Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

You aren't just choosing a school. You are choosing the community that will help you raise your child.

We know you have high standards. We do too. Here are the answers to the questions most parents ask when they’re looking for an education of consequence.

What makes Aspen Academy different?

Most schools focus on curriculum delivery. We focus on human development.

We believe what you know is only half the battle—who you are matters just as much. We combine rigorous academics with the nation’s first integrated Pre-K through 8th grade Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship (LiFE) program.

How do your students perform academically?

Our results aren’t just better; they are a different category.

Our students consistently perform 2 to 3 times above state and national benchmarks. Specifically, 92% of our kiddos are at or above grade level in Math, and 90% are at or above grade level in Reading. We achieve this through 80-minute core blocks and subject-specific experts, even in Kindergarten.

What exactly is the LiFE program?

LiFE stands for Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. It’s a daily block for every student, from age 4 to 14.

By the time your kiddo graduates, they will have completed over 200 hours of financial literacy instruction and developed at least 10 of their own businesses. We aren't playing store; our 7th and 8th graders run real businesses that generate actual revenue—over $54,000 last year alone.

Is Aspen Academy a tech-heavy school?

We use technology as a tool, not a crutch.

Our students are digital beings, and we know we’re preparing them for a world that hasn’t even been built yet. Technology at Aspen is a tool to enhance learning and curiosity — never a distraction or a way to keep kids busy. We have a schoolwide no-phone policy, and you’ll see far less tech in Lower School than in Middle School. It’s all about balance: using technology with purpose while protecting space for hands-on learning and real connection.

What are your class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios?

We keep our environment intimate so no human is left behind.

Each class at Aspen Academy consists of 18 students maximum. We keep our circles small so that every kiddo is truly known, seen, and challenged. This size allows for high-engagement leadership development and ensures no one ever gets lost in the crowd.

What is the parent volunteer commitment?

We are a "one-of-a-kind" community because our parents are "all-in."

Every family is required to contribute 32 volunteer hours per year. This isn't a "drop-off" school; it’s a partnership. This mandate leads to 25-35% higher parent-teacher alignment and a tighter social bond for your child.

How much is tuition?

Our tuition is 17% below the Denver market average.

Tuition for our Preschool-8th Grade program is an investment in the next 20 to 30 years of your kiddo's life. Rates for the 2026-2027 year are $25,938, though Preschool rates vary based on your chosen schedule. This covers more than curriculum; it covers the formation of a leader.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. We provide over $250,000 in need-based financial assistance annually for Kindergarten through 8th grade.

We want a community of diverse, driven families.

How do I know if my child is a fit?

That’s such an important question. The best way to know is to spend time here — visit classrooms, talk with our teachers and students, and picture your child in this environment. Aspen is a strong fit for curious, engaged learners who are excited to be challenged and supported in equal measure. When families value partnership, leadership, and joyful rigor, it usually feels right pretty quickly.

We want to ensure our values of Be Kind, Do Good, Work Hard, and Make the World Better resonate with your family.

Where do Aspen graduates go for high school?

Our students don't just get into high schools; they lead them.

Our 8th graders attend top-tier independent day schools, prestigious boarding schools, and high-performing public programs. We partner with families starting in 7th grade to find the "best fit" human-to-school match. This isn't about resume padding; it’s about finding where that specific leader will thrive next.

Each year students get accepted to a variety of different schools, High Schools our Alumni Choose:

• Independent Day Schools: Colorado Academy, Kent Denver, Vail Mountain School.
• Boarding Schools: Avon Old Farms, Culver Academies, IMG Academy.
• Faith-Based Schools: Regis Jesuit, Mullen, Valor Christian.
• Public/IB Programs: Cherry Creek, East High, Littleton (IB Program).

What is the birthday cutoff for Preschool and Kindergarten?

For our Preschool-8th Grade program, kiddos must be age 2 for PS1, age 3 for PS2, age 4 for PK,  or age 5 for Kindergarten by September 1st of their enrollment year. We use this date as a guide to ensure developmental consistency. Our focus is on the long-game of human development, ensuring every kiddo is ready for the road ahead.

How do we visit the campus?

The best way to feel the pulse of this community is to join us for a tour or a School Preview. You’ll see the leadership and entrepreneurial development in action, not just as words on a wall. You can schedule your visit directly through our inquiry portal.

What happens during a Student Visit Day?

Visiting kiddos are paired with a student ambassador to experience a realistic "day in the life." They will participate in core academics and our daily LiFE (Leadership, Finance, Entrepreneurship) classes. We want them to see if this "second family" feels like home for them.