LiFE at Aspen Academy
Empowering Students for Real-World Success.
Our Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship (LiFE) Program offers a unique blend of innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that sets us apart as a top private school in Denver. Our program is meticulously designed to develop the potential of each student, preparing them for real-world success through practical application and deep understanding of key concepts in leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship. As one of the best private elementary schools and middle schools in Denver and Greenwood Village, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience.
Daily LiFE Block
Every morning, Aspen Academy students engage in the LiFE block, a dedicated period where they explore and learn about the following:
- Leadership: Developing self-awareness, responsibility, and the skills necessary to lead both themselves and others.
- Finance: Gaining insights into personal financial literacy, understanding economics, and managing resources effectively.
- Entrepreneurship: Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, from idea generation to business execution.
"Financial Literacy is central to Aspen's focus. The goal isn't to make money, but to understand it, how to use it, and how to make the world a better place." - Current Parent
Core Components of the LiFE Program
- Bear's Student Enterprises (BSE): Students operate and manage real business ventures within the school, including a café, store, and broadcast productions. Through these student-run businesses, students gain real-world experience applying their lessons and training in economics and entrepreneurship education for children. This experiential learning opportunity is unique among private schools in Denver.
- Mentor/Mentee Relationships: A cornerstone of our LiFE program, this initiative pairs younger students with older mentors, facilitating personal growth and leadership through guided interactions and shared experiences.
- Entrepreneurs Expo: An annual event where students from Pre-K through 8th grade develop and launch their own businesses, showcasing their creativity, business acumen, and the entrepreneurial skills they have honed throughout the year.
- Student Civic Organization (SCO): This student-led initiative fosters an understanding of civic responsibility by engaging students in the election and campaign process. SCO empowers students to participate directly with community-driving projects, enhancing their leadership skills and civic awareness.
- 8th Grade Business Plan Project: Prior to graduating from Aspen Academy, 8th graders participate in a capstone project that challenges them to create and present comprehensive business plans under the mentorship of an entrepreneur. This program integrates all the financial, managerial, and creative skills acquired through the LiFE curriculum and their time at Aspen.
Building Skills That Last A LiFEtime
Real-World Application: The LiFE program at Aspen Academy is not just about learning theory; it's about applying these theories in real-world contexts. Students learn by doing, which engrains knowledge more deeply and provides them with the confidence to tackle real-life challenges.
Holistic Development: We believe in the holistic development of each student's potential—intellectual, emotional, and social. This includes fostering leadership skills in early education and promoting financial literacy for students. Through our diverse programs and daily lessons, students grow into well-rounded individuals capable of making thoughtful decisions.
Community and Leadership: By participating in the LiFE program, students not only learn about leadership and entrepreneurship, they live it. They lead projects, mentor peers, and engage with the community, building a network of relationships and experiences that last a lifetime.
Explore the possibilities with us at Aspen Academy, one of the best private schools near you. We offer innovative private school programs that prepare students for success in business and leadership, equipping them not just for the next step in their education, but for life. Join us in a journey of discovery, learning, and leadership.
Our Team
Ben Sothmann
Ben started his career in education by teaching English in South Korea shortly after graduating from college. After his time abroad, he moved to Denver and finished his master's degree and teaching training from the University of Northern Colorado. Since then, he's taught grades 6-12, managed a private tutoring and academic coaching company, and worked for a variety of local and national education nonprofits. Ben is excited to join Aspen Academy's innovative community that truly focuses on developing and empowering students to become leaders both in the classroom and beyond. Outside of work, you can catch him running the trails with his dog Donnie, researching his next trip, or attempting to capture the best angles of Colorado's landscapes and wildlife.
Andrew Flynn
Throughout his career, Andrew has developed rigorous and engaging methods to empower high-achieving young people from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.
Born in Denver, Andrew studied evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated magna cum laude before continuing on to complete his master’s within the Safran Lab Group (also at CU). Since, he has managed a multi-state tutoring company, was the inaugural Executive Director of a NPO supporting students as they worked to overcome obstacles in achieving a higher education, reformed a national scholarship new scholar selection process, and has most recently worked in ed-tech helping families to apply to college. Andrew is extraordinarily excited to join Aspen's community and pursue its goal of ensuring all its students grow to be innovative thinkers and doers.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys thru-hiking, kayaking, and traveling with his family.