About CA

Welcome to Colorado Academy, an independent Pre-K - 12 college preparatory day school with an exceptional campus community. Here, we turn ideals into action – challenging our students to become lifelong learners, thinkers, inquisitors, and contributors. Please explore our school's innovative and rigorous curriculum, variety of artistic and athletic programs, opportunities for advanced work, student-organized service, and unique programs for learning beyond the classroom. From academic excellence to "whole person" development, there's nothing quite like the CA experience.

Fast Facts

  • Founded in 1906.
  • Located on a wooded 94-acre campus in southwest Denver.
  • Total Enrollment: 991 students
  • Enrollment By Division:
    Lower School, Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5: 348 students
    Middle School, Grades 6-8: 231 students
    Upper School, Grades 9-12: 412 students
  • Students: CA students are highly motivated, perform at above average to exceptional ability, and seek academic challenge and community engagement. 25% of the student body comes from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds.  The CA community draws from over 70 zipcodes.
  • Financial Aid: 19% of families receive need-based financial aid from a budget of more than $3.7 million.
  • Graduates: 100% of our graduates attend four-year colleges and universities.
  • Ratio: Pupil/Teacher ratio is 9:1. Average class size is 15. Maximum class size is 20.
  • Faculty: Our teachers have an average of 17 years of classroom experience (with 10 years at CA) and 73% hold advanced degrees.
  • Facilities: Each division has a dedicated school building with classrooms, common areas, and science and computer labs. Students share two on-campus libraries, art and music facilities, a theater, a campus center and dining hall, and an athletic center.
  • Curriculum: Integrated and innovative, our curriculum emphasizes group and individual study of the liberal arts and sciences, engagement through experiential and service learning.
  • Signature programs: Week-long Interim trips and optional Outdoor Education programs; Summer Travel and Exchange options, student grant-making and philanthropy, extended service learning involvement, dedicated college counseling resources, three Innovation Labs, extensive parent education options, and dozens of time-honored school traditions.
  • Transportation: 10 school bus routes serve the Denver metro area.
  • Extras: Extended Day Care/activities and summer programs are available.

Mission Statement

Colorado Academy:
Creating curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners and leaders.

What Guides Our Work:
 1.     We foster courage: exploring new challenges in academics, athletics, the arts, and experiential learning.

2.     We nurture curiosity: the foundation of lifelong, creative discovery.

3.     We choose kindness: engaging graciously in an inclusive, joyful community.

4.     We encourage understanding: listening to others and acting ethically, with integrity and respect.

5.     We embrace inclusivity: working through education to create empathy and compassion. 

6.     We promote habits of health, both physically and mentally, strengthening resilience and confidence.

7.     We believe in a dynamic response to the needs of an ever-changing world.

8.     We inspire thoughtful individuals who are ready to transform the future.

Philosophy

Colorado Academy approaches education with a philosophy rooted in ideals and intention, and with academic challenges balanced by support and encouragement. Our purpose reaches beyond knowledge to inspire in students the desire to think, create, and innovate – developing their abilities and desires to educate themselves beyond the limits of formal education and encouraging them to view learning as a life-long endeavor.

We know we've succeeded when a CA student has the confidence to experiment, think independently, and work cooperatively; the tools to discover, analyze, and interpret the world; the sensitivity to be an informed and reflective local and global citizen; and the character to be prepared for success in a college or university commensurate with their interests and abilities.

The Six Cs

In every age group and through each discipline, we emphasize our Six Cs of 21st Century skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Cultural Competence, and Character Development. In the Middle and Lower Schools, we have named our efforts to intentionally teach students this skill set as the ThinkingLAB.
Colorado Academy is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. CA is a member in good standing of the National Association for Independent Schools, and is a member and co-founding organization of the Association of College Counseling in Independent Schools.
  • 2020 Benefit Concert - Lineup Announced 2020 Benefit Concert - Lineup Announced
    After a decade of hosting biennial, big-name rock and jazz concerts to benefit student financial aid, Colorado Academy is thrilled to announce this spring’s “Lovefest” event featuring Isaac Slade of The Fray and G. Love & Special Sauce on April 25, 2020, in the school’s Field House.

    Learn more
  • SPEAK Event: Margot Lee Shetterly - Hidden Figures SPEAK Event: Margot Lee Shetterly - Hidden Figures
    Join us Thursday, January 30 for the SPEAK event with Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures: The Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. Audiences of all backgrounds will be captivated by the phenomenal true story of the black “human computers” who used math to change their own lives—and their country’s future. 
    Learn more and RSVP
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver, Colorado 80235
303-986-1501
info@coloradoacademy.org
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