Academics

Denver Academy Curriculum

Denver Academy's Curriculum Philosophy: The Uncommon Core ©

The curriculum for Denver Academy serves and supports the school’s mission to inspire and empower diverse learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.

When making decisions about what content to teach, we consider the following:
  • The characteristics of each learner
  • The personal and professional demands of contemporary life
  • The recommendations of subject specialists
  • Sound psychological principles of teaching and learning
The curriculum at Denver Academy provides continuity across grade levels for each subject, establishes the appropriate sequence of learning objectives, and integrates concepts across subjects when appropriate.

To ensure that an appropriate curriculum is delivered to Denver Academy students, the five guiding principles listed below are followed.

Philippe Ernewein, Director of Education

Content alone does not make a curriculum. It is shaped by the expertise and creativity of our teachers, and by the diverse interests, readiness levels, and learning profiles of our students.

DA Curriculum Five Guiding Principles

List of 5 items.

  • Colorado Content Standards

    DA's curriculum is aligned with the Colorado Department of Education Standards. Our standards closely correlate with Colorado Standards, adapted to support our unique mission and philosophy.

  • Scope and Sequence of Concepts

    A scope and developmental sequence of concepts is established for each subject, allowing for smooth transitions from course to course and grade to grade.
     

  • Differentiated Instruction

    While a scope and sequence is established for each subject as a guideline, the curriculum is delivered in ways that meet the needs of individual students. Teachers vary their instruction based on each student’s readiness level, interests, and learning styles, and have varied expectations for their students regarding content, the learning process, and expectations. Teachers have the flexibility to challenge advanced students with more demanding material and provide remediation for students who are behind in certain concepts.

  • Teacher Autonomy

    Allowing teachers freedom, power, creativity, and spontaneity in curriculum delivery is a vital part of Denver Academy’s mission, philosophy, and success. Denver Academy relies on the professional judgment of its faculty, in consultation with the Director of Education, to make appropriate curriculum decisions for its students.

  • Associated Skills

    For each content area, a continuous set of associated skills is established, indicating the specific non-content skills to be taught and maintained from course to course. An example is the development of note-taking, test-taking, and study skills in the sciences or social studies.

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

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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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