The Classical Academy (Colorado)

The Classical Academy (TCA) is a kindergarten through twelfth grade public charter school located in northern Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. It is chartered through Academy School District 20.

The school is known for having an extensive waiting list, with over 5,400 students on the current waiting list for all grades combined.

The Classical Academy High School is ranked 10th within Colorado by U.S. News & World Report with a college readiness score of 61.0/100. The Classical Academy High School is ranked #368 in the National Rankings and earned a gold medal.^[1] Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college.

In 2012, 2013, and 2014 the Colorado Department of Education awarded every TCA (elementary, junior high, and high school) as well as College Pathways the John Irwin Award for Academic Excellence. The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement.^[2]

Mission

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.^[3]

Philosophy

The Classical Academy instructional philosophy is based on Classical Ideas, Socratic Approach, and Charlotte Mason Philosophies and are built on the school's core beliefs and values.

Position on Common Core

In January 2014, TCA's Board of Directors released a resolution expressing opposition to imposition of the Common Core Standards Initiative.^[4] The School has detailed their position in a letter to the TCA Community.

Campuses

The Classical Academy currently has three campuses in Northern Colorado Springs:

The Classical Academy North Campus

The Classical Academy High School, The Classical Academy Junior High School and The Classical Academy North Elementary are located at 975 Stout Road. The North Campus is considered the main campus and is the location of the school administration offices.

The Classical Academy Central Campus

The Classical Academy Central Elementary is located at 1655 Springcrest Road. This facility, formerly known as Mountain View School, was purchased by the TCA Building Corporation in 2004 for $1.9 million. Monthly payments will continue until November 1, 2019 when the note is paid in full.^[5]

The Classical Academy East Campus

The Classical Academy East Elementary is located at 12201 Cross Peak View (just west of Pikes Peak Community College, Rampart Range Campus).

East Campus is also the location of the school's other programs.

• The Cottage School Program for kindergarten through eighth grade. - Used for Homeschoolers
• TCA College Pathways for seventh through twelfth grades. Students apart of this program also attend the adjacent Pikes Peak Community College Rampart Range Campus.

School Uniforms

The school has a uniform policy for all grade levels.

Admission and Enrollment

The Classical Academy does not have open enrollment for students, nor is it an Academy School District 20 Choice option. The Classical Academy is a wait list school. Students are offered seats and admitted to the school based on their wait list position. Parents can apply from any of the surrounding fifteen school districts in and around Colorado Springs. Priority is given to students of administration, faculty, current enrolled siblings, and residents of Academy School District 20.

Board of Directors

The Classical Academy is governed by a seven-member Board that is elected by the parents of students. The Board members volunteer their time and serve without compensation. Board members are elected through ballot for a three-year maximum term.^[6]

Athletics and Activities

Athletics

High School sports include Baseball, Cross Country, football, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Men’s Soccer, Softball, Spirit/Cheer, Track, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, and Wrestling.

Junior High sports include Boys’ Basketball, Cross Country, football, Girls’ Basketball, Softball, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling.

All of the main sports compete in Colorado's 3A athletic conference, except cross country, which competes at the 4A level as of 2012. The TCA Titans have won state championships in various sports. This includes nine consecutive years in girls' cross country and two consecutive in men's; also a state championship in women's soccer and two runners-up in men's soccer.

Performing Arts

The Classical Academy has performance arts in band, choir, and theatre.

Community

The Classical Academy uses community service as an integral part of the TCA mission of “exemplary citizens.” The school holds yearly service runs with predetermined organizations within the community receiving full donations, food, clothing, and book drives, and collections for the Springs Rescue Mission and the Care and Share Food Bank.

The Classical Academy requires 40 hours of community service in high school to fulfill the requirements for graduation.

Criticisms

Previous students have reported a lack of culture and diversity within the school system. The school has a majority conservative and Christian population; however, the students see themselves as accepting of others.^[7] At the High School level, students have had discontent for the lack of extracurricular activities compared with similar schools in the area.

Current and previous parents have noted the heavier workload on the students, in addition to the “militaristic” atmosphere, as negative and not fostering a nurturing school environment. Other parents have rebutted this.^[8]

In 2009, the school was reported to the Colorado Department of Education for possible conflicts of interest with administrators who run a charter-school consulting business on the side and said the school failed to properly respond to allegations of sexual and physical assaults and bullying. Then TCA President Mark Hyatt said he welcomed the scrutiny and new guidelines and additional training was being put in place.^[9]

See also

• Colorado Springs Christian School
• James Irwin Charter School
• The Rocky Mountain Classical Academy
• The Vanguard School (Colorado)

References