Student Life

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Denver Academy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, (DEI) and Belonging (DEIB) are foundations of our educational community. Our commitment to these values is ingrained in our decision-making, actions, curriculum, and mission. Fostering well-being through these principles is an integral part of our school culture. Denver Academy values the mental, social, and emotional health of our community and recognizes that nurturing a sense of belonging takes effort and commitment. We pledge that we will continue to maintain a growth mindset with the goal of overcoming barriers and biases. All are welcome at Denver Academy. We ask that all members of our community — students, caregivers, faculty, staff, and visitors, commit to treating each other with respect and kindness. An inclusive environment thrives when all voices, regardless of background, belief, and ability, are acknowledged and valued. Together, we can create a community that inspires all students to reach their full potential in an accepting and safe environment.

JEDI Mission

We are committed to seeking Justice as we identify systemic barriers in education, practicing Equity so each student thrives in our community, celebrating the Diversity of backgrounds and experiences on our campus, and advocating for the Inclusion of all who attend our school.

JEDI Student Groups at DA

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Students of Color and Allies (SOCA)

The mission of SOCA is to embrace unity through respect in order to create an empowered, diverse, and safe community. This student-led group began in the 2019-20 school year and is open to ALL middle and high school students. SOCA is unique to Denver Academy and was founded by student leaders. SOCA meets bi-monthly during lunch periods.
Young JEDIs

The Young JEDI mission is to build a stronger, safer community by advancing students’ abilities to empathize, achieve common goals, and build a sense of community. The Young JEDI program is project-based and woven into the monthly character values of the Elementary Division.
Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA)

Since 2009, DA has proudly supported the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The goal of this group is to create a safe and affirming school community for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Denver Academy’s GSA groups in both Middle and High School are registered nationally with GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). The groups meet bi-monthly during lunch periods.

Meet the JEDI Team

List of 6 members.

Katie Bradford

Dean of Arts & Media/JEDI Chair

Bio
An educator with over 20 years of experience, Katie Bradford serves not only as JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Chair but also as Dean of the Arts and Media Department at Denver Academy. Mrs. Bradford is committed to making our community a safe and inclusive space for all learners. In recognition of her diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging accomplishments, Katie has received inclusive leader awards from Diversity IS, GlobalMindED, and the Mizel Museum. She was also named Queer Literacy Educator of the Year by CU Boulder and has also been honored by Denver Academy with Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement (Wings of the Future) awards. Mrs. Bradford serves on the executive leadership team for the Colorado Diversity Network.
Anthony Slaughter

Director of Information Technology/JEDI Co-Chair

Bio
Anthony Slaughter has taught in the classroom and by example at DA since 1990. He cares about people and about making their day better through the use of technology. Anthony has been at the helm of many large projects at DA including installing a wireless infrastructure and rolling out a 1:1 iPad program. In addition to his duties as the Director of IT, Anthony is co-chair of DA's JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) group. In 2013, he received DA's Staff Member of the Year award.

Mr. Slaughter attended Carnegie Mellon University and Colorado State University - Global Campus.
Katey Frankel

10th Grade Teacher
Kate Owen

6th Grade Teacher

Bio
“Kinetic Kate” Owen loves teaching her students in multiple modalities. As a previous instructor and teacher with Mad Science and Brainiacs Learning Lab, Ms. Owen sparks her students’ imaginations with experiments and tinker labs. She aspires to encourage all her students to read, write, and talk about their passions.

Ms. Owen earned her degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University.
Emily Popper

Middle School Teacher

Bio
Emily Popper comes to Denver Academy from The Churchill School & Center in New York City, where she taught English, Math and History to students with language-based learning differences (2009-2016). Her intention as an educator is to create a safe space for all students—one that emphasizes respect, pride and teamwork—wherein ideas are explored and risks taken without fear of judgment.

Beyond the classroom, Emily acted as Middle School Student Council Coordinator, Head Coach and site leader for Girls On the Run and Assistant Director of Middle School Performing Arts. Emily is ecstatic to be joining the DA community and to embrace the Denver lifestyle!

Emily graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Theatre. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Theatre and English from New York University.
Hannah Topka

Elementary Teacher

Bio
Ms. Topka is excited to start her first year at Denver Academy! She is so happy to be a part of the wonderful Denver Academy community. She enjoys hiking with her dog, running before school, and exploring new places. Ms. Topka grew up in Colorado but spent the last four years in D.C. teaching at The Lab School of Washington. She moved home this summer to be near family and the mountains. She received her BA in psychology from Denison University and her MA in special education from American University.

Professional Development

Each year, DA sends representatives to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the People of Color Conference (PoCC). These diversity leadership conferences are presented by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). They provide an opportunity for DA representatives to gather with more than 7,800 adults and students from independent schools across the country to learn, collaborate, and support one another and to bring this knowledge back to our community. Teachers have also participated in professional development workshops with Learning for Justice, Facing History, Educating Children of Color, Diversity University, and the Colorado Diversity Network.

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Colorado Diversity Network

Denver Academy is one of eight founding member schools of this network. The Colorado Diversity Network is a group of independent schools working in collaboration to create a statewide network of faculty and staff training focused on issues of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging in the classroom. Below are some examples of events and workshops presented by CDN and attended by DA teachers and staff:

Rosetta Lee - Keynote at Anti-Racism in Action Conference
Intro to Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism in the Classroom by Liz Kleinrock
Joel Baum from Gender Spectrum
Social Justice 101 with Learning for Justice featuring Dr. Sarah-Soonling Blackburn
Health and Wellness through an Identity Lens with Julie Lutton
Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Instructional Practices for K-6 Educators with Britt Hawthorne

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Events

At Denver Academy, our students engage in several nationally-recognized events promoting DEIB work. Some of these events include:

The GSA sponsors No Name-Calling Week | GLSEN
Young JEDIs participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
SOCA promotes International Identity Day
Schoolwide we celebrate International Day of Peace | United Nations

Denver Academy Indigenous Peoples Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that Denver Academy sits on Cheyenne land and that they were the land’s original stewards. We also wish to acknowledge all other Indigenous Tribes and Nations who call Colorado home. We commit to care for this land and to support indigenous peoples.

List of 1 news stories.

DA Has Applied to be Designated as a No Place for Hate School

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4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver CO, 80222
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General: info@denveracademy.org

Denver Academy is a private school for students with varied learning profiles in grades 2-12, located in Denver, CO. DA inspires and empowers diverse learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.