A Private School Academic Program Where Your Child Learns to Lead, Think, and Create

Aspen Academy’s private school academic program combines content-rich academics with leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, STEAM, Spanish, the arts, and fitness from early learning through 8th grade.

You've seen the headlines. AI is reshaping industries. The job your child might hold in 20 years may not exist yet.

Most schools are still teaching for a world that no longer exists.

Aspen Academy isn't most schools.

From age 2 through 8th grade, we grow thinkers, doers, and confident self‑starters.

How Does Aspen Academy’s Private School Academic Program Work?

At Aspen, we begin with the belief that students should understand what they are learning and be able to articulate why it matters. We make that possible by giving them opportunities to actively use what they’re learning in contexts that matter, whether that means staging an original performance or starting a new business.

Core academics build lasting knowledge across communication and literacy, math, science, and social studies. LiFE gives students daily practice in leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship. Essentials—including Spanish, STEAM, visual and performing arts, and fitness—expand how students communicate, create, and solve problems.

The magic happens as students put these concepts into action. Suddenly, a math concept can become a budget. A science question can become a prototype. A leadership lesson can show up in a student-run meeting, or even as part of a performance in front of the entire student body.

As a result, Aspen’s private school academic program is future-proof. We’re preparing our learners to be versatile thinkers, speakers, and doers, so they’ll be prepared for whatever comes next. Not every curriculum for private schools does that.

Aspen Academy student participates in an entrepreneurship program.

What Is Included in Aspen Academy’s Private School Academic Program?

Aspen Academy’s private school academic program combines internationally recognized academic curricula with the nation’s first fully integrated Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship —or 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 private school 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:

91% of students are reading at grade-level or above at the end of the 25-26 school year.
90% of students are on or above grade-level for math at the end of the 25-26 school year.
2-4x 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.

Explore Aspen Academy’s private school curriculum and core academic subjects.

Middle school students performing science experiment at Aspen Academy

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:

Block	Duration	Focus
LiFE Block	30 min	Leadership, Finance, Entrepreneurship
Core Academics	Three 80- minute blocks	Literacy and Math plus Science or Social Studies
Essentials	Two 40- minute classes	Art, Dance, Fitness, Music, Spanish, STEAM, Theater
Lunch + Recess	45 min	Community time
Advisory (Middle School)	40 min	Connection + Academy Cup challenges

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 a hands-on focus.

That's the rigor that produces results.

1st grade students listening to teacher during lesson at Aspen Academy

Students on stage preparing for AMP'd performance at Aspen Academy.

What Grades Does Aspen Academy Serve?

Aspen Academy serves students from age 2 through 8th grade across two campuses. Our main Greenwood Village campus houses K through 8th grade. Our Early Learning Campus serves children ages 2-5.

Program Divisions:

Preschool and Pre-K

Ages 2-5

Blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based approaches to build confidence, curiosity, and early leadership. Located at our Early Learning Campus at 1695 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village.

Lower School

K-4th Grade

Rigorous academics in language, math, science, social studies, arts, fitness, and leadership. Small classes with specialized domain teaching. Every child known, challenged, and supported.

Middle School

5th-8th Grade

Challenging, integrated, and engaging academics with real-world application. Advisory groups, expeditionary learning, student-run businesses, and preparation for the most demanding secondary schools.

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

Older student reads to pre-kindergarteners at Aspen Academy.

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.

PE teacher instructs class in touch football at Aspen Academy.

Elementary students learn to play the xylophone.

What Private School 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.

Aspen Academy students pose in front of stage set up for a Thanksgiving Food Drive.

How Does Aspen Academy Challenge High-Achieving Learners?

At Aspen, our students are too busy to need “busywork.” Our faculty provides high-achievers with opportunities to pursue greater depth, as well as the time and space to make meaningful connections. Early finishers get challenges, not worksheets.

Aspen teachers use content-rich curricula, specialist instruction, and differentiated learning opportunities to keep all students moving forward. Depending on the lesson, that may mean working independently, collaborating in a small group, defending an idea in discussion, revising a design, or applying new knowledge to a real problem.

High-achieving students tend to thrive in this environment. Autonomy and trust are key to student success.

Teacher instructs an art class at Aspen Academy.

Is Aspen Academy Right for My Child?

Aspen Academy serves families seeking more than academics - families who want their children to develop character, leadership, and real-world skills alongside rigorous learning. If you value kindness and excellence in equal measure, we should talk.

You might be a great fit if:

You believe education should prepare your child for life, not just tests
You want your child to develop leadership skills starting now
You value character development as much as academic achievement
You're looking for a community, not just a school
You want small classes where your child is truly known

Schedule a Conversation:

The best way to know if Aspen is right for your family is to talk with us and visit campus.

Book a 30-minute call with our Admissions team. We'll learn about your child, answer your questions, and help you determine if our community is the right fit.

What Do Parents Say About Aspen Academy?

Frequently Asked Questions About Aspen Academy’s Academic Program

Is LiFE an elective or part of every student’s curriculum?

LiFE is part of Aspen Academy’s regular curriculum beginning at age 4 and continuing through 8th grade. Students build leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills every year—from classroom economies and student marketplaces to managing real enterprises, analyzing investments, and developing a business with a professional mentor.

How does Aspen Academy challenge high-achieving learners?

High-achieving learners need more than additional work. They need greater depth, stronger questions, and new ways to apply what they know. Aspen teachers use content-rich curricula, subject-specialist instruction, and differentiated learning opportunities—including independent, peer-to-peer, small-group, and whole-class work—to keep students thinking and growing.

Does Aspen Academy use project-based learning?

Yes—but it is one part of a broader teaching approach. Aspen students learn through direct instruction, inquiry, discussion, collaboration, labs, design challenges, and projects with real outcomes. Longer academic blocks give them time to stay with a question, test an idea, revise their thinking, and understand why the learning matters.

Are STEAM, Spanish, the arts, and fitness part of the regular school day?

Yes. Aspen calls these subjects Essentials because they are essential—not extras squeezed in when time allows. Students learn through Spanish, STEAM, visual and performing arts, and fitness as part of the school-day program, developing new ways to communicate, create, collaborate, and solve problems.

How often does Aspen Academy review its curriculum?

Aspen Academy revisits each curriculum area on a five-year cycle. Teachers and academic leaders research effective programs, study student outcomes, and consider how the world is changing before making updates. The goal is not change for its own sake. It is a curriculum that remains relevant, content-rich, and worthy of students’ time.