The Classical Academy (Colorado)
The Classical Academy (TCA) is a kindergarten through twelfth grade public charter school located in northern Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. It is chartered through Academy School District 20. The school is known for having an extensive waiting list,[citation needed] with over 5,400 students on the current waiting list for all grades combined.
RankingsThe Classical Academy High School is ranked #1 in Academy School District, 9th within Colorado, and #465 nationally (in the top 2%) by U.S. News & World Report.[1] Colorado's School Performance Framework rated TCA High School #2 in Colorado. AwardsIn 2012, 2013, and 2014 the Colorado Department of Education awarded every TCA (elementary, junior high, and high school) as well as College Pathways the John Irwin Award for Academic Excellence. The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement.[2] CampusesThe Classical Academy currently has three campuses in Northern Colorado Springs: North CampusThe Classical Academy High School, The Classical Academy Junior High School and The Classical Academy North Elementary are located at 975 Stout Road. The North Campus is considered the main campus and is the location of the school administration offices. Central CampusThe Classical Academy Central Elementary is located at 1655 Springcrest Road. This facility, formerly known as Mountain View School, was purchased by the TCA Building Corporation in 2004 for $1.9 million. Monthly payments will continue until November 1, 2019, when the note is paid in full.[3] East CampusThe Classical Academy East Elementary is located at 12201 Cross Peak View (just west of Pikes Peak State College, Rampart Range Campus). East Campus is also the location of the school's homeschool programs:
School uniformsThe school has a uniform policy for all grade levels.[4] Admission and enrollmentThe Classical Academy does not have open enrollment for students, nor is it an Academy School District 20 Choice option. The Classical Academy is a wait list school. Students are offered seats and admitted to the school based on their wait list position. Parents can apply from any of the surrounding fifteen school districts in and around Colorado Springs. Priority is given to students of administration, faculty, current enrolled siblings, and residents of Academy School District 20. Board of directorsThe school is governed by a seven-member Board that is elected by the parents of students. These board members are volunteers.[5] Terms are 3 years in length and, per Colorado election law, board members are limited to 2 consecutive terms.[6] Titan of the Year AwardAn annual award presented to a member of the staff who exemplifies the school's core values. Potential awardees can be nominated by students. Interviews of the Titan of the Year are conducted and posted on the TCA website.[7] Awardees
Athletics and activitiesAthleticsHigh School sports include Baseball, Cross Country, football, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, Men’s Soccer, Softball, Spirit/Cheer, Track, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, and Wrestling. Junior High sports include Boys’ Basketball, Cross Country, football, Girls’ Basketball, Softball, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling. All of the main sports compete in Colorado's 3A athletic conference, except cross country, which competes at the 4A level as of 2012. Marching bandThe Classical Academy Marching Band has won the CBA (Colorado Bandmasters Association) state championship in Division 2A six times, in 2017,[8] 2018,[9] 2021,[10] 2022,[11] 2023,[12] and 2024.[13] ChessThe Classical Academy chess team has won the CSCA state 4A championship title three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2012.[14] Notable alumniCommon senseIn 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Classical Academy gave students the option of whether or not to wear a mask. “I’m so pleased to be one of the first to welcome you back to another school year,” TCA President Russ Sojourner writes in a letter to parents, “Another NORMAL school year – one that will resemble those we remember before the infamous March 2020 shut down.”[15] This was in keeping with later CDC guidance that said "masks are neither recommended nor discouraged."[16] See alsoReferences
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