Denver Academy's Viewbook

The Way You Learn Best

The Way You Learn Best

Denver Academy changes lives.

With more than 50 years of experience bringing out the best in bright individuals with varied learning profiles, Denver Academy is a nationally-recognized leader in innovative education.

Why Denver Academy?

An Education As Distinctive as Your Child

Denver Academy (DA) is a co-educational, independent day school for grades two through 12 that employs a personalized approach to educate, inspire, and empower our students. Your child is unique. We celebrate this by creating a customized curriculum that grows with them as they develop as learners.

We See You

At Denver Academy, we foster a non-judgemental learning environment that accounts for individual differences while promoting respect, responsibility, community, and acceptance.

“At my old school, because I have dyslexia, I felt like I was different. Here, I feel like everyone is different and we all fit in.”

-Jessica, Denver Academy Student

“Denver Academy is a place where students have the space to explore and work on their academics without fear of ridicule. I felt free to express myself as a student, as a friend, and as a person.”

-Luke, Denver Academy Alumnus Class of 2022

Experience the DA Difference

Focus on individual student success

Cool, smart, fun and funny faculty with continuous, specialized training

Park-like, 21-acre campus in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood

Small class sizes of 12-15 students

Assistive technology to enhance learning

Partnership Model: students, parents and teachers

Curriculum with appropriately-challenging academics, digital and fine arts programs, theater and athletic offerings, experiential education, and extracurricular activities

Sophisticated understanding of each student’s learning profile

WhatMakesUsUnique

Full-time counselors for each division

Daily physical education classes for grades 2-6 (grades 7-12 PE elective) and no-cut athletic team offerings for grades 6-12

Character education, including mindfulness training

College and Transition Counseling services provided for high school students

Visual & performing arts classes, including welding and metal arts classes

Literacy specialists to provide academic supports and interventions, as needed

Focus on volunteerism and service

Yearly immersive experiential education opportunities

Executive functioning skills development incorporated into everyday learning

At Denver Academy, we ask, “How are you smart?”

“Our sons arrived at Denver Academy doubting their abilities to be successful in an academic environment. When DA provided the tools, support, and opportunity to prove themselves, they became competent learners, athletes, and community leaders. Sending them to DA was the most impactful decision we made for our sons and their futures.”

-Steve and Justine W., Denver Academy alumni parents

High Support

High Expectations

High Accountability

We know our students want to succeed and we encourage them to reach higher by holding them accountable to expectations we know they can achieve. Along the way, our teachers offer students high levels of support to boost confidence and empower success. Our students discover and remember that school and learning can be fun, and that they are smarter and more capable than they imagined.

Elementary: It All Starts Here

At Denver Academy, we endeavor to develop the whole child. Starting in elementary school, each student is placed in a homeroom class matching their academic readiness and skills, offering them a safe, nurturing environment where they can flourish. In addition to instruction in Denver Academy’s math, science, and social studies programs with placement tailored to your child’s needs, our teachers use Orton-Gillingham phonetics-based methods to teach reading and spelling and the Lindamood-Bell program for Visualizing/Verbalizing. These specialized approaches help our elementary teachers assist your child as they fill in the gaps in their skill sets. Our Literacy Specialists are available to work one-on-one and in small groups with students to augment their reading skills when needed.

Elementary students round out their schedules with daily physical education where they develop motor skills, coordination, and balance, as well as classes in drama, art, music, digital arts, and our state-of-the-art Campos EPC SmartLab. Elementary after school programs are also available providing homework support and enrichment activities.

Students leave elementary school with enhanced foundational academic and social skills, higher self-esteem, and an increased enthusiasm for learning.

“DA values our children’s differences and strengths – their superpowers – as much as we do.”

-Joan and Jess M., parents of two Denver Academy students

Dedicated Sixth Grade Division

Sixth Grade is special.

We recognize that sixth grade is pivotal to achieving readiness for middle school and we have created a special environment just for these students. Our Sixth Grade Division has its very own building on campus. We provide the nurturing feel of elementary school students are familiar with while preparing them for the academic, social, and emotional demands of middle school. Students are placed in a homeroom class that meets their academic level. With the support of our committed faculty, students are guided toward greater autonomy and self-advocacy. Each homeroom class is paired with a middle school buddy class they connect with throughout the year so students feel comfortable with their next steps.

In addition to academic subjects, sixth-grade students enjoy daily PE classes. By the end of the year, they will have completed one quarter each of learning in the Campos EPC SmartLab, music, art, and drama, in preparation for middle school. A highlight of the year is the annual three-day trip to High Trails Outdoor Education Camp in Florissant, Colorado.

Upon completion of sixth grade, students will have achieved academic and social growth and exhibit greater respect, responsibility, and resilience as learners and DA community members.

Middle School Is for Metamorphosis

Middle School is a time of immense change and growth.

With this in mind, our middle school experience (grades 7-8) anchors each child in a homeroom that meets their specific educational development needs. Students begin and end their day with a devoted homeroom teacher who engages them in literature, English, and character development, and also helps students hone executive functioning skills. Middle school students continue instruction in math and science and choose two electives each quarter. Electives include courses in art, music, theater, photography, filmmaking, STEM opportunities through the Campos EPC SmartLab, sports, and more.

“Denver Academy Middle School students are the happiest middle schoolers I’ve seen anywhere. Their energy is contagious.”

- Denver Academy parent volunteer

Learning opportunities for DA Middle School students exist outside the classroom as well. During their middle school tenure, students engage in special studies weeks, experiential education, and several traditions like the Chili Cookoff, Washington Park Cleanup, the National Western Stock Show, and more. These participatory learning events further engage the minds of developing, active, and social middle school learners.

When students graduate from DA’s middle school, they will have an increased sense of self and confidence, an enhanced range of academic abilities, improved social skills, and a readiness for high school and beyond as lifelong learners.

HIGH SCHOOL: EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED

Denver Academy’s high school is where students discover their passions, determine their goals, and reach their potential.

Students are placed into classes based on their interest, academic readiness, and learning profile. We provide continued remediation in areas where students require extra support and also offer the opportunity for students who are thriving to advance their knowledge through accelerated honors classes. Students take four years of math, science, literature, social studies, and language arts. Students are also encouraged to begin Spanish language instruction, which can be continued all four years.

We know lifelong academic and personal success arises not just from classroom interaction and teacher instruction but also through use of memorization strategies, note taking, organization, and effective study skills. Our high school builds these crucial elements into regular classroom participation to prepare students for the challenges of higher education and the world of work.

Classes in arts, metalworking, media, theater, fitness, and music allow students to uncover their passions and cultivate their personal development. Our athletic teams have a no-cut policy because we want all students, no matter their skill level, to enjoy participating in competitive sports. We inspire civic involvement through plentiful volunteer opportunities. Real-world engagement is encouraged with experiential immersive weeks where students participate in international, national, regional, and local experiences that expand their worldview.

Students in our high school graduate with more than academic knowledge. They know how to advocate for themselves, have increased self-esteem and confidence, have expanded post high school opportunities, and a plan for their first year after graduation.

“Nico arrived at Denver Academy in 7th grade as a lost soul. He lacked confidence in himself both socially and academically. He had already given up at such a young age. Through the wonderful work of so many at DA, Nico graduated with academic honors, a scholarship to the University of Denver, and a renewed belief in himself. A true miracle for our family!”

-Ed and Lynne R., DA parents

OUR GRADUATES GO PLACES

The DA College and Transition Counseling Program equips every student with the skills and knowledge to design a realistic post-secondary plan that aligns with their strengths and interests. This ongoing discussion begins freshman year to ensure students have the time and tools necessary to make an informed decision that fits their goals. Our College and Transition Counseling team provides guidance in selecting and applying to colleges and other post-secondary options. Students receive support in college essay writing and editing, requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and exploring scholarship opportunities.

While 80-90% of our graduates matriculate to a four-year college or university annually, we understand college isn’t the path for everyone. DA students have the opportunity to explore varied post-secondary options, including entering the workforce, embarking on a military service career, taking a gap year, or enrolling in vocational or technical school.

RMCAD Naropa Johnson & Wales SCAD Landmark College

Northern Arizona University Full Sail Endicott West Point - Army

Columbia College Colorado School of Mines

Providence College

Gonzaga University University of San Francisco Morehouse College

Western Colorado University Regis University Chadron State College

University of Arizona Macalister College

Michigan State University

St. Olaf University of Nebraska Eckerd College Hendrix College

Norwich University Brigham Young

University of Colorado at Denver

University of Northern Colorado Colorado Mesa University

Colorado College

Lawrence University Ferris State University

Montana State University

University of Machias

Western State

Whitman College Curry College American University

Ohio Wesleyan University

University of Iowa Thames Academy

Southern Methodist University Catawba College Purdue The New School

Embry Riddle University of Syracuse

University of Wyoming

University of Indiana New Mexico Tech Guilford College

The University of Memphis Baylor Northeastern University

University of Colorado Stanford University East Tennessee State

University of Oregan Texas State University

College of Charleston

Navy Fort Lewis College

University of San Diego Marquette Beloit College

North Idaho College Drake Adams State University

A Snapshot of Colleges and Institutions Where DA Students Have Been Accepted DA

Berklee College of Music

Northeastern University

High Point University

University of Kansas

Linfield College Lynn University New York University Mitchell College

University of Hawaii Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles

Mills College Texas Christian University Sterling College

DePaul University Beacon College George Washington University

University of Virginia Loras College Colorado Mountain College

Fort Hays State University

Humbolt State Boise State

McPherson College Colorado State University

Hastings College Knox College

South Dakota Mines

Montana State University Cornell

Belmont University Creighton University The University of Chicago

University of Glasgow Hampshire College Clark University Centre College

University of Redlands Ringling College of Art and Design

University of Denver Emerson College

University of Puget Sound

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR ALUMNI

“At DA, I was challenged but this challenge was never overwhelming and it helped me grow as a learner. I was surrounded by amazing teachers who wanted to see every one of their students succeed. DA helped prepare me for college by teaching me self-advocacy skills and giving me the courage to speak up, ask questions, and share my thoughts.”

-Joe W., DA Class of 2020, Whitman College student

“My favorite thing about DA was the teaching approach. We had more freedom to really learn and grasp concepts because they were taught in incredible ways! The biggest thing I learned at DA was that it was awesome to be who I am.”

“My DA visual arts teacher helped me use and realize the talents and gifts I had in film, and he made me confident in the fact that they were, in fact, gifts.”

-Will R., DA Class of 2011, Graduate of Santa Clara University, Production Coordinator for Pixar Animation Studios

-Jenna C., DA Class of 2013, Graduate of the Denver College of Nursing, Registered Nurse

AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

For 50+ years, Denver Academy’s mission has been to inspire and empower a diverse group of learners, through student-centered and differentiated education. Our core values are individual differences, respect and responsibility, community and nurturing relationships, and the transformative power of education. These values permeate student life and provide a springboard for personal growth. Our passion for education allows us to bridge the gap for students who may have struggled in traditional classroom settings, providing the opportunity for them to succeed in ways they may not have dreamed possible.

To experience firsthand our dedication to our motto, “The Way YOU Learn Best,” contact the Enrollment Department at 303-777-5161 to schedule an informational meeting. We look forward to sharing our excitement, enthusiasm, and experience with you and your unique child.

Photo credits: Carol MacKay

Photography; Marlo Butler, Our Family Clicks.