LiFE 

How you lead your life matters.

Aspen Academy students are resilient leaders, curious scholars, strategic thinkers, innovative creators, and avid communicators. LiFE (Leadership, Finance and Entrepreneurship) equips Aspen Academy students with the skills, habits, attitudes and knowledge to lead themselves, others, ideas, and organizations well. The program fosters confidence, curiosity, and innovation in our lifelong learners.  LiFE is the integration of our curriculum for Leadership, Financial Acumen, and Entrepreneurship with a robust suite of proprietary programs designed to bring the principles and lessons in the curriculum to life through “real-life” application.

Aspen Academy students perform at AMP'd Friday morning student-led variety show.
Aspen Academy  Parent Testimonial about financial literacy curriculum.

LiFE Program

Is Aspen Academy’s curricular solution for what the next generation of human beings need: to be personally and professionally fulfilled and contributing members of society. We have clarified the mindsets, skills, habits, and corresponding content and worked backwards, assuring that every individual has the possibility of knowing their worth and bringing out their own potential. Over time, we see that students develop the regular habit and journey of self-improvement for total self-reliance, while also demonstrating an inclination and capacity to create and care for others. LiFE exists to ensure that each child is readied and propelled toward future success.

Curriculum Elements:

  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Character & Leadership Development
  • Cultural Competency
  • Financial Acumen
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset & Execution

 

Student sells coffee and donuts before Aspen Morning Program.

Student Programs

Our Student Programs are where LiFE principles and lessons are activated, practiced, developed, and refined. These experiential programs animate the lessons and include:

  • Bear’s Student Enterprises (BSE)
  • Mentor Program
  • Aspen Morning Program (AMP’d)
  • Student Civic Organization (SCO)
  • Service Learning
  • Student Ambassador
  • 8th Grade Shark Tank

Learn More

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.