Aspen Academy

Ask questions. Why has over 11% of the second grade population left and enrolled in other schools since December? What is the turnover rate for other grades? Why is the suspension rate so high? Why is an immediate goal, as highlighted in the State of the School Address, to formalize an expulsion policy? What are the credentials of the individuals addressing the diciplinary policies? Use the tools here to come up with other important quesitons. ASK!
--Submitted by a parent

Interesting that the school's new slogan "we are crew not passengers" has been used by another Douglas County elementary school for years...

All the negative comments about Aspen are spot on, especially the comments regarding the adminstration. All I can say is save your money and send you children to public school. Academically they are behind most public schools in Denver. My child received excellent grades at Aspen, but moved on to a public middle school and had to play catch-up as the Aspen curriculm was substandard.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a well known scenario, every year before re-enrollment(by the end of January) the Head of School, Kristina Scala, asks naive people to write a glowing review of the school, or they are asked to write a glowing review after a bad review is posted. Read for yourself. It's truly comical and predictable. Regardless, the unfavorable critiques of the school are true and real. Think about it, why would so many people voice the same complaint over and over again?! How can so many families/people be wrong? The Head of School explains with her infamous quote, "Families/She/He went sideways", or "Teachers leave because we only keep the best". There is so much damage control and lying, it's pitiful. Truth be told, really good, solid families and staff have left because they have caught on to the truth; Aspen is not at all what they market themselves to be, and worse it has proven to be a hostile environment for many children, parents and staff. Stay tuned, I'm sure there will be a positive remark shortly. Ha. Denver knows and Denver is laughing.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Aspen Academy for 3 years. It started as a great school for my children and keeps getting better. The fabulous teachers and administration give their all towards raising kind, intelligent, and socially conscious kids. My kids learn something everyday about how they fit in the world and how to better communicate with others. They are challenged and happy. The parent community is strong. In my mind, people who are unhappy at this school are parents who want a school that will overlook (rather than address) the problems their children have.
--Submitted by a parent

The credentials of the Middle School Director at Aspen Academy go well beyond a part time piano instructor as noted in a review below. Linda Marshall holds a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Communications from Syracuse University. She has a background that combines a strong sense of business with knowledge of group and individual instruction. She has 20 years of management experience in consulting, service, and development and has built two businesses. Ms. Marshall built the Private Music Instruction Program at Aspen Academy along with the school's music department. She has served as the Director of Middle School and Essentials Program for the past two years.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is a dream come true! Small class sizes, teachers who excel at their craft and truly care about the kids, a staff who support the teachers and families as well as an incredibly well-rounded, challenging academic program. Ms. Scala as Head of School is exactly what I'd hope she would be: tough but fair, innovative, creative and always seeking ways to improve the school and all the lives she is touching. She is no pushover nor should she be. Those who've written bad reviews must have an issue with excellence. We all know people who are not into personal responsibility and believe that the world owes them something extra just based on who they think they are. Please don't let these bad reviews affect your decision about this great school. See for yourself. Take a tour. Check references. We did and are so much better for it.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Aspen Academy and our son couldn't be happier. Small class sizes, incredible teachers and outstanding administrators. I see the negative comments posted here and I am simply baffled. As with most parents, our child's education is paramount. We did our due-diligence, are actively involved, and have had nothing but a positive experience. I would strongly suggest to anyone considering Aspen Academy to not read too much into the anonymous sour grapes posted on this site...
--Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Aspen. Our daughter has the most caring and loving teacher, and she understands what motivates each child & makes them tick. She gets our child's strengths and weaknesses, and knows how to motivate her. Every teacher she has (music, art, gym, spanish, etc) is outstanding, and each one cares about the kids he/she is teaching. Parents are encouraged to help out in the classroom, so you can see first hand what's going on. I've been impressed with what I've seen. There are a lot of comments about the HoS. She's very direct and clear about her vision and her style. Listen carefully to her & if you don't buy into, then don't go there - you will not like it. She lives her words every day. Her vision for developing leadership in the kids is inspirational, especially when it comes to middle school. No one works harder at the school - she is not a bystander, but puts her sweat equity into the school. This isn't a public school - parents are expected to work to help the school and to set an expectation of service for their kids. Kristina's statement of "here there are no passengers, only crew" pretty much sums it up. We love it
--Submitted by a parent

After having to dig for credentials on the individuals running this school, this is what I found. K. Scala, Head of School, BS in Business Administration, no advanced degree. No documented educational experience prior to 2005. A. Haskins, Director of Lower School, BS in Education, no advanced degree. L. Marshall, Director of Middle School, no documented degree, prior part time music instructor. There is no information on the teachers or administrators on their website. Beacon Country Day, St. Annes, St. Mary's Academy, Rick's Center are all are very transparent with this information -- even by phone. Don't think I'll bother with the interview. What are you hiding Aspen Academy?
--Submitted by a parent