Academics

What Is EL Education?

Being A Catholic EL School

Results

Design Principles

​Learning Strategies Program

Gallery of Student Learning Expeditions

iPad Program

Summer Learning

Curriculum

​

Learning at Annunciation
​Aprendiendo a Anunciación

As a Catholic EL school, Annunciation offers a rigorous, engaging, adventurous, and joyful educational experience for students in Early Childhood through 8th grade. We boast much smaller classes than a typical public school, with a student:teacher ratio of just 12:1, and we believe in welcoming and supporting the individual needs of all learners in the classroom. The community between students, teachers, and families is tight-knit & inclusive - no one is overlooked. Students at Annunciation take a full, well-rounded course load including English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics (up through Algebra I in 8th grade), Science, Social Studies, Religion, Art, Music, Technology, & Physical Education. We follow the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Curriculum (available here), and through it, students master the crucial skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as deepen their understanding of many other subjects. 

As an EL school, we believe that learning should awaken curiosity about the world; learning should be meaningful and collaborative; learning should be hands on and exploratory; learning should culminate in beautiful, high-quality work; learning should make one uncomfortable sometimes; and above all, learning should push students beyond their limits to realize they can do more than they thought possible. As part of this approach, students apply their classroom learning to community-relevant issues and engage in real-world studies through project-based “Learning Expeditions.” Expeditions allow students to apply their knowledge to real issues that matter and use their learning to make a difference.

As a Catholic school, we believe learning should be a search for the truth; learning should invite us to reflect on ourselves and our beliefs; learning should foster character growth and help us become better people; and above all, learning should lead us into deeper relationship with God and with others. At Annunciation, student learning comes alive for students in authentic and exciting ways that engage their minds, hearts, hands, and souls.

​Our educational philosophy is a unity of the proud tradition of Catholic education and the innovative approach of EL Education.

Learning Looks Like...
Aprendizaje se mira así...

To learn more EL Education, click here, or visit the What Is EL Education page below the Academics tab at the top of the page.

To learn more our Catholic identity, click here, or visit the Catholic Identity page below the About Us tab at the top of the page.  

Our Approach to Character & Faith Formation

Our approach to Faith & Character formation is rooted in Ghandi's philosophy that "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your character. Your character become your destiny." In order for young children to become good people, they must learn consistent habits of being that expand their capacity for compassion and empathy, solidify their integrity and responsibility, and instill in them a sense of tenacity and resilience. We have codified these character traits into two sets: our Cardinal Expectations that name our Moral & Relational Character Goals, and our Habits of Scholarship that name our Performance Character Goals. 

Cardinal Expectations | Be Good
Integrity. I do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Compassion. I treat everyone with respect and love like Jesus.
Reflection. I have a growth mindset and learn from my successes and mistakes.
Self-Respect. I am proud of who I am and take myself and my work seriously.
Gratitude. I am thankful for all that I have received and eager to share my gifts with others.
​
>> These are the social and moral character traits of good people who do what is right. We believe it is crucial to support our students to develop these habits.

Habits of Scholarship | Be Strong
Accountability. I am responsible for my actions and dedicated to my growth.
Craftsmanship. I take pride in creating beautiful, authentic work.
Resilience. I embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties, and don't let my failures get to me.
Curiosity. I take joy in learning and am excited to discover new things.
Courage. I advocate for myself and others and am unafraid to step out of my comfort zone.

>> These are the character habits of great learners and successful people. We believe it is crucial to support our students to develop these habits.