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Parent Spotlight: Why We Chose a Private Middle School for Our Child
  • Academics
  • Leadership
  • The Aspen Difference
Parent Spotlight: Why We Chose a Private Middle School for Our Child
Aspen Academy Contributors

Algebra is easy. Leading yourself is hard.

Most middle schools focus on curriculum delivery. We focus on human development. In our latest Parent Spotlight, Aspen parents share why they choose a private middle school for their students and what that's laid foundations for. 

SILC Special Olympics 2026
  • Leadership
  • The Aspen Difference
SILC Special Olympics 2026
Jessie Skipwith

The Student Inclusion Leadership Club (SILC) is celebrating a milestone year at Aspen Academy. In its sixth year of existence, SILC has welcomed the largest number of participants in its history, with 20 students currently enrolled in this dynamic and purpose-driven leadership experience. At its core, SILC is grounded in the belief that every person carries a unique identity that contributes meaningfully to our community. That spirit of service continued during the weekend of February 22, when 15 of the 20 SILC students volunteered three hours of their time on Sunday, February 22, to support more than 700 athletes participating in a local Special Olympics basketball event.

Aspen student in iFly simulated flight.
  • Academics
  • Leadership
  • The Aspen Difference
Local Denver Field Trips That Inspire Our Middle Schoolers
Jennifer Gravlee

Middle school is a season of rapid growth, and at our school, we believe learning should extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom. In this post, Middle School Director Jennifer Gravlee shares how we utilize real world learning field trips for students in Denver to build community and spark curiosity. From our traditional overnight retreats in Colorado State Parks to high-energy middle school field trips at Wings Over the Rockies and iFLY, our students engage with science, history, and the arts in tangible ways. Whether it’s running a city at Young AmeriTowne or performing service work through SILC, these are the best field trips in Denver for fostering independence and empathy.

Student coding robot as part of STEAM class exercise at Aspen Academy
  • Academics
3 Fun STEAM Projects Our Middle School Students Love
Brian Hostetler

Discover 3 fun steam activities for kids that middle schoolers love! From LEGO robotics to Bloxels game design and stop motion animation, explore creative steam project ideas and STEAM Fair Project ideas to spark innovation.

Aspen middle school students prep for AMP'd performance
  • Admissions
  • The Aspen Difference
4 Tips for a Successful Private School Tour for Your Child
Diana Agostini

Choosing the right school is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent—and a private school tour is your first glimpse into your child’s future. But how do you know what to look for, what to ask, or how to truly evaluate the experience? In our latest blog, “4 Tips for a Successful Private School Tour for Your Child,” we share practical guidance to help you move beyond the surface and uncover what really matters: culture, leadership, partnership, and purpose. Discover how to make the most of your visit, engage your child in the process, and see whether Aspen Academy’s commitment to developing “humans of consequence” aligns with your family’s highest ideals.

Taxes
  • Admissions
  • Financial Literacy
Is Private School Tuition Tax Deductible? How to Claim Aspen Academy Tuition
Lynda Sailor

Private school tuition and taxes can feel like a maze—especially for Colorado families trying to think strategically about long-term educational investments. In our latest blog, “Is Private School Tuition Tax Deductible? How to Claim Aspen Academy Tuition,” we cut through the noise and explain what actually applies (and what doesn’t), from 529 plan realities to Educational Trust strategies and the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit. If you’re a business-minded parent looking to fund an education of consequence with clarity and precision, this guide offers straightforward insight—plus the right questions to bring to your CPA. Discover how to approach tuition with a long-game mindset and confidence.

Aspen Academy teacher, Sadie Dahlman, greeting a student
  • The Aspen Difference
Why should teachers move from public to private school?
Lisa Teets and Sadie Dahlman

Is your teaching spark flickering? Meet Sadie Dahlman, an 8th Grade teacher who traded massive rosters and administrative red tape in the public sector for the life-altering small class sizes at Aspen Academy. 

Student visitor with Aspen Academy students.
  • Admissions
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for 4th-7th Grade at Aspen Academy
Diana Agostini

This guide walks confident, forward-thinking families through Aspen Academy’s 4th–7th grade admissions process with clear steps, high standards, and no guesswork—showing exactly how character, leadership, and fit matter as much as academics. It’s written for parents who value intention and trajectory, and who want a school that treats admission not as a transaction, but as the start of a long-term partnership.

Julie Roos, Student Achievement Manager
  • The Aspen Difference
Thinking of Leaving the Classroom? Why a Change of Scenery Might Be the Answer
Aspen Academy Contributors

Burned-out teachers don’t always need to leave the profession—they may just need a healthier environment. This blog explores how educators who moved from public schools to Aspen Academy rediscovered balance, autonomy, and joy in teaching through specialization, supportive leadership, and a whole-teacher approach.

Student walking to school with parent in cold weather
  • Academics
Why January Transitions Can Be Wonderful for Young Children
Diana Agostini

A January transition can be an ideal time for young children to join a nurturing, research-driven learning environment like Aspen Academy—recognized as one of the best private schools. Young children adapt quickly, benefit from richer developmental opportunities, and avoid competitive admissions pressures, making a mid-year move a smooth and confident start.

Aspen Academy Students Attend 2025 STAMP Conference at CSU Spur
  • Leadership
  • The Aspen Difference
Aspen Academy Students Attend 2025 STAMP Conference at CSU Spur
Jessie Skipwith

Nine Aspen Academy students joined middle school peers from across Colorado for the annual STAMP Conference, hosted this year at the Colorado State University SPUR campus. The conference—whose theme, “Justice with Passion: Dive into Action,” called all participants to recognize that “Water Is Life”— inviting students to reflect on how they can take meaningful action to make progress in their schools and communities.