Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning

Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning Logo

Basic Information

Address: 2519 N Chestnut, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907
County: El Paso
District: Colorado Springs District 11
Phone Number: 719.434.6566
Fax Number: 719.434.9696
Principal: Academy Director, Nikki Myers

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Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning


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Additional Information

School Type: Free Public Charter, Gifted Education Focus
Accreditation: District 11
Grade Level: K-5, 6-8
Founded: August 2010
School Setting:

AcademyACL uses multi-age "division" classrooms, and block scheduling for students to move to the level of reading/writing and math that they need to take. The school uses the Integrated Curriculum Model by Dr. J. VanTassel-Baska.

School Schedule (Hours in Day): 8:00am to 3:10pm
School Days in Calendar Year: 172
School Mascot: Hawk
School Size: 280-300
Classroom Size: 16-24
Support Services:

Special education staff; part-time contract staff for additional services

After School Programs: Yes
PTA Organization: Yes
Computer Capabilities:

Wifi, Apple products

School Championships:

BEST Robotics

School Clubs:

Battle of the Books, Robotics

Mission Statement:

MISSION: Our students and staff will investigate 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.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

VISION: We will create an academic home for advanced and creative learning,
cultivate personal and standards-based excellence and leadership ability,
and serve as a resource center for the gifted community of the Pikes Peak Region.

School History:

After a small local private school for gifted students closed abruptly in the Fall of 2008 and left a gap in the available programs for gifted students, a group of parents and teachers recognized the need for a K-8 continuum of services to this group of learners and formed Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning (AcademyACL).

On October 5, 2008, parents began to discuss the possibility of a new school. Soon a group of parents, educators and community members formed to analyze the need for such a school in the community. This steering committee recognized the importance of tuition-free education that was accessible to all students in need. On October 1st, 2009, they submitted an application for a free public charter school to Colorado Springs District 11 as a central location for the entire region. That application was approved by the District 11 Board of Education on December 16, 2009.

This school opened its doors to students in August 2010, with approximately 155 students and sixteen full-time staff members. In its fourth year, 2013-14, it renewed its charter application with District 11 for another five years, with an enrollment of 280 students and 25 full-time staff.

AcademyACL supplements the programs available through local districts by creating an Tier III Intervention school designed primarily for gifted learners that is tuition-free and available to K-8 students across the Pikes Peak Region.

On October 5, 2008, parents began to discuss the possibility of a new school. Soon a group of parents, educators and community members formed to analyze the need for such a school in the community. This steering committee recognized the importance of tuition-free education that was accessible to all students in need. On October 1st, 2009, they submitted an application for a free public charter school to Colorado Springs District 11 as a central location for the entire region. That application was approved by the District 11 Board of Education on December 16, 2009.

This school opened its doors to students in August 2010, with approximately 155 students and sixteen full-time staff members. In its fourth year, 2013-14, it renewed its charter application with District 11 for another five years, with an enrollment of 280 students and 25 full-time staff.

AcademyACL supplements the programs available through local districts by creating an Tier III Intervention school designed primarily for gifted learners that is tuition-free and available to K-8 students across the Pikes Peak Region.