Campus on the SE side of Fort Collins with large classrooms and dedicated specials classrooms in a quiet neighborhood.

Literacy

We teach reading and writing to our students through the EngageNY curriculum. Reading and writing are also integrated throughout the day in all subject areas, and teachers give students time to dive into books and encourage the children to cultivate a true love for literacy.

Math

Singapore Math instruction is delivered through the Primary Mathematics curriculum. With this curriculum, our students learn and master mathematical concepts at greater detail with a three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. AAK’s goals with this program is for the students to become creative thinkers who are prepared to be real-world problem solvers.

Science

Through the "Bring Science Alive!" curriculum and Next Generation Science Standards, students engage in hands-on activities and experiments based on the scientific method. Intermediate students are able to present their understanding and critical thinking in the spring science fair.

Social Studies

AAK students learn about character, ethics, empathy, and self-esteem through our "Social Studies Alive!" curriculum. They step into the shoes of great historical figures through active projects, skits, musical performances, and distinctive artistic expression. The social studies and sciences of all the great world civilizations are taught in this interdisciplinary, project-based, and multicultural curriculum.

Art

All students benefit from the arts, especially students who need more concrete, visual, and kinesthetic experiences for successful learning. At AAK, the integrated fine arts and visual arts program strengthens learning transfer. AAK is not only about producing tangible artifacts, but also skill development and problem solving. AAK adheres to the proposition that arts integration produces better readers, better writers, and better speakers. Students focus on the elements of art and principles of design throughout the year, and receive many opportunities to enter their artwork into local, state, and national competitions.

Music

Music, like literacy, allows students to experiment with rhythm, words, tempo, and melody. Musical notation and understanding the meaning in music correlates strongly with being able to discern the meaning of text in literacy. It is the conviction at AAK that music produces (apart from the gifts of music itself) strong readers, writers, and presenters. During the enrichment block, students can choose to be members of the Dragon Scales choir, or try out the ukulele. We also have after school band, orchestra, and we offer private lessons. In addition to many performances at the school, the band has marched in the CSU homecoming parade and St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Dragon Scales choir has even performed at Colorado Eagles hockey games.

Drama / Wellness

Research shows that physical activity stimulates the brain, and it also improves academic performance. AAK students engage in 90 minutes of physical education and wellness per week, in addition to 40+ minutes of recess per day. Through our wellness program, students are not only getting physically fit, but are also learning how to take care of themselves by making healthy choices. Students have the opportunity to enjoy all that the Northern Colorado outdoors and mountains have to offer with planned field trips. Past trips have included hiking Devil’s Backbone or snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. This year we are incorporating drama in this class with exciting oppprtunities for acting and presentation.

Enrichment

All students are allowed to choose their activities during our enrichment block on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Enrichment choices range from the fine arts, math, science, and any other creative topic our teachers can concoct. During this time, some students participate in the Dragon Scales choir, scenery, or coding. Additional offerings might include, but are not limited to, drama, typing, LEGO robotics, Spanish, videography, snowshoeing, crocheting, gardening, cooking, and many other options.

Special Education
Gifted and Talented
English Learners

Available in all classrooms

Band, Dance, Drama, Chess, Mad Science, Choir, Orchestra

We will provide an environment that allows every student to reach their full potential.

AAK is open to all students residing in the state of Colorado. Enrollment decisions shall be made in a nondiscriminatory manner without regard to disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry, need for special education services, or any other protected class.

Students at the Academy receive instruction in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies based on the Colorado Academic Standards. We set ourselves above the rest by integrating fine arts throughout our curriculum to enhance learning. Our teachers provide a safe learning community that allows students to take risks in their learning while treating each student as a unique individual and giving them opportunities to let their creativity flourish.

In addition to integrating arts into the core subjects, our students participate in 90 minutes of music, art, and wellness/physical education per week for a truly robust arts education.

Extended School Year

Our extended school year begins August 11th and ends June 22nd. This allows us to give students more breaks throughout the school year while still offering a seven week Summer Break:
Fall break: 9/27-10/8 (2 weeks)
Thanksgiving Break 11/22 - 11/26 (1 week)
Winter Break 12/20 - 1/7 (3 weeks)
Early Spring Break 3/14 - 3/25 (2 weeks)
Late Spring Break 5/2 - 5/6 (1 week)

Homeschool Program

AAK's homeschool program is for students in grades 1-5. AAK recognizes the role that families have in their children's education, and we can provide additional resources and support for the homeschooled child. By working together with families, we help to create environments in which each child can thrive and prepare for the world. We invite your homeschooled child to participate in our eight hour per week onsite schedule that includes art, music, wellness, social studies, and various core subjects. We offer flexible times to supplement the needs of individual homeschool programs, as long as students attend at least eight hours per week.