2026–2027 School Year Starts with a Challenge

At the All-School Assembly that marked the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year for Colorado Academy, Head of School Dr. Mike Davis on August 19 posed a challenge to all 1,043 students gathered by grade on the lawn of the Welborn House for the occasion, as faculty, staff, and family members looked on.

“At the start of the school year, we don’t know exactly what’s ahead of us,” he said. “There are friendships that haven’t happened yet. There are books you haven’t read. There are performances that haven’t taken place. We don't know how our sports seasons are going to end. Experiments haven’t worked—or failed. There are places you haven’t traveled. There are questions you haven’t had the chance to ask, and there are things you will accomplish this year that you may not yet believe you’re capable of.”

“It’s exciting,” said Dr. Davis, “but there’s a catch: You have to participate.”

Just two days earlier, CA Juniors had returned from a phone-free retreat to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Lower Schoolers had come early to the All-School Picnic so they could meet their new teachers and see their new homerooms. The day before, Sixth Graders had nervously entered the Middle School for their first-day orientation, while Seniors had met with the College Office team to begin work on their application essays. So much was well underway already, and was sure to continue throughout the year for CA’s eager participants.

Dr. Davis continued, “Don’t do the easy things that you’ve done before. Try something new. Join something. Make something. Ask something. Help someone meet someone. Risk being a beginner. Discover a sport you might love; maybe audition for a play, or pick up an instrument. Go somewhere on Interim that changes your life.”

On cue, Lower Schoolers in the audience bravely volunteered to speak into the microphone Dr. Davis held out to them, so they could tell everyone what they were most looking forward to this year: making friends, growing up, playing on the playground.

“CA’s mission asks us to be curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous. Those are big words, but they don’t require big gestures. Being curious can mean raising your hand and asking a question. Being kind can be noticing someone who needs a friend. Being courageous can be trying something you’re not sure you’re good at. Being adventurous can mean saying yes to an experience you’ve never had before. Those choices happen every day at CA.”

On this day, the adventure had already begun, as Seniors arrived early to set up their themed welcome for Ninth Graders. By tradition, Twelfth Graders always greet the younger students entering the Upper School for the first time with music, costumes, and props. This year’s theme was Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go, and the Ninth Graders were met by Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Grinch, Horton (who Hears a Who), Cats in Hats, Red and Blue Fishes, and The Lorax.

Meanwhile, in front of the Middle School, new and returning students fist-bumped with Principal Nick Malick as they entered, some with parents in tow to take first-day snapshots, and others—mostly Eighth Graders—far too cool for such a ritual.

Across Stamper Commons at the Lower School, students could hardly resist running into the building to see their teachers, friends, and Principal Angie Crabtree, who was at the entrance to greet every family. 

While much of the morning was spent getting to know classmates and homeroom procedures, there was plenty of time for fun during multiple recess breaks outside. On the playground or in the hallways, CA veterans went out of their way to make sure those new to the school felt welcome, and more than once, Lower Schoolers could be heard telling each other some version of, “I’m so happy to be back!” 

At the All-School Assembly which punctuated the first day, Dr. Davis led the audience in cheering for the Senior Class of 2027, who, as every year, were celebrated individually by name. Still in their Seuss-inspired outfits, the Seniors were surely not alone in imagining “the places you’ll go” as Dr. Davis brought the assembly  to a close. 

“To you Upper Schoolers, know that you have an opportunity to set the tone for this entire community. Younger students are watching you, whether you realize it or not. Show them what leadership looks like, not simply through what you accomplish, but through how you treat people. And to the Class of 2027: Don’t rush through your final year at CA. Be present. Enjoy your friends. Thank your teachers, and take care of the younger students. Leave Colorado Academy better because you were here.”

More Photos from the All-School Assembly

More Photos of the Senior-Ninth Grade Welcome

Lower School First Day Photos

Middle School First Day Photos

Upper School First Day Photos