Brady Downey

My name is Brady Downey and I recently retired as a lifelong educator in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Spending half of my career as a high school teacher teaching Biology and Physical Science while coaching football, baseball, and track. I spent the other as a High School Principal in Gladstone, Michigan serving 500 students per year for 14 years. By the way…as I look back, I loved every minute of it.

I have traveled to the Western Slope of Colorado yearly since the early 90’s. I instantly loved mountain biking and hiking in this area and explored as much as I could until I would make the long 22 hour drive back to my home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In Montrose, you are a maximum three hour drive from world class outdoor recreational opportunities…I am like a kid in a candy store.

Why am I here at Vista Charter School serving as the Project Bike Tech, Outdoor Ed, and Financial Literacy Teacher? I wanted to move to the area and find a school that was for students that struggled in a traditional setting. Those were my favorite students as a teacher and principal, and I was the same kind of student in high school. I was also looking for a school with a family feel and where the teachers and staff truly loved their students and the students loved them back.

The universe has honored my wish! Vista Charter School is the perfect place at a perfect time…I am truly blessed and thankful to be here.