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The Classical Academy
“Excellence with
Honor”
Contact: Bob Swanson
Phone: 719.484.0631
The Classical Academy (TCA), Colorado Springs, CO, started as a dream in the mind of a classically educated elementary school teacher, Mary Kretchman, and her husband Jim in the fall of 1995. They developed an educational philosophy which utilized the classical models, was steeped in literature, history, mathematics, science, the arts, and incorporated teaching of virtuous character traits, analytical thinking, and a passion for learning. The original vision was to create a K-8 charter school for families, who had similar goals for their children.
In January of 1996, Jim and Mary Kretchman presented their vision to a group of couples to see if a steering committee could be formed to make this dream a reality. Over time, nine couples worked together to create a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, develop the charter application, as well as select a site for the school. The nine families represented on this original steering committee oversaw virtually every activity necessary to create and lead the school through the first five years.
Public meetings were held and the idea of a classical charter school gained support. In the months that followed, many interested families worked on committees to aid the steering committee with the mounting projects. Academy District 20 (TCA’s parent district) approved the charter, and TCA formed its own Board of Directors.
TCA exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary young citizens with superior academic preparation, equipped with analytical thinking skills, a passion for learning, and virtuous character, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge. TCA’s classical approach to education has three significant features. First, teachers utilize hands-on activities and encourage observation and narration. This actively involves the student in the learning process. Secondly, TCA incorporates the Socratic Method and uses a seminar format in the high school years. This creates an interactive and passionate environment which ignites a love of learning. Finally, TCA follows the classic trivium of education (content, logic, expression) as described by Dorothy Sayers in her essay The Lost Tools of Learning. By employing the classical approach, students are better prepared for higher education, are able to cope successfully with the difficulties of a changing society, and are life-long learners.
TCA values character as the essential element that produces valuable citizens for our community and nation. These frameworks are supported by a solid foundation of knowledge built around E.D. Hirsch’s Core Knowledge® curriculum, Saxon Math in the elementary grades, McDougal Littell Math in the secondary grades, Spalding Language Arts, Shurley Grammar, Step Up To Writing, and the infusion of classical literature.
TCA opened its doors in September of 1997 with 360 students as a K-6 school. Seventh grade was added in 1998, and eighth grade was added the following year. Many parents began to ask for a high school, so TCA Board decided to consider this option.
The prospect of a high school was debated by the board and then approved. The board voted to continue adding one grade each year until The Classical Academy will become a K-12 school in August of 2003. An ideal high school size was chosen, and a plan was created to incorporate a part-time program for home-school students, as well as a plan to add a second elementary school. The classical philosophy was expanded to include both the high school and the cottage school programs.
In 2000, TCA secured over $18 million in private bonds to purchase land and construct its first permanent facility. This was the largest bond issue in the nation for a charter school, partially due to the support TCA received from District 20, our parent district. Parents and community organizations voluntarily contributed over $125,000 in 2002 to help meet the growing needs of our TCA students. Additionally, during the 2002-2003 school year, TCA was awarded a Templeton Grant to incorporate teaching maxims and sayings as an educational tool to enhance TCA’s already strong character education program. Also, the Walton Foundation awarded TCA an expansion grant to meet the needs of its growing student population. In the fall of 2002, enrollment in TCA programs stood at 1,630 students with a waiting list for entry of over 3,400. Today, the waiting list is well over 4,600 students seeking entry. Currently, TCA is the largest charter school in Colorado and a leading model of charter school development in the state.
TCA’s partnership with parents, students, and dedicated faculty and staff has produced superior results in minimum time. During 2001, TCA’s junior high school was awarded Colorado’s John J. Irwin Excellence in Education Award for scoring in the top 8% of the state on the Colorado Student Assessment Program state standards exams. In 2002, TCA’s elementary school, junior high school, and high school all earned John J. Irwin Excellence in Education Awards. Competing in only their second season as a team and without a senior class, the TCA girls and boys cross country teams finished 3rd and 4th, respectively, in the state cross country meet. On the drama scene, TCA students have already taken first place in local competitions with schools several times larger than TCA’s 160 high school students. Music is a growing interest at TCA. In 2003, over 20 students earned superior ratings from the Colorado High School Activities Association during the annual Solo and Ensemble Contest. Finally, TCA was recently selected for an Excellence in the Arts award by the Colorado Arts Alliance. This means that TCA is one of only five Colorado schools competing for the National Schools of Distinction Arts Award given by the Kennedy Center.
TCA is a young educational model with a remarkable record of success. We expect to maintain our pioneering spirit, family feel, student/parent focus, and academic excellence as we move to the future.
Success Stories
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