Middle School (5th-8th Grade)

Our academics, partnered with a focused leadership development sequence, prepare students for the most demanding secondary schools. Students thrive as they build lasting relationships with peers and teachers through small class sizes and a community focus. Aspen Academy intentionally and consistently cultivates:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Collaboration Across Networks
  • Agility and Adaptability
  • Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
  • Effective Oral and Written Communication
  • Accessing and Analyzing Information
  • Curiosity and Imagination

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICS

"Aspen Academy is a second home. It has pushed me so much out of my comfort zone and I want other kids to feel the same way about the school. It has helped by grow into a more mature person."

- Current Student

Why Aspen Academy Middle School?

ACCREDITATIONS

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

“Top Scoring School” - AdvancED

Click here for more on accreditation.

"I've learned about taking an idea and running with it and knowing that you can always have a Plan B. If it doesn't work out you don't necessarily have to quit."

- Current Student

 

Aspen Academy students in middle school math class

LETTER FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Welcome to Aspen Academy Middle School, where we embark on an exciting journey of growth, discovery, and achievement! As the proud director of this vibrant educational community, I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to our students, parents, and faculty. At our core, we value kindness, the power of doing good, and the importance of hard work. These values shape the foundation of our school culture and guide our interactions, making Aspen’s Middle School a place where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our belief in the uniqueness of every child drives our commitment to teaching with the whole child in mind. We understand that academic success is just one facet of a well-rounded education. Our dedicated faculty and staff are passionate about fostering not only academic excellence but also social and emotional growth. We aim to create an environment where learning is not only engaging but fun. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning, so that students are not just prepared for the challenges of middle and high school but are also equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in life.

I am eager to witness the incredible growth and accomplishments that each of our students will achieve during their time here. Together we will make this middle school journey a memorable and fulfilling experience for your child. Please reach out to me should you need anything. Welcome to the Aspen Academy Middle School family!

 

- JENNIFER GRAVLEE, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

RECENT BLOGS

Letter of Gratitude and Commitment
Dana Kohls

As we close the first semester, I want to express my gratitude for your partnership, trust, and support. This has been a year of growth and transition, and thanks to our students, teachers, administrators, and families, Aspen Academy continues to set the bar for academic excellence. 

  • Lower School
  • middle school
Insights from Part 2: The Decline of Play-Based Childhood
Ben Sothmann and Andrew Flynn

This week, we revisit Part 2 of The Anxious Generation, titled "The Decline of Play-Based Childhood." In this critical section, Jonathan Haidt explores the important roles that unstructured play and risk-taking have in childhood development and how recent shifts away from these have impacted our children.

  • Lower School
  • middle school
Reflections on Part 1: A Tidal Wave
Ben Sothmann and Andrew Flynn

As we move forward in our series, this week we pause to reflect on the first part of The Anxious Generation, titled "A Tidal Wave." This section provided a foundational understanding of the significant increase in mental health issues among youth, setting the stage for the deeper explorations that followed in the book.

  • Lower School
  • middle school
Celebrating Growth and Gratitude at AMLE
Dana Kohls and Jennifer Gravlee

As educators, we understand that the journey of learning never ends—not just for our students but for us as well. This past week, Jennifer Gravlee and I had the incredible privilege of attending the Association for Middle-Level Education (AMLE) Conference, a gathering that unites more than 35,000 educators across the globe. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to learn from peer-reviewed research, engage with best practices, and dive deep into professional development explicitly tailored to middle school education.

  • middle school
Analyzing Social Media's Greater Impact on Girls
Ben Sothmann and Andrew Flynn

This week, as we continue our exploration of The Anxious Generation, we delve into Chapter 6: "Why Social Media Harms Girls More Than Boys." This chapter provides a critical analysis of the unique challenges that girls face in the digital landscape, particularly through social media platforms

  • middle school