Karter School of Thornton

Center · Thornton · 4155 E. 128th Ave

What kind of place is this?

Size 261 children licensed Larger than the middle half of Denver centers, where the middle half licenses 40–113. Measured across 1,156 Denver centers, 2026-08-17.
Approach montessori

In the program’s own words

“Karter School of Thornton - Montessori Inspired Campus” karterschools.com, July 2026

Who runs it

Ownership For-profit Colorado Department of Early Childhood names a limited company as the licensee, and it is not in the IRS register of tax-exempt organisations. data.colorado.gov

Will it fit our family?

Not yet reported: ages served, hours, days / week, schedule, holiday closures.

What will it cost us?

This provider does not publish pricing.

What Shortlist has verified

State quality rating Colorado Shines Level 2
License status Active

State record — Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Last visit
December 10, 2025
On file
3 visits since December 2023 · 8 complaint investigations
Fixed?
The latest correction deadline was November 17, 2025. Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish whether it was made.
Most serious
Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.

Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood lists each program’s complaints on its Colorado Shines page, with the department’s verdict on each and a report behind it, going back about three years. Older complaints are released only on request. The department does not rank complaints by severity in either place.

Dec 2025 Complaint Unfounded

Complaint · December 10, 2025

Unfounded

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.

State records file

Nov 2025 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · November 17, 2025

2.223.C.9 · Correction due November 17, 2025

An infant under the age of 12 months to be placed on their stomach to sleep, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Infants must be placed on their backs to sleep. Correct immediately by 11.17.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.24.2025. Correct by 11/17/2025

2.212.A · Correction due November 17, 2025

Identified that staff members took safe sleep training on 8.12.2025 and 9.11.2025 and placed a child under the age of 12 months on the stomach posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: All staff members must demonstrate knowledgeable decision making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children. Correct immediately by 11.17.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.24.2025. Correct by 11/17/2025

State records file

Nov 2025 Complaint Founded

Complaint · November 17, 2025

Founded

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.

State records file

Oct 2025 Complaint Unfounded

Complaint · October 15, 2025

Unfounded

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.

State records file

Oct 2025 Supervisory visit 7 findings

Supervisory visit · October 9, 2025

2.209.A.7 · Correction due October 9, 2025

Reviewed 24 children's records and observed seven records to be missing documentation of updated and current emergency medical authorizations.

Required correction: Obtain current emergency medical authorization for all children's records. Correct immediately by 10.9.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.9.2025. Correct by 10/09/2025

2.212.G

Reviewed 18 staff records and observed staff member 14 to be missing documentation of the required medical statement.

2.213.C · Correction due October 9, 2025

Reviewed 18 staff records and observed staff member four to be missing documentation of the required Department- approved safe sleep training. Observed the staff member to work with children under the age of 12 months.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of the required Department-approved safe sleep training for all staff members who work with children under the age of 12 months as required. Correct immediately by 10.9.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.9.2025. Correct by 10/09/2025

2.213.D · Correction due October 9, 2025

Reviewed 18 staff records and observed staff member four to be missing documentation of the required Department- approved prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training. Observed the staff member to work with children under the age of three years.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of the required Department- approved prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training for all staff members who work with children under the age of three years as required. Correct immediately by 10.9.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.9.2025. Correct by 10/09/2025

Reviewed 18 staff records and observed staff member to eight be missing documentation of the required Department approved training about child abuse and prevention.

2.218.C.5.a · Correction due October 9, 2025

Observed one child's health care plan to be missing documentation of the required parental/ guardian signature, and one health care plan to be expired.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of the required updated health care plan and parental/ guardian signatures as required. Correct immediately by 10.9.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 11.9.2025. Correct by 10/09/2025

2.219.B.2

Reviewed 24 children's records and observed one child's record to be missing documentation of the required health statement.

State records file

Sep 2025 Complaint 7 findings

Complaint · September 5, 2025

2.124.A.1.b · Correction due September 5, 2025

Identified through staff statements that there was a child who had an injury to the nose and the facility called 911 to seek medical attention. The facility failed to report the injury to licensing as required.

Required correction: Within 24 hours of an injury to a child that requires medical attention must be reported to the Department. Correct immediately by 9.5.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 9.12.2025. Correct by 09/05/2025

2.124.A.1.k

Identified through staff statements that the facility called 911 multiple times, including for someone irate, an injury to a child, and a family member, and a potential gas leak.

2.129.A.3 · Correction due September 5, 2025

Identified through staff statements that each classrooms photos were uploaded into a cloud. All families for that classroom were provided with a code and all families from that classroom were able to see photos for all children in the classroom.

Required correction: Information regarding children and their families must remain confidential. Correct immediately by 9.5.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 09/05/2025

2.134.A

The facility to have a written evacuation plan to include an alternative location that is not in operation during the all of the childcare hours. Identified that the facility needed to evacuate and the alternative location was closed. Identified that the children were evacuated into the buses which is not documented in the evacuation plan. Identified through staff statements that there was an irate individual outside, and the facility needed to call 911 due to safety concerns. Identified that the facility did not follow their policy and call for shelter in place.

2.217.A.14 · Correction due September 5, 2025

In the Vience toddler classroom observed 9 children and one staff member unpon the Specialist's arrival, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: The staff to child ratio must be maintained at all times. Corrected at the time of the inspection. An addtional staff member when into the classroom. Correct by 09/05/2025

2.223.D.5.a.1 · Correction due September 5, 2025

Cots in the Barcelona classroom to be one foot apart, and cots in the Milan classroom to be touching, posing a potential health hazard.

Required correction: Cots must be at least two feet apart. Corrected at the time of the inspection. The cots were moved and placed at least two feet a part. No response required. Correct by 09/05/2025

2.229.K

A tote with supplies under the evacuation crib in the Rome infant classroom, posing a potential safety hazard.

State records file

Sep 2025 Complaint Founded

Complaint · September 5, 2025

Founded

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.

State records file

Apr 2025 Complaint Founded

Complaint · April 25, 2025

Founded

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.

State records file

Nov 2024 Supervisory visit 12 findings

Supervisory visit · November 20, 2024

2.230.B · Correction due November 20, 2024

Two electrical plugs, for a tablet or cell phone, to be exposed in the pre-k classroom, near the circle time rug, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Indoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be free from hazards. Corrected at the time of the inspection. The Director removed the electrical plug from within reach of children. No response required. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.212.G

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed two staff members Natalie M. (DOH 8.15.2024) and Mackinzie F. (DOH 8.28.2024) to be missing documentation of a current health statement.

Required correction: Obtain required health statements for all staff members as required. Correct by 12.20.2024 and submit a

2.220.C · Correction due November 20, 2024

Medication in the Pre-K classroom to be missing a prescription label.

Required correction: Obtain the original prescription label for all staff members. Correct immediately by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 12.20.2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.229.L · Correction due November 20, 2024

Small ornaments on a Christmas trees in the 112 (Madeira) classroom accessible to children under the age of three.

Required correction: Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment and any materials accessible to children under the age of three must not pose a choke hazard. Correct immediately by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 12,20,2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.220.A · Correction due November 20, 2024

A health care plan in the 112 (Madeira) classroom to be missing documentation of written parental consent.

Required correction: Obtain written consent from families to administer medications. Correct immediately by 11.20.204, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 12.20.2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.213.B · Correction due November 20, 2024

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed five staff members Cathyann S., Kelsie T., Juliana R., Sarah N., and Naike S.,to have expired standard precautions training.

Required correction: Obtain standard precautions training for all staff as required. Correct immediately by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist 12.20.2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.219.B.3 · Correction due December 20, 2024

Reviewed 16 children's records and observed two children to be missing documentation of the required up to date health statements.

Required correction: Obtain current health statements for all children as required. Correct by 12.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 12/20/2024

2.120.C.1.a.1

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed one staff member (Monica M., DOH 7.26.2024) to be missing documentation of the required Trails background check.

2.133.B · Correction due November 20, 2024

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed seven staff members Cathyann S., Raquel M., Juliana R., Destyni R., Katie T., Emily G., Charolette A. to be missing documentation of the required use of available fire extinguishers.

Required correction: Each staff member must be training in the use of available fire extinguishers. Correct immediately by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 12.20.2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

2.213.F · Correction due November 20, 2024

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed two staff members Aahlina V., DOH (9.23.2024) and Sydnie B. (DOH 5.13.2024) to be have expired CPR and First Aid modules.

Required correction: Obtain the required CPR and First Aid module for all staff as required. Correct by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 12.20.2024. Correct by 11/20/2024

Identified that staff member Juliana R. (DOH 1.1.2024) collects and reviews immunization records and observed the training module to be missing.

2.121.J.1 · Correction due November 20, 2024

Reviewed 25 staff records and observed one staff member Lisa W. (DOH 9.13.2024) to have lived outside of the state of Colorado within the last five years to be missing documentation of the required out of state background check.

Required correction: Obtain out of state background checks for all employees who have lived out side of the state of Colorado within the last five years. Correct immediately by 11.20.2024, and submit a written statement of compliance and documentation of the background to the Specialist by 12.20.2024. Submit verification that staff members Lisa W. have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Correct by 11/20/2024

State records file

Dec 2023 Original visit 3 findings

Original visit · December 11, 2023

Correction due December 11, 2023

Reviewed 6 staff files and observed Nicole V. to be missing current Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma Certificate. (hired 11/21/2023 Expired 9/26/2023)

Required correction: Obtain current Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma Certificate and maintain in staff file. Correct prior to submitting for approval of license. Correct by 12/11/2023

Correction due December 11, 2023

Reviewed 6 staff files and observed Nicole V, Kayla S, Jillian H, Destyni R, and Jennifer L. and were missing Trails clearance letters.

Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff members Nicole V, Kayla S, Jillian H, Destyni R, and Jennifer L

Correction due December 11, 2023

Reviewed 6 staff files and observed Jullian H., missing CBI and FBI, Destyni R. missing FBI, and Jennifer L, missing FBI, clearance letters.

Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff members Jullian H., Destyni R., and Jennifer L, . Jullian H, Destyni R. , and Jennifer L, have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of CBI, and FBI, for staff members Jullian H., Destyni R. and Jennifer L with written response to Specialist. Correct by 12/11/2023

State records file

Complaint 4 findings

Complaint

2.213.G · Correction due April 25, 2025

Reviewed one staff record and observed Sarah N. (DOH 2.27.2024) to be missing the required and current abuse prevention training.

Required correction: Obtain the required abuse prevention training for all staff as required. Correct immediately by 4.25.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 5.2.2025. Correct by 04/25/2025

2.217.A.14

The Toddler classroom (Dublin) to be in the stage multipurpose space upon the Specialist's arrival. Observed there to be one teacher and six children, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Staff to child ratio must be maintained at all times. Correct immediately by 4.25.2025, and submit a written

2.229.K · Correction due April 25, 2025

Evacuation cribs in both the Rome and Paris infant classrooms are being used for storage, including equipment and boppies, presenting a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Nothing may be stored inside of the evacuation cribs. Corrected at the time of the inspection. The teachers removed the items stored in the cribs. No response required. Correct by 04/25/2025

2.233.C.2 · Correction due April 25, 2025

Identified through staff statements that a preschool age child was brought to the toddler playground with toddlers playing outside on 4.7.2025.

Required correction: Toddlers and preschool age children must remain separate. Correct immediately by 4.25.2025, and submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 5.2.2025. Correct by 04/25/2025

State records file

Where this record comes from

The Department of Early Childhood keeps about three years of complaints on a program’s public page. Anything older is released only on request, as a single file covering the whole state. Shortlist asked for that file under the Colorado Open Records Act and renews it yearly; it is what this page shows for complaints older than the department’s own window.

The file this page is built from arrived on September 1, 2026 and covers complaints the department publishes today, and complaints back to January 2023 obtained by records request. The next request goes in September 2027.

The department publishes a report for each of these visits. Shortlist has not read those reports yet, so this page shows when the state came and not what it found.

Ask for this program’s record now

The department will also review one program’s complete file on request, which is more than either source above contains. Leave your email and Shortlist will ask for Karter School of Thornton’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.

Before you tour

Karter School of Thornton hasn’t published

Cost, hours and late pickup, a typical day, sick and biting policies.

Ask which of these findings were serious, and what changed.Colorado Department of Early Childhood publishes a correction deadline, never whether the work was done or how serious it was.

Sources and dates

Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.

What kind of place is this

Not yet reported: established.

Who runs it

Licensing and contact

State record

Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.

Do you run Karter School of Thornton? Shortlist has no tuition, hours or ratios for it, because the state does not publish that. Add what is missing. It is free and takes about ten minutes.