People + Partnerships

REDI Lab History

Born from a vision of leveraging institutional potential to create a world-class learning experience for Colorado Academy students, the REDI Lab was first a simple question asked by Head of School Dr. Mike Davis (2007-present)—“What is something that Colorado Academy can do that utilizes its position of privilege to change education for students?”

Next, it became a concept designed by Paul Kim (2006-2019) and most recently, a program expanded by Tom Thorpe (2012-present) with support from Amanda Zranchev (2018-present) and Martha Smith (2018-present).

Since its inception in 2016, the REDI Lab has helped the school live further into its mission in real and authentic ways. Year after year, the Lab has provided students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that have real-world relevance. And with its intentional placement in the school year when they are beginning to think seriously about what is next for them, the Lab fosters insight into the value that students might offer to the world.

As a result of the success of the REDI Lab, Aimee and Jonathan Coleman generously led funding for the development of a new off-campus space in the Mariposa District of Denver in 2022. The new off-campus space, The REDI Lab Coleman Center, located near downtown, allows REDI Lab students to engage more directly in real-world, community-based learning outside of the traditional classroom.

As it continues to create innovative learning experiences for students, the REDI Lab seeks to become a nationally recognized center for innovation and progressive education. And with the support of partners like the Denver Housing Authority and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the REDI Lab will become a part of the vanguard of programs that is driving needed change in education through student programs and professional learning for educators.

Leadership

Tom Thorpe

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Director of REDI Lab at CA

Tom Thorpe is the co-founder and director of the REDI Lab @ Colorado Academy. A career educator and problem-solver, Thorpe helps learners of any age grow into their full potential using creative processes. As a program director, he is an active learner who uses storytelling to explore more of what’s possible in a situation and show our connected humanity. His leadership is informed by service as a trustee on boards and as an optimist who believes in our ability to creatively solve problems together.
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Thorpe holds a double major BA in Cultural Anthropology and Religious Studies from Connecticut College and an MA in Teaching from Fairfield University. He is currently completing his pilot’s license and loves his wife and four kids. Outside of work, Thorpe enjoys waking up early with a good cup of coffee to study the quiet for insights into the difference he might make in the world while dreaming about the next adventure he can take with his family and friends.

Prior to his appointment at CA, Thorpe worked at both St. Anne’s Episcopal and Graland Country Day schools in Denver and he is a co-founder of the design thinking and strategy firm, Fleissig Design, whose mission is to help organizations find creative solutions through essential processes and systems. Prior to working in Denver, Thorpe taught English and History at New Canaan Country School in Connecticut. He has served as a trustee for Stanley British Primary School Board, as a member of the Public Education Business Coalition (PEBC) Internal Review Board, and an advisory board member for Facing History and Ourselves. He currently serves on the Rose Community Foundation Community Impact Grant-making committee. A facilitator at national conferences and for schools, organizations, and companies around the country and an optimist who believes deeply that creativity can solve most problems, Thorpe tells the stories to help us discover more of what’s possible.