A Private Elementary School In Denver: Built for What Comes Next

Aspen Academy's Lower School (Grades K–4) is one of the top-rated private elementary schools in Greenwood Village, Colorado. We combine small class sizes, subject-specific teachers starting in Kindergarten, and daily leadership development—so your kiddo builds the confidence, character, and academic foundation that shapes who they become.

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Top Denver Private School | Private School Near Me | Aspen Academy Elementary Students on Playground, by Values Wall

Lower School at a Glance

  • Kindergarten through fourth grade 
  • Typically 16–18 students per class 
  • Subject-specific teachers beginning in Kindergarten 
  • More than 90 hours of LiFE instruction each year 
  • 80 minutes of Essentials each school day 

What Makes Aspen Academy Different From Other Private Elementary Schools in Denver? 

Most elementary schools teach kids what to think. We teach them how to lead.

Aspen Academy's Lower School creates the foundation for everything that comes next.

Your child won't just learn to read—they'll discover they have something to say. They won't just learn math—they'll understand how numbers shape the real world. From running classroom businesses to building physical leadership portfolios, our students graduate Lower School ready to take on middle school—and life—with confidence.

They are known, nurtured, and coached to grow, and that’s what makes Aspen one of the top private elementary schools in the region. 

Elementary students reading books in a bright, collaborative learning space at Aspen Academy.

Core Academics, Taught by Specialists

Aspen Academy students perform 2-4x above Colorado and national benchmarks in reading and math. Each K-4 student receives 240 minutes per day of core instruction from subject-specific teachers—a structure almost unheard of in elementary education. Our Singapore Math curriculum puts students 2-3 grade levels ahead of standard American peers.

→ Our results speak for themselves: 

  • 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.
  • Colorado state statistics show only 23% in math and 35% in reading at grade level. National averages are even lower at 18% and 30%.
  • Aspen Academy students perform 2-4x above state and national benchmarks.
  • Students using Singapore Math typically perform 2-3 grade levels ahead of standard American students.

Small Classes Leave Room to Notice

When there are only 16–18 students in a class, teachers can see more than whether an answer is right.  

They can notice the strategy that a child has used. They can extend a task when a student is ready for greater depth, then change the grouping or offer more structure when the work calls for it. Most importantly, they can see the child as a whole person and imagine their potential. 

Aspen uses differentiated learning across individual work, partnerships, small groups, and whole-class instruction. 

At Aspen Academy, Kindergarten students learn from dedicated subject specialists—not one generalist stretched thin. This approach, almost unheard of in early childhood education, means your child gets instruction from teachers who are true experts in Communications & Literacy, Math and Science/Social Studies.

→ This isn't a luxury. It's how kids actually learn best.

Aspen Academy kindergarten teacher leading his class in a group learning activity.

 

Aspen Academy student participates in leadership development program.

Leadership Begins Early

At Aspen Academy, leadership isn't a poster on the wall—it's 90+ hours per year of dedicated instruction starting in Kindergarten. Every day begins with our LiFE block (Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship), where students build real skills: public speaking, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking.

→ More than 90 hours per year of dedicated leadership instruction starting in Kindergarten.

  • 100% of Lower School students develop physical leadership portfolios documenting their growth.
  • Every classroom operates a mini-economy with real jobs, responsibilities, and grade-level marketplaces.
  • Students regularly pitch business ideas to administrators—and can see their products sold in the BSE Store.
  • Leadership opportunities start early: Our curriculum starts in PreK. Mentors start in 4th grade. Socratic seminars begin in 4th grade.

Essentials Has a Real Place in the Day

Aspen Academy's Essentials program delivers 80 minutes per day of arts, world language, and STEAM—built on brain-based learning principles. While national data shows science and social studies instruction has declined 20-30% since the 1990s, we're investing more—not less—in the subjects that develop well-rounded thinkers.

→ Our Essentials program is built on brand-based learning, aligning with how children naturally learn, process, and retain information.

  • Spanish, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Theater, Fitness, and Innovation
  • Public performances, exhibitions, and entrepreneurial showcases
  • 79% of students enrolled in at least one extracurricular activity
Aspen Academy class participates in a dance class

Parent Involvement Is Part of the Curriculum

At Aspen Academy, every family contributes 24 volunteer hours per year—creating an "all-in" culture that integrates families into the education process. Schools with this model see 85%+ parent satisfaction and 15-20% higher student retention because parents become true partners in their child's education.

→ Every family contributes 24 volunteer hours per year, creating an "all-in" culture that integrates families into the education process.

  • Schools with this model see 85%+ parent satisfaction and 15-20% higher student retention
  • 60+ events per year for parent/student/teacher interaction
  • Love and Logic workshops create shared language between home and school
  • Grandparent Civic Organization brings multigenerational support
2nd grade class learns from a volunteer parent.

What Growth Looks Like in Lower School

At Aspen Academy, Lower School isn't just preparation for middle school—it's the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and leadership. 

Students at our private elementary school in Denver, Colorado outperform state and national benchmarks by 2-4x. They develop real business skills. They learn to lead before they're 10. 

And it's not just data. It's the way they raise their hand first. The way they explain their thinking. The confidence they carry into every new challenge. 

Best Denver Private School | Top Greenwood Village Elementary School | Aspen Academy Awards and Accreditations

 

Here’s what Aspen community members are saying:

Aspen Academy has proven itself to be one of the top private elementary schools in Denver based on our results, but we know that’s not the only thing that matters. Here’s why families really choose Aspen for their children: 

★★★★★

"The teachers at Aspen Academy are so genuine and thoughtful in the way they approach teaching. They really do give 100% everyday and we are so thankful that our kids have gone through both lower and middle school with these amazing teachers.

- Aspen Academy Parent

★★★★★

"I loved helping my daughter's class with Money Monday today! All of the Kindergarteners counted their own pennies and made decisions about whether to spend, save, or give to the class for a group reward. I think this program offers hands-on learning for real life experiences and I think it will be instrumental in how our children think about money going forward."

- Aspen Academy Parent

★★★★★

"My son has been at Aspen Academy for three years and my husband, myself and my son could not be happier. I wanted a school where my son would be seen for who he is, and where he could grow personally, academically and socially. I have seen him blossom in these three years. He has so much confidence in his character and his academics and I know that is a testament to the school's curriculum, teachers and sense of community. In Kindergarten Graduation the song Home was played through much of the ceremony and when he hears this song he talks about Aspen and that it does feel like another home for him. He feels so comfortable and safe to be who he is...As a former teacher myself, I feel confident in saying you could not find a better group of teachers and staff.

- 5-Star Greatschools.com Review

★★★★★

"My daughter has attended Aspen Academy Kindergarten through 8th grade. I have nothing but praise for the school, staff, mission, and vision! My daughter is more than prepared for High School, and on the Honors track! She is emotionally ready as well exhibiting qualities of confidence, cooperative skills, critical thinking, and kindness and care for others. I am so thankful for all the love and support she has received from Aspen Academy. She always felt safe, accepted, and valued as a member of this community, and excited for her next chapter. Thank you, thank you, Aspen Academy!!

- Tara Ames, Aspen Academy Alumni Parent

★★★★★

"When we were looking for a school, we were interested in finding a place that would challenge our student academically while teaching real-life skills. We found that at Aspen Academy. My child has learned how to start a business (already started five), manage money and be a responsible human being with awareness of natural consequences. I still get nervous to do public speaking events, but this comes incredibly natural to our child because she's been doing it since kindergarten. I'm always impressed with her level of confidence! She loves learning and I can't think of anything more important for a school to give you. Not only has this been an incredible school for her, but this has also been a community where I've found my closest friends that became our chosen family. I'm incredibly thankful we found Aspen."

- Aspen Academy Parent
 

Explore Lower School by Grade

Is Aspen Academy the Right Lower School for Your Family? 

Aspen Academy is ideal for Denver-area families who want more than worksheets and waiting—parents who believe their child is capable of more challenge, more purpose, and more leadership. Not every family is looking for the same thing, out of a private elementary school in Denver, and we're not for everyone. But for families who value academic excellence, character development, and real-world preparation, there's no better foundation.

Here, children are known deeply and challenged intentionally. They learn to think, to lead, and to contribute—starting in Kindergarten.

We're not for everyone. But for the right family? There's no better foundation.

Two students pose for a picture on field day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Elementary Schools in Denver, Colorado

See Lower School in Motion 

You don't have to decide today. But you should see what's possible.

What would it look like if your child loved school and left prepared for life?

We invite you to schedule a 30-minute call with our admissions team.

No pressure, no pitch.

Just real answers from real people who care about helping your family make the right decision.

Schedule a Call via this calendar!

 

 

Accreditations

Denver Private Elementary School | Top Denver Private School Near Me | AdvancED Accreditation

“Top Scoring School” - AdvancED

Click here for more on accreditation.

Denver Private Elementary School | Private School Near Me | Association of Colorado Independent Schools Logo

“One of the fastest-growing independent schools in the country.” - Association of Colorado Independent Schools.