Ideal Learning (IL), or whole child education programs, encourage academic, social, and emotional growth for children. These pre-kindergarten through third grade models (i.e., Montessori, Tools of the Mind) honor each child's unique interests and promote the internal drive to learn. There are many successful private and charter IL programs, but bringing these programs to Colorado's public schools has been challenging. One key reason is the lack of alignment between IL practices and the state's assessment and accountability system. (author abstract)