Where Your Child Learns to Lead, Think, and Create 

What Curriculum Does Aspen Academy Use?

Aspen Academy combines internationally recognized academic programs - Singapore Math, Next Generation Science Standards, and research-based literacy instruction - with the nation's first fully integrated Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship (LiFE) curriculum. Students receive 80 minutes daily of core instruction in three subjects plus 80 minutes of Essentials including STEAM, Spanish, arts, and fitness.

We didn't build our curriculum by copying what other schools do.

We studied what works. From Singapore ranking among the top countries in math worldwide to brain-based learning principles to entrepreneurship frameworks used by actual business leaders. Then we assembled something no one else offers.

The result:

• 99% of students on track for grade-level or above reading by year's end
• 98% of students on track for grade-level or above math
• 2-3x above state and national benchmarks in standardized assessments
• 200+ hours of financial literacy instruction before graduation

This isn't test prep. It's an education that actually prepares students for life.

What Does a Typical School Day Look Like at Aspen Academy? 

Every Aspen K-8 student receives 240 minutes daily of core academics (Communications & Literacy, Math, Science/Social Studies) plus 80 minutes of essentials (arts, world language, STEAM, fitness) AND at least two recesses for all students. Each day begins with the LiFE block - dedicated time for leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship learning.

Daily Schedule Structure:

What makes this different:

Science and Social Studies aren't afterthoughts here. While national data shows most schools have drastically cut time for these subjects, Aspen students receive alternating 80-minute daily blocks in each - taught by specialists with hands-on focus.

That's the rigor that produces results.

What Is the LiFE Program?

LiFE (Leadership, Finance, Entrepreneurship) is Aspen Academy's signature curriculum - the nation's first fully integrated PreK-8 program of its kind. Every student, every day, engages in structured learning around self-leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking. This isn't an elective. It's the foundation.

What students learn:

• Leadership  -  Self-awareness, responsibility, emotional intelligence, and the skills to lead themselves and others. Students participate in Socratic seminars starting in 4th grade, run for elected positions, mentor younger students, and take on real leadership roles throughout the school.
• Finance  -  Personal financial literacy that most students don't receive until high school (if ever). Aspen students complete 200+ hours of instruction including simulations like Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, Junior Achievement Finance Park, and Junior Achievement Dream Accelerator.
• Entrepreneurship  -  Every student, Pre-K through 8th, develops and presents an original business idea each year. 8th graders spend 16+ weeks building real businesses with professional mentors - serial entrepreneurs, IPO veterans, and EO/YPO members who connect them with real opportunities.

The proof:

• Bears' Student Enterprises generated $76,000+ in revenue last year
• Students consistently win YouthBiz Stars, and have won national competitions including FBLA
• Graduates cite LiFE skills as their most valuable preparation for high school

Explore the LiFE Program

What Essential Classes ArE Available?

Aspen's Essentials Program includes Spanish (K-8), visual arts, music, dance, theater, STEAM/Innovation, and fitness - all taught by specialists. These aren't electives relegated to once-a-week enrichment. They're integrated, performance-based courses that build leadership, confidence, and discovery.

K-8 Essentials Overview:

• Innovation + STEAM From coding at age 5 to AI ethics in middle school, students use professional-grade tools: 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits. STEAM isn't just a separate class - it integrates with math, art, Spanish, and entrepreneurship. Explore Innovation + STEAM →
• Spanish PreK-8 world language instruction building cultural competency and communication skills. We’ve even integrated with performing arts for cultural celebrations and showcases during our AMP’d performances. Explore Spanish →
• Arts (Visual, Music, Dance, Theater) Performance-based courses where students create, perform, and present. Every student participates in public performances, exhibitions, and showcases throughout the year. Explore Arts →
• Fitness + Athletics Physical education emphasizing lifelong wellness, teamwork, and competition. Middle school students access competitive athletics in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and cross country. Explore Fitness →

Learn more about Pre-Kindergarten Essentials.

What Teaching Methods Does Aspen Academy Use?

Aspen Academy uses specialized domain teaching from Kindergarten, project-based learning throughout all grades, and structured inquiry-based learning. Our MODI (Move and Discover) furniture - patented by our founder - reflects brain-based research showing students learn better when they can move.

Our Approach:

• Specialized Domain Teaching Unlike most elementary schools where one teacher covers everything, Aspen teachers specialize in specific subjects from Kindergarten. This creates true expertise and deeper instruction in every domain.
• Project-Based Learning Students learn by doing. From engineering challenges to business launches to service projects, knowledge is applied, not just absorbed. Higher-level thinking requires ownership habits - we build those early.
• Differentiated Learning We meet students where they are, then challenge them to go further - ensuring they achieve their highest potential each year.
• Innovative Learning Spaces Our patented MODI furniture allows students to move while they learn. Classrooms are designed for collaboration, flexibility, and next-generation skill development - not passive sitting.

How Does Aspen Academy Compare to Other Denver Private Schools? 

Aspen Academy is the only PreK-8 school in Denver - and the nation - with a fully integrated daily curriculum in leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship. Our tuition is 19% below the Denver private school market average, yet our students perform 2-3x above state benchmarks.

Key Differentiators:

Accreditations:

• Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS)
• NAIS Member
• Previously Cognia Accredited (Top 1% nationally)

"One of the fastest-growing independent schools in the country."  -  ACIS