Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction

Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Heil!
We are thrilled to highlight Jennifer "Jen" Heil! Jen brings 17 years of educational passion to the third grade team here at ACAGJ, a journey that began when she first volunteered in her daughter's kindergarten classroom and discovered her love for teaching children to read. Excited to be at Ascent and contribute to our classical education mission, Jen enjoys spending her time outside of school reading, hiking, gardening, and tending to her family's farm—which includes a dog, two cats, and about 40 chickens! Please join us in giving Jen a warm welcome to our school community!

Don't forget starting THIS FRIDAY, we are rolling out our Friday early release schedule. All dismissal times are essentially 3 hours earlier than the Monday through Friday times. It will also be the first day of our Friday Enrichment program. If your child isn't signed up for that and you would like more info, please visit https://gj.ascentcolorado.org/after-school-care/

Staff Spotlight!
Dale Williams is the unsung hero at ACAGJ. While most staff in school settings get some time off during the summer, Mr. Williams's schedule nearly doubles during the summer break, especially during a season when construction is happening on campus. In short, Mr. Williams's fingerprints and influence can be seen in every inch of our school. Between construction, maintenance, setting up and tearing down choir risers, stages and sound systems, to fixing potholes in the parking lot and keeping the HVAC units running, we all feel the influence of Mr. Williams everyday. Our campus quite literally wouldn't be the same without him, he is crucial to our success.

We could go on and on about the impact Mr. Williams has on our staff, students and families, but here is a little about him. Dale is a native to Colorado, and enjoys calling the Grand Valley home with his wife (our very own Mrs. Rebecca Williams) and his puppy, Wallace. Did you know he is also a very talented musician, baseball and hockey player and wood worker?

Even though he thrives being behind the scenes, we all are very grateful for Dale's presence here at ACAGJ. The next time you see him, give him a high five and tell him thank you for all he does for our school.

Attention New Upper School students AND ALL incoming 7th Grade students! Don't miss Student Orientation! Also, New Parents to ACAGJ, we have an orientation for you too! Reach out if you have any questions. See you there!

Do you desire a classical, content-rich curriculum for your child?
Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction students learn about historical events, characters, stories, fables, myths, scientific facts, and mathematical proofs. They are taught how to think, not what to think.
We are a tuition-free classical public charter school serving K–12.
To learn more visit: gj.ascentcolorado.org

Trends may change, but timeless skills still matter. We help scholars develop focus, discipline, critical thinking, and clear communication that will serve them for years to come.
Learn more at: gj.ascentcolorado.org

Onward! We are still making great progress on our summer construction project here at the ACAGJ campus. Much in part to our friends at Conner Constructors LLC! We are excited as some of the aspects of the project are starting to take shape. Take a look at some of these mildly obscure photos, and comment if you can tell what each one will be when complete!

Great teachers change lives. Our educators do more than teach information — they inspire curiosity, cultivate character, and help scholars discover their potential.
Learn more at: gj.ascentcolorado.org

We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Parham to the ACAGJ family as one of our music teachers! Nicole grew up right here on the Western Slope in Delta, which is where she developed her love for the outdoors. Nicole loves being out in nature—whether hiking, biking, or snapping photos to then turn into paintings. A mountain getaway enthusiast and sci-fi fan, Nicole lives with her husband, their rescue dog Marlowe, and her sometimes spicy cat named Luna. Nicole earned her Bachelor's degree in music at CMU and her Master’s of Music and Kodály certification through CSU and brings a rich background in music education and choir direction to ACAGJ. You can hear Mrs. Parham sing as a soprano with the Western Colorado Chorale.

We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Parham to our team!

Looking to preserve your child’s sense of wonder?
Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction aims to preserve a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Our desire is that wonder guides your student’s educational journey. We intentionally build our school culture to support this love and joy of learning by nurturing both the mind and heart.
To learn more visit: gj.ascentcolorado.org