presenters
Liberty Common School is seeking presenters for the Western States Core Knowledge Network Summit. 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?
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.
By sponsoring the 2027 Summit, 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.
Event Venue
Liberty Common School | 1825 Sharp Point Drive; Fort Collins, CO
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.