Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County
General Information
Overview
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to offering a classical, liberal arts-based education to students in grades K through 12. Designed around a content-rich curriculum and the foundational virtues emphasized in classical tradition, the academy aims to train both the minds and hearts of young people. Its approach emphasizes mastery of core knowledge, systematic literacy instruction, rigorous mathematics, foundational sciences, and exposure to great works of Western civilization.
The school encourages intellectual curiosity, moral character, disciplined behavior, and civic responsibility, creating a holistic educational environment where students learn how to think rather than what to think. Since its establishment in the 2018–2019 school year, the academy has grown in enrollment and community reputation. It promotes a structured academic environment, traditional teaching methods, and a culture of respect, order, and virtue. Students are prepared for advanced studies, leadership roles in their communities, and lifelong learning, making the academy a strong educational option for families who value classical education.
Contact Information
Address: 10004 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone Number: (720) 531-8775
Email Address: of****@***************do.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2018–2019 |
| Motto | To train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a classical, content-rich education rooted in moral character and civic virtue |
| Core Virtues | Courage, Moderation, Justice, Responsibility, Prudence, Friendship, Wonder |
| Authorizer | Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) |
| School Type | Public charter, classical, K–12 |
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Rankings
| Scope | Ranking / Performance |
|---|---|
| State (Colorado) | Performs around the middle range of schools statewide based on academic proficiency |
| Global/National | Not applicable (K–12 charter school, not a university) |
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Grammar School (K–5)
- Logic School (6–8)
- Upper School (9–12)
- English Language Arts and Literature
- Mathematics (Singapore Math)
- Science
- History and Classical Studies
- Latin and Classical Languages
- Fine Arts
- Physical Education
- Character and Virtue Education
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Phonics, Spelling, Grammar, and Cursive
- Singapore Math Levels K–12
- Latin (Middle and High School)
- Literature and Great Books Studies
- Classical History and Western Civilization
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Fine Arts Programs in Music and Visual Arts
- PE and Health Programs
- Upper School Socratic Seminars
- College Preparatory Coursework in Core Subjects
Online Learning
The academy primarily operates as an in-person, classroom-based institution. Its philosophy is grounded in direct instruction, teacher-led lessons, and face-to-face engagement with classical texts. While technology may be used to supplement coursework when needed, the school does not function as an online or hybrid learning institution, as in-person education remains a foundational component of the classical model it upholds.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Average Performance / Notes |
|---|---|
| State Assessments | Performs around the mid-range among Colorado schools, with strengths in English Language Arts |
| SAT/College Tests | Generally aligned with national averages, depending on graduating class |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The academy reports a graduation rate around the mid-range of state averages, with most enrolled students continuing year-over-year as the school expands. The school’s structured academic program and emphasis on character development contribute to steady retention, although exact figures vary depending on enrollment cycles and annual capacity limits.
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public K–12 charter school, Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County does not require GPAs, SAT scores, or ACT scores for admission. Enrollment is not academically selective.
Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Varies by year; based on lottery availability rather than academic selection |
Application Requirements
To apply, families complete an enrollment application provided by the school during designated open enrollment periods. Because the school is tuition-free and publicly funded, admission is not based on academic achievement or financial need. Instead, families indicate interest, provide the required student and residency information, and participate in the lottery if grade-level seats are limited. The school encourages families to review its classical philosophy and expectations to ensure alignment with its rigorous academic environment and virtue-based culture.
Application Process
- Submit the online enrollment application during the open enrollment window
- Provide required student and residency information
- Confirm participation in the lottery if seats exceed capacity
- Receive placement or waitlist notification
- Submit completed enrollment forms if offered a seat
- Attend any orientation sessions required before the school year begins
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment Window | Early spring each year |
| Lottery Date | Immediately after enrollment period closes |
| Enrollment Confirmation | Due shortly after acceptance notification |
| Orientation and Start-of-Year Events | Scheduled late summer |
Essay Prompt
No essay is required for admission because the academy is a public K–12 school.
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Scholarships
No scholarships are offered, as the school is tuition-free for all enrolled students.
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 (public charter school) |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population includes learners from kindergarten through twelfth grade and reflects the surrounding suburban community. Minority enrollment is around one-fifth of the overall student body, with the remaining students representing a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Ages naturally span early elementary levels through late adolescence. While the gender balance is generally even, specific figures vary by grade cohort. The school’s classical model draws families seeking rigorous academics and character-centered education, creating a student population that is highly engaged, academically motivated, and supported by strong family involvement.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The academy serves a diverse set of learners, including students from various economic backgrounds and those needing special education services. As a public charter school, it is required to support students with disabilities through appropriate accommodations and individualized education plans. While specific statistics regarding low-income and special-needs populations are not publicly highlighted, the school provides structured instructional support, intervention services, and student assistance programs aligned with state educational requirements.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 1,000+ |
| Minority Enrollment | Around 20% |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 18:1 |
University Diversity
Although Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County functions as a K–12 school rather than a university, its learning environment reflects a variety of cultural, personal, and intellectual backgrounds. While demographic diversity may be moderate compared with statewide averages, the school fosters substantial diversity of thought by engaging students with classical literature, historical texts, and philosophical works that challenge them to confront differing perspectives, universal themes, and fundamental human questions. This intellectual diversity is a core component of the classical model, which encourages critical reasoning, respectful discourse, and an appreciation for cultural and historical contexts. Through exposure to timeless ideas and structured discussions, students learn to understand viewpoints different from their own while developing strong analytical and communication skills.
Average Earnings
Because the academy is a K–12 institution and not a postsecondary school, there is no published data on graduate earnings. Instead of tracking income outcomes, the academy focuses on preparing its students for future academic success, civic participation, and responsible adulthood. High school graduates are generally prepared to enter college-preparatory programs, advanced coursework, or vocational paths of their choosing. The emphasis on foundational knowledge, disciplined study habits, and moral character contributes to long-term readiness, though economic earnings data is not collected or reported in the way that universities track post-graduation financial results.
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The academy employs a dedicated faculty committed to classical education principles. Teachers typically bring strong academic backgrounds and subject-matter knowledge, along with a willingness to teach through structured lessons and Socratic dialogue. With a student–teacher ratio near 18:1, classrooms maintain an environment conducive to focused instruction and personal attention. Staff members also support student development through administrative guidance, counseling services, and extracurricular coordination, all aligned with the school’s mission of cultivating academic excellence and virtuous character.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members often demonstrate deep familiarity with classical texts, traditional mathematics instruction, and content-focused teaching frameworks. Many are trained in Core Knowledge curriculum methods, Singapore Math techniques, and classical humanities instruction. Teachers in upper grades lead students through rigorous discussions of great works, scientific principles, and historical ideas, helping students develop logical reasoning and articulate expression. Across grade levels, faculty emphasize character development, personal responsibility, and respect for intellectual pursuits. Their combined expertise and commitment to classical pedagogy contribute to the academy’s strong academic reputation and supportive learning environment.
Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County does not provide housing or residential facilities. Students attend during regular school hours and engage in a structured academic environment that emphasizes order, stability, and character formation. The campus includes classrooms designed for classical instruction, spaces for fine arts and physical education, and areas for extracurricular activities. Although students do not live on campus, the school fosters a meaningful sense of belonging through student events, ceremonies, house systems (if implemented), and ongoing character-building traditions that strengthen community ties.
Transportation
Students reach campus primarily through family transportation, carpools, or district-aligned transportation options when available. Because the school is located in a suburban area, public transit access may be limited, making personal transportation the most common method for arrival and departure. The campus is organized to support efficient student movement between classrooms and grade-level areas, maintaining an orderly environment that reflects the school’s classical values. While there is no dedicated campus bus system run by the academy, families typically coordinate transportation solutions that best meet their needs.