SINCE 1906

Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade

(303) 914-2513coloradoacademy.org

This book is printed with low-VOC vegetable-based inks by a FSC-certified printer. The cover is printed on 30% PCW and the inside on 100% PCW recycled paper made with renewable energy by Mohawk Paper Company and Sappi Fine Paper.

Commitment (k m-mit-m nt) pledge, promise, agreemente e

COLORADOACADEMY

COLORADOACADEMY

A dynamic liberal arts and sciences program that challenges students ethically, academically, artistically, and athletically creates the foundation of Colorado Academy. Teachers, students, parents, and staff foster trusting and respectful relationships, enhancing our thriving school family. Students pursue excellence and seek to become life-long learners and contributors in our local and international communities.

The school balances challenge and demand with support and encouragement. In a nurturing environment, we cultivate in each student the confidence to experiment, think independently, and work cooperatively with others.

The school promotes intellectual excitement and inspires students to develop inquisitive and self-directed minds.

Students acquire tools to discover, analyze, and interpret the world.

The school encourages students to become reflective citizens concerned with local and global physical, social, cultural, and political environments.

The school’s curriculum and admission philosophy foster an understanding of and a respect for people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The school’s balanced liberal arts and sciences program and emphasis on character development prepare students to be successful in colleges and universities commensurate with their interests and abilities.

The school develops students’ abilities and their desire to educate themselves beyond the limits of their formal education and encourages them to view learning as a life-long endeavor.

MISSION

School Mission& Philosophy

,

Mike DavisHead of SchoolUpper School history teacherCA parentRock climber

CA Principals Upper School, Jonathan Vogels

Lower School, Fran Trujillo Middle School, Bill Wolf-Tinsman

Foundation(foun-dey-shuhn) the basis

or groundwork

Co-Director of College Counseling, Cathy Nabbefeld, celebrates with a recent CA graduate for winning a college scholarship from Columbine’s Never Forgotten Fund. CA students have received this honor eight of the nine years it has been awarded.

In Pre-Kindergarten, students undertake their first research project. Reading time about rainforest animals turns into focused “research” about a specific animal.

Incoming 9th graders take a Freshman seminar which combines opportunities and experiences in leadership, service learning, and technology to lay the groundwork for success.

CA’s foundation is its expert faculty and staff who are committed to creating an exceptional learning environment for children.

Whether you enter as a young child or an accomplished student, CA provides the building blocks for your future and helps you gain the qualities and skills you need to tackle every new endeavor. These are not limited to computation and comprehension. They also include empathy, generosity, risk taking, and goal setting.

“The academic program at CA is challenging and rigorous. Our teachers do not simply have high standards; they are committed to helping students live up to their full potential. What is so great about CA is its commitment to innovation through utilizing experiential education, technology, collaborative curriculum development, and meaningful co-curricular engagement.”

FOUNDATION

Contribute(kƏn-trib-yƏ t), to play a significant

part in, give to a common goal

e e

CONTRIBUTECindy JordanVocal Music Director

“The consistency and depth of the arts programs at CA are unlike any other school I know. Often a child is surprised to discover what artistic talents he or she can contribute.”

Teachers offer their time, expertise, and patience. Parents volunteer in the classroom, applaud from the sidelines, and support at every opportunity. Our students’ contributions best underscore our mission and philosophy. You may excel in chemistry, choir or cross-country. You will bring something unique to the whole. And for that, you will be known and respected.

100% of faculty and staff give to the Annual Campaign.

In addition to school-wide service learning days, 15 Upper School clubs perform community service.

Over 14,000 private music lessons are taken on campus each year by nearly half of the student body. Students practice performing in front of parents and peers at monthly recitals and assemblies. A musical composition class enables students to create their own music.

The Upper School club called Students HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) hosts a holiday party at CA’s campus for over 1,000 Denver homeless people.

Our global studies curriculum is comprehensive. Language instruction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, combined with travel opportunities that span the globe, make our students citizens of the world.

Excellence(ek-sƏ -lƏnts) preeminence,

distinction, merit

e e

Interim at CA: Middle and Upper School teachers design week-long experiential education programs to demonstrate that learning extends beyond the classroom. Small groups engage in programs such as mountain biking in Moab, Utah, or developing an on-campus vegetable garden. Students choose among offerings, led by teachers, which promise adventure, team-building, and growth.

At CA, you are encouraged to break from your comfort zone: take risks in class discussions, develop hypotheses in the science lab, manipulate materials and media in the art studio, and push yourself on the playing field. Identifying and attaining personal excellence gives you self-knowledge and confidence–which can lead your peers to set higher expectations for themselves.

EXCELLENCEKatieClass of ‘09

“CA offers opportunities for students to expand beyond the fundamentals. There’s always a higher level of excellence to strive for.”

David ColodnyUpper School Spanish teacherLeadership and Service Learning Coordinator

“CA has supported me in transforming my passion for service learning and leadership into a new Upper School program. The result is a class designed to help students develop skills in research and technology, time management, decision-making, conflict resolution, effective communication, and more.”

Designated a SMART™ Showcase School for our teachers’ productive use of SMART interactive whiteboards as tools for learning.

The Middle School Circus Program empowers students to walk the tightrope, ride unicycles, and juggle clubs. It culminates in a community-wide performance. This unique course physically challenges students to reach their highest potential.

Our parents are invited to attend workshops and lectures designed by our principals and counselors to help them understand how children grow and learn.

Community(kƏ -myu-nƏ t-e ) individuals with

common goals and interests

e e

Our long-standing Kindergarten/Senior Buddy program bridges the gap between some of our youngest and oldest students–forging meaningful connections on both sides.

Candace SuechtingParent Association Vice President CA parent

“At CA, my two children are fully engaged. They are able to achieveacademic success and their uniqueindividual potential. I know that many doors will be open to them for their college experiences after CA.”

“Students at CA are curious. Sure, they want to do well to get the ‘A’ and be successful. Yet beyond all that, they wonder and ask questions for no other reason than intellectual curiosity. That’s what makes teaching here such a joy!”

Ruth HundUpper School science teacherCA parent

COMMUNITYOur emphasis on community, and what it means to be a citizen at CA and beyond, begins in Lower School. We establish the importance of integrity, responsibility, humility, and mutual respect.

CA has won nine CHSAA state championships including men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s field hockey, women’s lacrosse, women’s golf, and women’s track and field.

CA offers students the opportunity to play on 61 different athletic teams.

Varsity athletes are those students whose ability on the court or field enables them to compete at the highest playing level.

Challenge(chal-inj) something that by its nature or characterserves as a call to battle, contest, or special effort

AP United States History with Mr. Terrazas is the first opportunity for most students to take an advanced placement course. He presents the content at an accelerated pace, placing a premium on the students’ abilities to analyze and reason at a deep level.

Sara10th grade

“I love my coaches because they work with each player one on one to master the basics, as well as tackle new skills.”

CHALLENGEAt CA, students face challenges daily. You are challenged by teachers and peers to think critically, present reasonable arguments, and bring your best to the classroom, the playing field, and the stage.

73% of our faculty members have advanced degrees.

Our faculty and staff are models of lifelong learning and are supported by the school’s commitment to professional development. Our students, by virtue of the high expectations of their teachers, grow as learners, friends, athletes, and artists. With this growth comes revelation, accomplishment, and pride.

Kass PattersonKindergarten teacherCA parentClass of ’78

“We value each child for what he or she brings to the classroom. The students here thrive because everyone appreciates their unique talents.”

Portfolio is a visual arts class where students in their senior year create and compile a collection of their finest works. Each student’s accomplishments are then celebrated in a gallery exhibit showcasing their masterpieces.

Thrive(thriv) to grow vigorously,

to succeed, to prosper

THRIVE

CA is not a place for anonymity. Teachers and students talk to each other about more than coursework. Friends rely on one another for more than company. You will be known and you will be held accountable, by your friends, teachers, and parents–for your contributions, both great and small.

Pupil: Teacher ratio = 9:1Average class size = 17

David11th grade

“I’ve played soccer almost all my life—about 10 years on teams. I have a lot of respect for my CA coach. His coaching style is refreshing and motivational, which really helps bring us all together as a team on the field.”

Teachers at all levels make it a priority to support their students in endeavors outside the classroom. You will see teachers at sporting events and theater productions. Students at CA know their teachers care about them.

Relationship(ri-la-shƏn-ship) a connection,

association, involvement

e

RELATIONSHIP

PARTNERSHIP

Roy MillsPre-Kindergarten teacher

“Teachers are in constant communication with parents about their students. This allows everyone to work together, both in the classroom and at home, to make school the best experience possible.”

Partnerships exist between CA students and faculty, faculty and parents, individuals and groups. They are characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility.

Partnership (pärt-nƏ r-ship)

Colorado Academy

e

Academic and personal advising culminates in a highly customized college counseling program. Our Directors of College Counseling work closely with students and their families to maximize college options and find the best match according to each student’s interests and abilities.

Middle and Upper School teachers meet with advisory groups of approximately 10 - 18 students on a daily basis. Advisory time is designed by our teachers and counselors to help students cultivate strategies as they grow and develop their character, study habits, and social skills. Advisors serve as important liaisons and supportive guides for students between home and school.

Graphic Designer: Marni Myers, marnimyers.comPhotography: Jay DickmanProject Manager: Catherine LaskeyCopywriter: Ingrid Moore, ‘92

Visit coloradoacademy.org for our interactive online application.

Call (303) 914-2513 to set up a campus tour or if you do not have internet access. Admission Office HoursMonday through Friday 8 am – 4:15 pm 3800 South Pierce Street Denver, Colorado 80235