Our Research-Backed Private School Curriculum & Academic Programs 

Aspen Academy provides a continuous path of consequence from Preschool through 8th Grade. While our K-8 students deliver measurable results—reading at or above grade level at more than double the national average—the foundation begins at age 2 in our dedicated Early Learning Campus.

Where Extraordinary Humans Begin 

Our separate Early Learning Campus fills a high-demand need for intentional, research-based childcare and early education. We don't believe in "daycare"—we believe in development.

• Nature-Based Learning: Kiddos spend at least 50% of their day outdoors in our 2-acre Outdoor Science and Nature Lab.
• Blended Excellence: We integrate Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Scandinavian nature-based learning with Singapore Math foundations.
• Expert Instruction: Early learners are exposed to specialized curriculums for Spanish, music, art, and PE—the same "Essentials" our older students master.

What Makes Aspen Academy's Academic Program Different? 

Unlike traditional private schools in Denver that follow century-old teaching models, Aspen Academy redesigns its curriculum every five years based on global research. Our K-8 students receive 80 minutes of daily instruction per core subject - compared to 20-30 minutes at most schools - taught by subject-specific specialists.

Most private schools in Denver look remarkably similar. Teacher talks. Students sit. Everyone moves at the same pace.

At Aspen, we took a different approach.

We started with a question: What will this child need 20 years from now? Not what curriculum is easiest to implement. Not what other schools are doing. What does this human being actually need?

The answer led us to build something different:

• Singapore Mathematics  -  The curriculum behind one of the highest-performing education systems on Earth
• Subject-specific teachers  -  Even our Kindergartners learn from specialists, not generalists. Most schools ask one person to be an expert in seven fields. At Aspen, your child learns from a Communications & Literacy expert, a Mathematics expert, and a Science expert starting in Kindergarten. In our Early Learning Campus, our educators are specifically trained in the Creative Curriculum and early childhood development.
• 80 minutes daily  -  Per core subject, not the 20-minute sprints common at other schools
• 5-year curriculum refresh  -  We rewrite our approach based on global research, not tradition

This isn't education the way it's always been done. It's education designed for the world your child will actually live in.

How Do Aspen Academy Students Perform Academically? 

Aspen Academy K-8 students perform 2-3x above state and national benchmarks. By 2025, 99% are on track for reading proficiency.

We don't ask you to trust marketing claims. We show you the data.

Academic Performance Comparison

These aren't gifted-only results. This is what happens when you combine exceptional teachers with research-backed curriculum and a commitment to each child's individual growth.

What Curriculum Does Aspen Academy Use?

Aspen Academy uses Singapore Mathematics for math instruction, research-backed literacy programs emphasizing phonics and communication skills, and inquiry-based science curriculum. Every five years, we evaluate and update all curricula based on international research. Recent investments include $112,000 in literacy, $114,000 in technology/STEM, and $35,000 in science programs.

Core Academic Departments

Early Learning Aspen Academy combines world-class academic programs—Math Expressions, the recommended precursor to Singapore Math, Amplify literacy, and FOSS Science—with Reggio Emilia and Montessori influences. These are the same research-backed methods used by top-performing schools globally, integrated with our proprietary leadership curriculum. All students benefit from our 2-acre Nature & Science Lab as a working outdoor space for learning and exploring. Explore Preschool-Pre-Kindergarten curriculum.

Communications & Literacy (K-8) We don't call it "Language Arts." We focus on what actually matters: clear writing, confident speaking, and active listening. By 8th grade, students have presented to audiences of 1,000+ people. Explore Communications & Literacy

Mathematics (K-8) Singapore Math forms our foundation in K-5 - the same curriculum used by one of the world's highest-performing education systems. But we go further, teaching 6th grade math at the end of 5th grade, and offering advanced mathematics pathways. Explore Mathematics

Science (K-8) Inquiry-based, hands-on, 80 minutes daily for 18 weeks per year. Research shows this approach raises science literacy by 15-20% compared to textbook methods. Explore Science

Social Studies (K-8) Global awareness, civic engagement, ethical leadership. We dedicate 18 weeks of daily 80-minute blocks - far exceeding national averages where social studies has been squeezed out by test prep. Explore Social Studies

How Much Instruction Time Do Students Receive? 

Aspen Academy K-8 students receive 80 minutes of daily instruction in each core subject - Communications & Literacy, Mathematics, and Science or Social Studies. Students also receive 80 minutes daily (split across two subjects) of Essentials: Visual and Performing Arts, Spanish, STEAM, and Fitness.

K-8 Daily Schedule Breakdown

Most elementary schools have reduced science and social studies to 20-30 minutes daily - if that. High-stakes testing has squeezed these subjects to the margins.

At Aspen, we took the opposite approach.

Core Academics (80 minutes each daily):

• Communications & Literacy
• Mathematics
• Science (Rotation with Social Studies)
• Social Studies (Rotation with Science)

Essentials (Lower School K-4: 80 minutes daily, split between two subjects; Middle School 5-8 is 80 minutes of a single subject daily, with two subjects each quarter):

• Dance & Creative Movement Exploration
• Visual Arts
• Theater
• Music
• Spanish
• STEAM and Innovation
• Fitness

Why does this matter? Because deep learning doesn't happen in 20-minute sprints between standardized test prep.

Brain research shows that arts, movement, and creative thinking aren't luxuries. They're the foundation of how children actually learn, process, and retain information.

Are Aspen Academy Teachers More Qualified? 

Every Aspen teacher receives 150+ hours of professional development annually and many present at national conferences. 85% actively use AI tools to personalize learning. Essentials teachers are certified experts and working professionals - including a certified Adobe visual arts teacher, professional choreographer, and recording musician.

Teacher Quality at Aspen Academy

Great schools are built on great teachers. And great teachers never stop learning.

Professional Development:

• 150+ hours annually per teacher (plus resources to implement)
• National conference attendance and presentation
• Two 8-week peer coaching cycles per year
• Action research in their own classrooms

Teacher Leadership Programs:

• EvolvEd Program: Two-year leadership track based on Colorado standards
• AI Integration: 85% of teachers use AI tools to personalize instruction
• Coaching Pathway: 100% growth in stated professional goals

Specialist Expertise: Every Essentials class is taught by certified educators who are also professionals in their field:

• Certified Adobe visual arts teacher
• Professional choreographer
• Professional theater director
• Recording musician
• Native Spanish speakers

Research shows teachers in high-quality professional development improve student achievement by up to 21 percentile points.

We don't just meet that standard. We exceed it.

Do You Have Subject-Specific Teachers in Elementary School? 

Yes. Aspen Academy uses subject-specific specialist teachers starting in Kindergarten - almost unheard of in early childhood education. Your five-year-old learns from a Communications & Literacy expert, a Mathematics expert, and a Science expert rather than one generalist.

Why Specialists Matter

Most elementary schools assign one teacher to cover everything: reading, math, science, social studies, art.

That's asking one person to be an expert in seven different fields. It's an impossible standard.

At Aspen, we believe your child deserves a teacher who has spent years mastering their craft.

How Our Specialist Model Works:

The result? Teachers who can go deeper, answer harder questions, and ignite genuine curiosity in their subject area.

Will My Child Be Prepared for High School? 

Aspen Academy graduates consistently place in top high schools throughout Colorado. Beginning in 7th grade, we provide parent and student information sessions, one-on-one faculty meetings, and our proprietary High School Research Tool to ensure families make confident, well-aligned decisions about next steps.

High School Preparation Program

We don't just teach for today. We prepare students for what comes next.

Starting in 7th Grade:

• Parent and student information sessions
• One-on-one meetings with faculty advisors
• Aspen-developed High School Research Tool
• On-site High School fair includes various public, private and national boarding school options 
• Guidance on applications and placement tests

What Students Take With Them:

• Academic skills 2-3x above grade level benchmarks
• 1,000+ hours of public speaking experience through AMP'd presentations
• Real business experience through Bear's Student Enterprises
• 200+ hours of financial literacy instruction
• Leadership portfolios documenting growth from K through 8th grade

Our graduates don't just get into good high schools. They arrive ready to lead.

What Accreditations Does Aspen Academy Hold? 

Aspen Academy earned "Top Scoring School" designation from AdvancED (top 1% nationally) in 2016 and was recognized by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools as "one of the fastest-growing independent schools in the country."

Recognition and Accreditation

When AdvancED evaluated our school, we didn't just pass. In 2016, we scored in the top 1% of all schools they've ever reviewed.

Explore Our Academic Departments 

Ready to learn more about specific subject areas? Visit each department page for detailed curriculum information, teaching approaches, and grade-level expectations

Academic Departments

• Communications & Literacy - Writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking
• Mathematics - Singapore Math, deductive reasoning, problem-solving
• Science - Inquiry-based, hands-on laboratory experiences
• Social Studies - Global awareness, civic engagement, ethics
• LiFE Program - Leadership, Finance, Entrepreneurship
• Innovation & STEAM - Coding, AI literacy, design thinking
• Spanish - Communication skills in a second language
• Visual and Performing Arts -  Creative expression, confidence, collaboration
• Fitness - Physical development, teamwork, healthy habits

Is Aspen Academy Right for Your Family?  

Aspen Academy serves families in Greenwood Village, Denver, Aurora, and throughout the South Denver metro area who want rigorous academics combined with character development and real-world skills. We're currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.

Here's what we know about families who thrive at Aspen:

They're not looking for a school that does things the way they've always been done. They want something intentional.

They believe education should be rigorous AND interesting. That their child should be challenged AND supported. That academics matter AND so does character.

They want a partner in their child's development. Not just a service provider.

If that sounds like you, let's talk.

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