Eastlake High School is a Phone-Free Zone

Big changes have come to Eastlake High School: we’ve made the commitment to turn our small tuition-free charter school into a cell phone-free zone – the first one in El Paso County! We are so proud of our staff and students for taking this proactive step toward reclaiming the sanctity of the classroom as a space for focused learning.

Yondr Pouches at Eastlake High School

At the request of both teachers and students, we’ve drawn a healthy boundary around cell-phone use at school with the help of Yondr. 

When students arrive at school, they place their phone in a Yondr pouch and tap the green button to secure it. At the end of their school day, they simply tap the Green Ring to open the pouch and remove their phone. If a student needs to use their phone, they can go to the cell phone area and unlock their phone. Families can get messages to their students the old fashioned way - through our front office! It’s a simple and easy routine that our students have quickly adopted. 

The Case for Cell Phone Free Schools

The response to our new policy has been overwhelmingly positive from families, staff and students alike. Teachers report fewer behavior issues, increased engagement in class and more genuine interactions among students and staff. 

It’s not just our staff that see the benefits of a cell phone free school. Even our students are fans: 

At first I was hesitant, giving up my phone, it's a big thing, but after seeing the potential benefits of it, I've been more engaged in class, getting more work done. I'm interacting with more people than I used to.

–Destin Rodriguez, Eastlake Senior

Eastlake High School is different, on purpose. We’re proud of our entire community for reaffirming their dedication to nurturing a culture of focus, collaboration, and personal growth. It’s a big step towards fulfilling our mission to offer community and unwavering support to every student, tuition-free. 

If you’ve been thinking that a supportive, distraction-free environment would be just the place for you on your way to graduation, check us out. Enrollment for 2024-25 is open now. 

About Eastlake High School

Eastlake High School is an alternative, tuition-free public high school launched in 2004 as an answer to the growing number of students seeking options on the path to a diploma. Our highly qualified staff meets students where they are, with flexible scheduling and custom-built academic programs. Community, personalized learning and unwavering support are the heart of our mission. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we enroll 9th-12th grade students year-round. Join us–We’re different, on purpose.