Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado

During the last semester, our Upper School art students worked on larger-than-life replicas of insects out of papier-mâché.

Drawing inspiration from photographs of real insects, students carefully recreated intricate patterns, textures, and colors on their sculptures. The result is a beautiful collection of artwork that combines the timeless practice of studying nature with the rewarding experience of creating something entirely by hand.

Art education does more than foster creativity—it strengthens fine motor skills, cultivates patience and perseverance, and enhances focus and attention to detail!

During the 2025–2026 school year, our dedicated students logged an incredible 8,765.8 miles—the equivalent of running from Spain to South Africa!

At Ascent, we believe that outdoor physical education plays an important role in a child’s development. As Hillsdale College notes, “Cardiovascular fitness is the precursor to enjoying games and sports to their utmost. Making it a meaningful and daily part of PE class, talking about its benefits, and having students track their growth will go a long way in habituating them to partake in exercise for a lifetime.”

Congratulations to our students for their commitment, perseverance, and hard work throughout the year. Every mile mattered!

The last day of school is always bittersweet. Summer is just around the corner, but saying goodbye to the friends and teachers who made the year so special is never easy.

To celebrate all the growth, hard work, and memories made this year, we wrapped up the school year with Field Day! Students enjoyed fun activities planned by our amazing parent volunteers and spent time signing yearbooks with friends.

While goodbyes are never easy, we hope our Archer community soaks up every moment of a well-deserved summer break!

Happy first week of summer, Archers! We’ll be sharing highlights from the 2025–2026 school year all summer long, so stay tuned for more memorable moments and celebrations.

We’re starting off strong with two special honors announced during the final week of school by Ms. Hiatt.

The Teacher of the Year Award was presented to our beloved Upper School Latin teacher, Dr. Kranz — humble, hard-working, and fiercely capable. Her dedication to students and love of learning continue to inspire our community every day.

The Grace Ramsey Artes Liberales Award was presented to Upper School student Zara, whose passion for Latin, history, and literature made her a wonderful recipient of this honor. Dr. Kranz praised Zara’s perseverance in Latin and her genuine love of learning.

Congratulations to Dr. Kranz and Zara on these well-deserved awards!

Our Second Graders embarked on an unforgettable journey through Ellis Island this week in an immersive activity exploring the experience many immigrants faced as they arrived in America through New York Harbor.

Students sailed by boat while eagerly awaiting their first glimpse of Lady Liberty. As they arrived, Ms. Burley welcomed them with a heartfelt rendition of "America the Beautiful".

Then, the immigration process began! Students stood in long lines, had their passports checked, completed a medical “exam,” filled out documents, went through baggage inspection, and even took a citizenship test. What an experience!

We are so incredibly grateful to the teachers and parent volunteers who helped bring this important moment in American history to life for our students!

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles

On Saturday, May 16, Ascent Classical Academy celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2026 — the second graduating class from our Northern Colorado campus.

These graduates hold a special place in the hearts of the faculty and staff who have had the privilege of walking alongside them throughout their journey. While we celebrate their many accomplishments, we are equally grateful for the example they set as virtuous role models for the younger students who looked up to them. We wish them every success as they step into the world as capable, well-formed young adults.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go Archers!

At Ascent, we hold a special tradition on our seniors’ last day of class. For one final time, they walk the halls while every grade lines the way with cheers, high-fives, and thunderous applause. It’s a moment for our younger students to reflect on the accomplishments of those who came before them and imagine the paths ahead.

Then, gathered in front of students, families, and faculty, select seniors are honored by department heads with gifts recognizing their dedication and hard work in each subject area. The ceremony concludes with the seniors passing down the Class of 2027 jackets to the junior class, symbolizing the transition of leadership and legacy.

Tearful, heartfelt, and full of pride, this ceremony beautifully reflects the spirit of tradition and community at Ascent.

In honor of today’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026, we wanted to recognize the outstanding seniors in this year’s graduating class.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout their time at Ascent Classical Academy. In addition to completing their credit requirements, each student created and defended a Senior Thesis before a panel of faculty members — the culmination of a classical education and a rite of passage toward a life of virtue and self-government.

These students are ready to step confidently into the world as thoughtful and high-achieving young adults, and we are honored to have been part of their journey.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!