REDI—Research, Entrepreneurship, Design and Inquiry—uses self-directed learning to offer students the opportunity to grow as problem solvers who are better prepared for college, careers, and life.
The REDI Lab at CA is a one-trimester “school-within-a-school” experience for Juniors and Seniors that inspires creativity, ingenuity, and success. Armed with self-awareness and a permission mindset, REDI Lab students design highly personalized projects based on their interests and passions. Along the journey, they experience true-to-life setbacks, resets, and accomplishments that evolve and shape their outcomes. REDI Lab offers year-round programming. 

For students wanting to explore the "E" in REDI Lab (entrepreneurialism), students in grades 9-12 can elect to get a taste of the mindset that is vital to do this work well!

During the Winter trimester when a student's college application process is coming to a close, Senior REDI Lab students focus on entrepreneurialism by first identifying local problems then designing solutions with global connections. 

Intentionally placed in the third trimester as students are beginning to think about what comes after high school, students in the Junior REDI Lab are exposed to a design ethos and creative process for solving problems.

With more time, space, and bandwidth that comes with a summer schedule, REDI Lab offers 2, two-week sessions. REDI Lab Summer Academy sessions are open to any rising Junior or Senior from ANY SCHOOL in the Denver Metro Area. Explore the REDI Lab Summer Academy website for more information. 

In all of these learning experiences, REDI Lab provides students with the space and time to explore what they’re curious about, conduct deep research, and design and test their ideas. Every participant is part of building community by focusing on student passions and ideas then create value by sharing ideas. Using principles and concepts taken from industry and the business world, students are given the support and tools to be reflective and practice skills that are necessary for success beyond Colorado Academy.
 
Past examples of projects are:
  • Exploring craftsmanship through making cowboy hats
  • Working to solve Riemann’s hypothesis
  • Designing a ride-sharing plan for private and corporate jets
  • Writing original short stories and novellas
  • Building furniture
  • Redesigning downtown buildings
  • Creating a design and business plan for a new CA natatorium
  • Making art, music, and other forms of self exploration
 
REDI Lab is offered at no additional cost to students who apply and are accepted, and all students stay on track for graduation. If you want to know more or get involved, please contact us!

How to Apply

CA will be accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Junior and Senior REDI Lab Cohorts beginning in Fall 2023. Check back for details.

REDI Lab News




REDI Lab Faculty

List of 3 items.

  • Tom Thorpe

    Director of REDI Lab
    303-986-1501 x2722
    View Bio
  • Martha Smith

    Upper School Science
    View Bio
  • Amanda Zranchev

    Upper School Science
    View Bio
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