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The Experiential Education Immersive (EEI) is an integral part of the Denver Academy curriculum, designed to provide students with a wide range of academic, personal, physical, community, and social challenges outside the regular classroom. This year, EEI days are Wednesday, March 18, through Friday, March 20, 2026, although some units are longer (dates listed in red). Below is a course description for every unit.
Our EEI offers students a unique opportunity to “learn by doing and reflecting” while mingling with students from other grades/divisions, working with teachers from other grades/divisions, and fully immersing themselves in transformative experiences. Students will be in different environments that require a high degree of personal accountability. There is enhanced liability and risk inherent in these units, especially when students join an overnight unit. As such, we will maintain high readiness and behavioral expectations that fit the uniqueness of these experiences. Families, please help your student(s) choose units that suit their interests and readiness levels. Homeroom teachers and deans will also ensure that each student chooses a unit that is an appropriate fit.
Families, you will receive a link to a Google Form by email. That form will allow you to submit your student’s top five choices. Emails will be sent in the following order:
• Families of 12th graders - November 18 at 7:00 p.m.
• Families of students in grades 7-11 - December 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Seniors will have exclusive access to sign-ups from November 18 until December 3 at 7:00 p.m. Beginning December 3 at 7:00 p.m., sign-ups open to all students in grades 7-12. The sign-up form will close on December 19.
1. Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trip if their tuition is not current.
2. Students requesting an overnight trip must get approval signatures from their homeroom teacher and dean. EEI coordinators will provide forms to the appropriate teacher, and students may be denied at the teacher/dean level.
3. Overnight expectations: Overnight EEI units are designed for students who are able to demonstrate strong independence, self-regulation, and good judgment away from home. These trips are not intended to be a student’s first-ever overnight experience away from family. Students should be “well-seasoned travelers,” meaning they can manage their personal needs (hygiene, sleep routines, respectful behavior, group expectations, etc.) without significant reminders or supervision.
4. Financial assistance (50% of unit cost; up to $150) may be available to students who receive financial aid to attend Denver Academy. Please contact Trudy Matlock at tmatlock@denveracademy.org for more information.
5. If a student is unable to participate in an EEI unit after paying, reimbursement is not guaranteed. Each situation will be reviewed individually.
6. Please remember that the EEI program is a unique, required part of the Denver Academy curriculum. Students who do not attend will be marked absent. Please contact Vanessa Fritzsche or Monet Duhamel for any questions or concerns regarding EEI.
November 18, 2025 – EEI registration opens for seniors only
December 3, 2025–Registration opens to all students in grades 7-12
December 19, 2025 – Final day to register for a unit of your choice
January 30, 2026– Final day to change units without financial penalty
February 18, 2026 – Full payment due (unless otherwise noted)
We look forward to another outstanding year of the EEI program!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Fritzsche and Monet Duhamel Experiential Education Immersive Coordinators eei@denveracademy.org
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $30 (Bring lunch or lunch money)
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Paul Loose, Tennyson Flint
The PERFECT experiential for students with anxiety! Learn how to feel good all the time. It’s so easy! Focus on what makes you happy. Feel better with creative visualization (using the power of imagination to focus and create what you want). Release anxiety, depression, stress, and negative thoughts through mindful meditation. Students will learn real coping mechanisms that can help them deal with life’s problems. We will also work on healing ourselves and our planet. Students will come away from this with a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $225 (Includes lunch and snacks)
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Hannah Crawford, Samantha Silverman
For this unit, we will spend time both on campus and locally with escape rooms, board games, video games, and mysteries galore. Are you the type of person who likes to come in first, who likes to take over the board, who likes to solve the puzzle? Play board games, escape from rooms, do real-life video games, and learn from experts in the gaming community. We will visit Denver’s local eccentric emporium, Wizard’s Chest, for a game-making experience. We will meet with local board game designers to learn about their process and spend a morning at Activate in Aurora to escape from a local escape room. Our last day will include an extra surprise! With any extra time on campus, we will host a board game extravaganza with many different styles of games, new and old.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $265
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 24
Teachers: Bobby Duhamel, Cece Duhamel, Lindsay Rogers
Join us for three days of yoga, meditation, and creative activities. We will begin our day drinking tea and taking pleasure in the company of new friends and new ideas. Yoga will awaken the body while meditation will quiet the mind, allowing us to experience calmness and a oneness with our breath. Once the body and mind are aligned, we will engage in activities designed to stimulate our creative spirits — tie-dye, jewelry making, painting ceramic pots, and planting — all while nourishing our souls with sincere conversations and fellowship. Our movement through the day will be informed and guided by mindful intentions. Our thoughts and actions, now united, will facilitate positive connections with the people around us. The cyclical practice of Intention, Action, and Reflection allows both students and teachers alike to leave Zen Retreat with a sacred respect for life and a rekindled fondness for living simply. Namaste.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $405
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Chad Lindburg, Holly Marks & Katie Bradford
Join fellow adventurers on an imaginative journey (think live Dungeons & Dragons) as you band together to solve riddles, face dilemmas, and swashbuckle with foes. Leaders from Renaissance Adventures will facilitate this incredibly fun and dynamic experiential. Questers choose mythic archetypes and powers and wield safe foam swasher swords. Teams play dueling games and act out challenges like fending off ogres or a thieving band of goblins in a safe, creative environment that teaches good sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: High School
Cost: None
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 10
Teachers: Russ Mowry, Wanda Zimmermann
If you like to work with your hands, learn new skills, and help your community, this is the experiential for you! Join us for a meaningful experience and directly help with the affordable housing crisis in the Denver area. Habitat for Humanity has been around since 1976, and its mission is to help build and improve homes for families of low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. We may be working on a build site where we build and repair homes in partnership with the families who will live there. We may also spend a day in the production shop painting and preparing siding to go on homes in the area. Or, we may work a day in the Habitat ReStore, which sells used furniture to help fund the mission of Habitat. In the ReStore, some of the work includes unloading donations, organizing incoming inventory, displaying items for sale, and assisting customers. Please note, students must be 16 years old by the first day of volunteering (March 18, 2026). Some volunteer days may go as long as 5 p.m., as work at build sites concludes at 4:30 p.m.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $100 (Bring lunch money)
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 16
Teachers: Amy Thomson, Max Twarogowski
Each day, we’ll ride the light rail downtown, explore a stadium or arena, and enjoy lunch in the heart of our city. See where the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Denver Broncos call home. On our tours, you may step into dugouts, locker rooms, press boxes, suites, media areas, team stores, and even out onto the playing fields. Who knows? You might even spot a player! Along the way, we’ll walk the city, ask thoughtful questions, and take in the incredible architecture and history of Denver’s sports landmarks. Important details: Expect to walk at least two miles each day. Lunch is not included; we’ll visit local food courts such as Milk Market, Union Station, Tivoli, or possibly a sit-down restaurant.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $120
Number of Students: Max 16
Teachers: Kendall Newman, Patrick Ring
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be backstage at a concert? On this experiential, you will get a chance to learn about all the ins and outs of putting on a live concert. You will tour several music venues throughout the Denver area and have a live music experience at Swallow Hill Music. You will learn how venues book artists, what goes into a soundcheck, and hear professional musicians perform while observing from the stage or the soundboard. In DA’s Louise McCabe Performing Arts Center, you will get a fully immersive experience to see what goes into putting on a concert, including learning about the lights, soundboard, cameras, and working together to put on a live concert.


Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $115
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Alan Price, Ryan Stander
Birding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and this unit will allow students to experience the amazing world of birds in and around the metro area. Students will explore ornithology by visiting parks and wildlife sanctuaries to observe, classify, and record the birds they see. Students will be encouraged to be creative with their images (drawings or photographs) as they record observations in their journals. In addition to observing birds, a recent Time Magazine article (November 2022) pointed out the myriad social and mental health benefits of being out in nature: “People with depression, as well as those without a mental-health condition, experienced significant improvements in their wellbeing when they had these encounters [with birds].” We will travel to Barr Lake State Park, Bluff Lake Nature Center, and the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center to observe eagles and other birds of prey, shore birds, waterfowl, and the many species of perching birds in and around these areas. Registration fees supply a pair of binoculars and a journal for each student, as well as entrance fees to the parks. Students will develop scientific skills (observing and describing) as well as interpersonal skills by working closely with their peers and instructors. We also hope that the students benefit from three days of outdoor education after a cold Denver winter.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $195
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 16
Teachers: Denise Levesque, Natalie Pope
From experiencing the aromas of Celestial Seasonings to discovering the art and history of downtown Denver, Senses in the City will take students on an enriching tour of sensory experiences designed to invite reflection about how we process sensory information and how art, culture, psychology, and natural (or urban) environments invite new sensory experiences. Our agenda includes a graffiti walking tour through downtown Denver, an afternoon at Denver’s premier immersive art experience, Meow Wolf, and finally, a guided tour and sensory experience at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory in Boulder. With Ms. Levesque and Ms. Pope, students will also participate in several activities aimed at honing their sense of sight, taste, touch, and smell – we’ll make potpourri, try new foods, experience new smells, and process our experiences through daily journaling and conversation.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $275
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Cayla Warneke, Ramsey Brookhart
The experience will include a trip to the Wild Animal Sanctuary as well as CSU’s Spur Center. There will also be hands-on opportunities on campus with some very special animal visitors. Students will learn the importance of biodiversity both locally and globally, as well as how to care for animals in captivity, the importance of protecting wildlife, and the deep and meaningful ways humans and animals connect.


Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $300
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Art Curtis, Izzy Anderson
Get ready for an adventure in motion! We’ll step into the world of planes, trains, and automobiles with visits to the Forney Transportation Museum, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and Wings Over the Rockies, plus we’ll bring a mobile planetarium to campus to explore navigating by the stars. You’ll see everything from vintage cars to massive locomotives, modern aircraft, and spacecraft, all while learning how transportation has shaped the history of Colorado and the world, as well as our everyday lives. Plus, it’s not just about looking — you’ll get to experience travel, teamwork, and discovery firsthand. This trip is part history, part science, and all adventure!
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $330
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Kevin Narvaez, Suzie Ledford
Immerse yourself and get inspired by Denver’s vibrant art scene through this hands-on unit that takes learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of the city. Students will explore and engage in a variety of art mediums — from street murals and sculpture to contemporary installations — while visiting galleries, studios, and public art spaces across Denver’s diverse neighborhoods. Each day, we’ll dive into the local culture by sampling neighborhood cuisine, connecting the sensory experience of food with the stories and creative expression found in each community. This immersive journey will inspire critical thinking, creative expression, and meaningful engagement with art, culture, and place.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $350
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Caroline Conroy, Tommy Laird
Get ready for a creative journey like no other! This immersive photography trip is designed for middle and high schoolers who are ready to explore art through a new lens. Come curious and leave inspired. This is more than a field trip — it’s a creative experience you’ll never forget!
I feel strongly that the kids learn so much from immersive experiences – educational and fun at the same time. - DA PARENT




Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 22
Grade Level: Middle and High School Teachers: Andy Klaus-Corritore, Joe Senne, Alyssa Gafvert Cost: $385
Do ghosts really exist, or are they a figment of your imagination? In this experiential, students will critically examine this question and come to their own conclusions based on both the history and background covered, as well as any personal experiences gained from the experiential. Students will physically and mentally enter the realm of the paranormal and explore various locations in Denver (and surrounding areas) where ghostly encounters have been known to occur. This hands-on experience will be supplemented with written activities. Please note: If you have done this experiential in the past, we ask that you leave the spot open for a newcomer to enjoy the experience.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Number of Students: Max 13
Grade Level: Middle and High School Teachers: Matt Dastin, Mikaela Martinez
Cost: $435
In this experiential, we will engage those who are “masters of none or masters of some.” Students will be able to try three different physical activities popular in Colorado: golf, hiking + ziplining/ropes course, and climbing. Each day, we will discuss etiquette and techniques relating to the day’s activity. Students will then engage in that activity. Climbing will be at a Fort Collins climbing gym with certified instructors, golf will be at Top Golf, and the ziplining/ropes course will be at EDGE Ziplines and Adventures.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Number of Students: Max 13
Grade Level: Middle and High School Teachers: Andrew Green, Charles Beckwith
Cost: $515
“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” - Jonathan Swift
This experiential is designed for adventurous students eager to explore the culinary wonders of our city! Each day, we’ll start with breakfast at a unique spot — from charming “dives” to buffet spreads, no two mornings will be the same. Afterward, you’ll join either a cooking class or an etiquette workshop where you’ll learn essential skills for preparing delicious dishes or mastering dining etiquette. To complete the day, we’ll savor a memorable lunch at a carefully chosen restaurant or eat what you just made, challenging your palate and filling your belly. Come with an open mind and get ready to make new friends over some incredible food. Note: This experience may be challenging for students with food allergies or selective eating habits.



Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $545
Overnight: NO
Number of Students: Max 16
Teachers: Katey Frankel, Kristi Mackenzie
Students will explore the world of horses and discover careers in veterinary and animal sciences, all while improving their selfmanagement, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through daily responsibilities and immersive activities. This unit blends science, service, and adventure, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with animals while exploring future career paths. Students will visit CSU Spur’s Vida Center to explore animal health exhibits and learn about equine therapy, veterinary science, and sports medicine. They will gain real experience in horse care, including grooming, saddling, feeding, and riding, while earning service hours and working as a team. They will also learn directly from professionals in veterinary medicine and equine therapy, connecting classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Dates: March 18 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $550
Overnight:
Number of Students: Max 13
Teachers: Kayla Chalk, Kris Fritzsche
At Little Glass Art Studio, students will explore stained glass through torch-fired enameling, copper foiling (Tiffany method), and traditional lead came while practicing rigorous, age-appropriate shop safety. They’ll design, cut, grind, foil, solder, and assemble small works that investigate how light, line, and color interact in glass. Alongside making, students will observe a professional artist’s studio to see how artists sustain a business — how they make and price work, sell art, and sell skills through classes and services. The unit intentionally grows interpersonal skills through peer support, shared studio stewardship, and constructive critique, and it builds habits of reflection via journals, guided questions, and formative assessments for each student throughout the workshop time. Each student leaves with multiple finished pieces, new skills to brag about, and fun, creative stories to tell family and friends.
Pine Ridge changed how I view public service. Being there showed me the real impact we can have when we show up and give our full effort. I want to return as a senior because the experience was meaningful and eye-opening.
EEI pushes you outside your comfort zone in the best way. You get to learn from different communities and see your work make a difference. What you put in is what you get out.
- DA STUDENT (CLASS OF 2026)



Note: The Regional, National and International EEI courses are overnight units. Due to the increased liability and risk inherent to overnight trips, students’ enrollment/acceptance will be subject to a higher standard than for “on-campus” or local units.
For students to qualify for enrollment in an overnight unit, we expect a history of: satisfactory attendance, positive peer and teacher relationships, appropriate situational maturity, reasonable time management skills, and enthusiasm for new experiences.
We reserve the right to deny or remove a student from a unit if they fail to meet and sustain the criteria listed above. In such instances, we will refund the amount paid to the family and will strive to place the student in a new unit, based on current availability.
Also, we have made every effort to represent the correct cost for airfare on our travel units. However, airfare prices are volatile, and price increases before travel may increase the overall cost of the trip. If airfare decreases, it will reduce the amount due. Families will be notified of such changes via email as soon as possible.
Dates: March 17 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $710 - $740
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Ben Ollett, Dave Acker
Moab is an international mountain biking destination and offers some of the most unique riding and natural landscapes in the world. The trails can also be quite challenging, so for this trip, you need to be at least an intermediate-level rider and get cleared by coaches before signing up. We will also explore the two National Parks in Moab and hang out in town as well! Note: Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trips if their tuition is not current.
Dates: March 14 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: High School
Cost: $1,390
Overnight: YES
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Kirsten Wander, Richard Umbach
We are back to Pine Ridge! Come join us on this guaranteed life-changing experience. The last 10+ trips have been a huge success, and we invite you to become a part of this amazing and unique Denver Academy tradition. We will be traveling to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota for a week of community service, cultural awareness, and reconnecting with friends and extended family. Though this trip will be physically and emotionally demanding at times, we promise this will be (as quoted from a student from a previous year) “an experience you’ll never forget.” This experiential will include: visiting the Wounded Knee Monument & Indian Museum; experiencing local cuisine and cultural programs; constructing a house and furniture for under-privileged Lakota families; distributing furniture and household items to needy homes; daily Wisdom of the Elders; making and serving meals; and working alongside college and high school students from other states. Note: Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trips if their tuition is not current.


Due to the increased liability and risk inherent to overnight trips, students’ enrollment/acceptance will be subject to a higher standard than for “on-campus” or local units. See details listed under Regional Experiential Units.
Dates: March 17 - 20, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $2,500 - $2,700
Overnight: YES
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Jenni Walker, Perry Butler
Pack your bags and lace up your walking shoes — this trip will be a non-stop adventure from morning ’til night! Every day is packed with unforgettable experiences, so get ready to explore, discover, and have fun. Step into the birthplace of Grunge music and soak in the energy of downtown Seattle, where we’ll be staying for three nights. Our itinerary includes: wandering through Seattle’s hidden history on the Underground Tour; diving into music, movies, and more at the Museum of Pop Culture; cruising from Lake Union to Elliott Bay through the Ballard Locks; taking in breathtaking views from the Space Needle; and being awed by the Chihuly Gardens. We’ll also soar through the skies on the Wings Over Washington Flying Theater, ride the iconic Seattle Great Wheel, and stroll through the legendary Pike Place Market - home of the original Starbucks. Experience the magic of Stravinsky’s The Firebird with the Seattle Symphony. And, of course, taste your way through some of Seattle’s most amazing street food! We have partnered with American International Travel for this trip, which is an all-inclusive experiential. The cost of the trip covers flights, meals, admissions, tips, travel insurance, and double occupancy hotel. Note: A deposit of $1,225 is due upon sign-up confirmation, balance due 1/16/26. Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trips if their tuition is not current.
Dates: March 17-21, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $3,860
Overnight: YES
Number of Students: Max 18
Teachers: Cliff Thompson, Gracie Cole, Kacie Wulf
Step back in time and experience U.S. history where it began! Students will walk the storied Freedom Trail, tracing the footsteps of revolutionaries who sparked America’s fight for liberty. Along the way, they’ll dive into hands-on history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, stand aboard the USS Constitution, the most famous naval ship in the War of 1812, and confront the complexities of early American life at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. A visit to the Salem Witch Museum will challenge students to consider themes of agitation, justice, and community, while time at the Museum of Science highlights Boston’s continued role as a hub of innovation and discovery. This unforgettable journey blends classroom learning with real-world exploration and reflection, helping students deepen their understanding of America’s fight for independence while building lasting memories with their classmates. The trip includes all transportation, lodging, meals, admissions, and guided tours, plus evening hotel security and trip insurance for peace of mind. Students will also enjoy authentic East Coast dining experiences, including a special evening dinner cruise out on the water!
Note: Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trips if their tuition is not current.



Due to the increased liability and risk inherent to overnight trips, students’ enrollment/acceptance will be subject to a higher standard than for “on-campus” or local units. See details listed under Regional Experiential Units.
Dates: March 16 - 21, 2026
Grade Level: Middle and High School
Cost: $5,000 - $6,000
Overnight: YES
Number of Students: Max 12
Teachers: Kyra Ruscio, Mark Wood
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to the City of Light! This exciting trip to Paris will take students on a journey through centuries of art, history, and culture. We’ll visit world-famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Students will stroll along the Champs-Élysées, explore the artistic charm of Montmartre, and cruise down the River Seine for breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline. The experience extends beyond Paris with a full-day excursion to the historic beaches of Normandy, where students will reflect on the events of D-Day. They will also visit the breathtaking island abbey of Mont St. Michel, one of France’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. From café-lined boulevards to timeless coastlines, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and spirit of France firsthand!
Note: Students may NOT sign up for any overnight trips if their tuition is not current.

Of all my years at DA, something I remember the most is my time during experientials. In addition to many local EEI experiences, I had the unbelievable opportunity to visit both Chicago and London. Both of these wonderful trips taught me valuable life lessons, and I believe they made me a more worldly student. I am extremely grateful to have had these opportunities, and recommend to all DA students that they take at least one experiential out-of-state, if possible! - DA STUDENT (CLASS OF 2027)