About Us

The DA Difference: How We Teach & Learn

Designed to be Different

Denver Academy is a unique place of teaching and learning. Since 1972, our approach has been evolving and developing, drawing on the best educational practices and research.

At the core of the Denver Academy experience is a Partnership Model based on committed student-teacher-family relationships. An in-depth analysis and evaluation are used to create a learning profile for each student, addressing cognitive abilities, language skills, attention, memory, social functioning, and other areas that impact learning. 

Our highly-qualified teachers participate in weekly training and professional development totaling over 100 hours per year. With small class sizes of 12-14, teachers are able to deliver a curriculum customized for the individual and for the classroom as a whole. 

Philippe Ernewein, Director of Education

Informed by individual student learning profiles, teachers truly get to know and understand each child and their family.  

List of 4 items.

  • Honoring a Diverse Group of Learners

    Teachers have a sophisticated understanding of each student’s unique learning profile. This is developed through the student-teacher-family Partnership Model, along with collected observations, and cognitive and achievement tests.

  • Student-Centered Focus

    At the center of learning at Denver Academy is the student. Their readiness level, interests, and learning profile are critical for successful learning. Students are encouraged to demonstrate learning through multiple learning pathways, modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile), and forms of expression.

  • Relationship-Based Development

    We are committed to the development of people. Through a relationship-based approach, we inspire students to be curious self-advocates and lifelong learners.

  • Differentiated Curriculum

    We make adjustments as needed for each student to challenge and remediate. Flexible placement in several academic levels within each core subject allows faculty to teach to each student’s optimal level. Accelerated Honors classes are offered for high school students.

  • Katy B., DA Parent

    At DA, my daughters are learning in a way that works for them individually. They dive into subjects with energy and excitement that they never had before. My girls have flourished and we couldn't be happier with the outcome!

  • Stephanie N., DA Parent of a Graduate

    Words can not express the difference DA has made for my son. Being at DA paved the way for his current confidence.

Our Curriculum

List of 6 items.

  • Arts & Media

    Our Arts & Media Department provides Elementary and 6th Grade students with a quarter of drama, art, and music each year and they then choose their own elective class for the fourth quarter. Arts & Media courses are available as electives for Middle School (Grades 7-8) and High School (Grades 9-12) students.
    Arts & Media

  • Experiential Education

    Experiential Education is an integral part of the Denver Academy curriculum and is designed to provide students with a wide range of academic, personal, physical, community, and social challenges outside of the regular classroom.

    We incorporate Experiential Education in learning year-round and a special Experiential Education Immersive (EEI) unit takes place annually the week before Spring Break. EEI experiences are provided on campus for Elementary/6th Grade students. Beginning in 7th Grade, students have the opportunity to select the Experiential Education Immersive in which they would like to participate, including both on- and off-campus opportunities.

  • Health Education

    Health courses at Denver Academy inform and help students lead healthy and happy lives. A health curriculum is integrated into daily physical education classes for grades two through 6. Health is a required class for middle and high school students (grades 7-12). Nutrition, fitness, healthy choices, and effective communication are among the topics covered. When students reach adolescence, they learn about anatomy, age-appropriate adolescent growth topics, and the physiological effects of drugs and alcohol, all within the context of their courses.

  • Physical Education

    Grades 2-6 at DA have Physical Education (P.E.) classes five days a week! P.E. is an elective for Middle and High School students. Our P.E. Department provides opportunities for the Denver Academy community to develop healthy lifestyles with a safe and challenging environment that meets the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of the individual.

  • STEM

    Denver Academy has Campos EPC SmartLabs for elementary/6th grade, middle school, and high school students. In the labs, students pursue project-based learning in the areas of science, math, art, robotics, and technology. During a High School STEM Week in the spring, students participate in projects and hands-on learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math ranging from the popular Egg Drop Challenge to Popsicle Stick Bridges, Ping-Pong Pickup, and more!
    Campos EPC Foundation video featuring Denver Academy

  • Technology

    Technology is integrated into the classroom through the use of personal devices for all divisions. School-provided Chromebooks are used daily for grades 2-6 while those in grades 7-12 are asked to provide their own personal devices. In addition to Google Workspace for Education, we provide assisted technology software designed to support those in our community with learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, and more. Technology and online etiquette are taught through our character education course, utilizing programs such as Common Sense Media.

Denver Academy Approach: Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • How does Denver Academy support twice-exceptional (2e) students?

    We believe that brilliance and challenge can exist side by side. Our educational programs, based on differentiated instruction, are well-suited for students who demonstrate exceptional strengths in one or more areas while also navigating learning differences or disabilities. We see these learners not through the lens of limitation, but through the possibilities that emerge when their strengths and needs are equally honored. Our twice-exceptional students are both challenged and supported, growing as learners, problem-solvers, and self-advocates, ready to thrive in school and beyond.

  • How does DA support students with reading comprehension challenges?

    Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes are designed to help students learn to read and comprehend. DA teachers are trained in Visualizing and Verbalizing, a specific Lindamood-Bell program.

  • How are students with dyslexia supported?

    Orton-Gillingham employs a phonetics-based approach to teaching reading instruction. It is widely considered to be among the best reading programs for dyslexic students. All Denver Academy Lower School (Grades 2-8) teachers and Literacy Specialists (who work throughout the school) are trained to use Orton-Gillingham methods.

  • Do all Denver Academy students work with a Literacy Specialist?

    All Lower School (Grades 2-8) teachers are fully trained in all of our literacy programs. If students need additional help, they will be referred to our literacy specialists by their homeroom teacher. We use a multi-sensory approach to reading instruction and use Visualizing and Verbalizing and Orton Gillingham methods.
    Meet Our Literary Specialists Team

  • What is the Partnership Model?

    Denver Academy’s Partnership Model refers to the joint partnership among teachers, students, and families to ensure the success and development of the student.

Meet the Program Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Philippe Ernewein

    Philippe Ernewein 

    Director of Education
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Mindy Adair, Ph.D.

    Mindy Adair, Ph.D. 

    Director of Mathematics & Technology Integration Specialist
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Jessica Bodden

    Jessica Bodden 

    Instructional Coach & Literacy Specialist
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Casie Myers

    Casie Myers 

    ACT Special Testing & Accommodations Coordinator, Program Development Assistant, 11th Exec Assistant
    Read Bio

Find Us

4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80222
Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General: info@denveracademy.org

About

Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. DA inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.

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