Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning: Nurturing Gifted Learners in Colorado Springs
Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning (AcademyACL) is a public charter school within the Colorado Springs School District 11, dedicated to providing a supportive and challenging environment where gifted learners can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Focusing on the unique developmental needs and talents of gifted children, AcademyACL offers an innovative curriculum, dedicated teachers, and an involved community to create an exceptional educational experience. As an advocate for school choice, AcademyACL embraces innovation in teaching methods, curricula, and educational approaches, striving to be the "just-right" academic home for gifted students in the Pikes Peak Region. The school serves K-8 students.
Child-Centered Gifted Education
AcademyACL's approach to gifted education centers around understanding and nurturing the distinct developmental needs and talents of gifted children. Recognizing the individuality of each child, the school provides an environment where their unique abilities can flourish. It's not just about academic growth, but also their emotional, social, and ethical development.
The AcademyACL Governing Board adopted the Child-Centered Gifted Education philosophy as a guiding framework for their approach to gifted education. AcademyACL is a member of the Child-Centered Gifted Consortium, with members world-wide. The Consortium developed a document that defines Child-Centered Gifted Education. This document illustrates AcademyACL's approach to the students they serve and their commitment to educating the whole child.
A Unique School Model: Integrated Curriculum and Multi-Age Classrooms
AcademyACL utilizes a unique school model featuring multi-age classrooms and an integrated curriculum. Students are grouped with their "idea-mates" in flexible, ability-based classes, experiencing advanced content tailored to their individual pace. This approach allows students to learn and grow alongside peers with similar intellectual interests, fostering a sense of community and intellectual stimulation.
The Integrated Curriculum Model revolves around "Big Ideas" such as Power, Structure, Change, and Relationship. Students and staff investigate these ideas and master advanced content, reflect upon their own progress, explore connections between disciplines, and lead others in positive ways to new heights in achievement and service to the community. A ‘continuum’ of increasing expectations for students is used over the course of two years in each Division.
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This model incorporates differentiated instruction to cater to the diverse learning styles and needs of gifted learners. Teachers specialize in the needs of advanced, gifted learners.
Student Experience and Growth
AcademyACL provides multi-age classroom experiences and flexible, ability based groupings to give students the opportunity to grow at their own pace. The school focuses on growth and progress over time using the Integrated Curriculum Model. AcademyACL supports students as they grow into leaders, advocates, and life-long learners by intentionally providing multiple opportunities to practice those skills. The Lifeskills curriculum addresses the social-emotional needs of students, from executive functioning skills to developing interpersonal relationships to being of service to the community.
Parent testimonials highlight the unique experiences offered at AcademyACL. One parent noted that the school helped their student have unique experiences, like participating in Engineering and Robotics, Film Making, and Theatre, and offers advanced class placement in Language and Math. Another parent shared that AcademyACL helped their children develop their strengths & advocate for their needs. A further review emphasized the school's focus on full-person growth, teaching kids how to be thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.
Academic Performance and Student Demographics
Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning demonstrates strong academic performance. According to government data, 57% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 57% scored at or above that level for reading. These scores are better than those of the district. In Colorado Springs School District No. 11 In The County Of E, 35% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 28% tested at or above that level for math. Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning did better in math and better in reading in this metric compared with students across the state. In Colorado, 42% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 31% tested at or above that level for math.
The student-teacher ratio at AcademyACL is 12:1, which is better than that of the district. This allows for more individualized attention and support for students. The school has 23 equivalent full-time teachers. 76% of full-time teachers who are certified.
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The student population is diverse, with 46% female and 54% male students. The demographic breakdown is as follows:
- White: 70.7%
- Hispanic/Latino: 19.6%
- Two or more races: 8.2%
- Black or African American: 1.1%
- Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%
Approximately 34% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
AcademyACL is committed to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity, in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in the educational programs or activities which it operates (District Policy JBB).
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