About Academy for advanced and creative learning
We provide an academic home for advanced & creative learning, and a place for gifted students to flourish. Our gifted education specialty uses a higher degree of difficulty and more complex curriculum designed for gifted learners.
Since 2010, we have been a proud member of the Colorado Springs District 11 portfolio of school choice, and we support students from across the Pikes Peak Region, from Monument to Pueblo, Calhan to Divide.
Supporting Unique Minds
We invite prospective families and members of the community interested in our program to explore our enrollment process, including touring our building to see what highly challenging, highly supportive gifted education looks like.
Meet Our Team
The selection of highly qualified, caring, and professional personnel from diverse backgrounds who are committed to supporting the unique vision and mission of AcademyACL is the single most important factor in our success. Gifted and advanced students are found in every background, skin color, and economic level, and we appreciate that our staff brings that perspective to build strong and caring relationships with our students and their families.
Division I
Division II
Division III
Division IV
Division V
Core Teachers
Encore Teachers
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Student Support Team
Office Staff
Leadership Team
Highlights of our Teaching Positions include:
- Highly collaborative and creative staff
- Increased mental health benefits option with medical benefits
- Hands-on Resources to use with students
- A newly renovated and expanded building with $10.4m of upgrades
- AMAZING students and families
Teaching Positions are organized in the following way:
- Division I (grade K)
- Division II (grades 1/2)
- Division III (grades 3/4)
- Division IV (grades 5/6)
- Division V (grades 7/8)
- Special Education and Student Support (all grades)
- Encore Teacher ("Specials" teacher, all grades)
Periodically, there may also be openings for other positions such as classroom aide, coach, or TOSA
(Teacher on Special Assignment).
Something that makes our program and teaching staff special is that all classroom teachers must be willing to teach every subject, regardless of their homeroom division age. AcademyACL uses an elementary scheduling model, not a middle school specialty scheduling model. All classes are multi-age, and may contain 2-5 different levels of “ages.”
Other Helpful Reading:
Suggested reading for teaching applicants:
- Familiarity with AcademyACL’s website and in particular, its vision, mission, and approach to curriculum
- The Flip Side, Breaking Free of the Behaviors that Hold You Back, Flip Flippen, 2008. (This resource forms the basis of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts model of classroom management that AcademyACL uses school wide.)
Applicable reading for our teachers:
- How the Gifted Brain Learns by David A. Sousa (2009)
- Best Practices in Gifted Education: An Evidence-Based Guide by Ann Robinson, Bruce M. Shore, Donna L. Enersen, and Ph.D. (2006)
- The Art and Science of Teaching by Robert Marzano (2007)
- Focus, by Michael Schmoker (2011)
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about AcademyACL.
AcademyACL is a free charter public school that guides gifted learners in the Pikes Peak Region. Opening in 2010 with 175 students K-8, our program serves students from around the Pikes Peak Region. We use multi-age classrooms and flexible, ability-based groupings to provide academic challenge in a supportive environment using gifted education best practices.
To request enrollment to AcademyACL, please visit our Enrollment page and follow the instructions provided. We have a selective admissions process to ensure that our school is the right fit for your child.
AcademyACL offers grades K-8. We have dedicated classrooms and curriculum tailored to each grade level to meet the unique needs of gifted learners.
At AcademyACL, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich the learning experience of our students. These include clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities.
There are several ways you can support AcademyACL. You can make a donation, volunteer your time, or become a sponsor. Your support helps us provide the best education for gifted learners.
AcademyACL:
Guiding Gifted Learners to Success with Exceptional Education
AcademyACL has been recognized as a John Irwin School of Excellence Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019. We have been recognized as Accredited with Distinction 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In December 2023, AcademyACL was recognized as the #1 Elementary School in Colorado Springs School District 11.
We're proud of our reviews on school rating websites such as niche.com and greatschools.com.
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS)
In 2023, AcademyACL had the highest Science and Engineering Practices and the highest Physical Science, significantly so, at 508 for all D11 elementary schools.
We also had the highest overall mean scale score on every 8th grade sub-strand: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Science and Engineering Practices, for all D11 middle schools.
AcademyACL had the highest overall mean scale score for 5th grade and also 8th grade out of any D11 elementary and middle school.
Colorado Department of Education publishes achievement and growth data annually. The links below will take you to AcademyACL's data.
Unified Improvement Plan (updated annually)
CDE School Dashboard
CDE Performance Framework (updated annually in December)
CDE Achievement Dashboard
Providing Exceptional Services and Programs for Students
At Academy ACL, we are dedicated to offering unique services and programs that cater to the needs of our students. From personalized learning plans to enrichment activities, we strive to provide an exceptional educational experience.
Exploration Projects
Students at all grade levels have opportunities to explore topics of interest, learning research and presentation skills throughout the process. Families are invited to events throughout the school year that highlight these projects.
Enrichment Activities
Our students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance their learning journey. We offer programs such as Taiko Drums, Choir, Archery, and Robotics, as well as middle school basketball and volleyball.
Supportive Environment
We foster a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where students' strengths are the focus. Students are encouraged to reflect on their progress, advocate for their academic and social needs, and grow their leadership skills through inter-division collaboration.
Empowering Gifted Learners Through Education
At AcademyACL, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and challenging educational environment for gifted learners. Our experienced teachers and innovative curriculum ensure that each student reaches their full potential.