Academic Overview
Students in grades 7–12 receive a content-rich classical liberal arts education that develops clarity of thought, depth of knowledge, and strength of character. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, students engage deeply with history, literature, mathematics, science, and the arts while building skills in logic, rhetoric, and moral reasoning. This program meets and exceeds state standards while preparing students for advanced high school study and responsible citizenship.
- Progressive study of history and literature from ancient to modern times
- Rigorous mathematics and science sequence through upper school
- World language study and classical core (logic, rhetoric, philosophy, government, economics)
- Electives in fine arts, music, personal finance, and entrepreneurship
Grades 7-12 Curriculum Highlights
Upper School students follow a traditional liberal arts and sciences sequence, with the primary focus on literature, mathematics, history, and science.
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Literature: In order to be an educated, self-aware, and responsible person, students must become familiar with the great works of our tradition. The study of good literature also builds what has been called the ‘moral imagination.’ Ascent’s curriculum guides students through the best poems, stories, and books to align that imagination to what is good, true, and beautiful.
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Mathematics: Singapore math uses a robust training approach that establishes algebraic thinking in grammar school, then builds on that to guide students through algebraic manipulation, geometric reasoning, and the generation of formulae. In upper grades they will then study trigonometry and calculus. These complex frameworks illuminate and enliven the cosmos in which we live.
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History: The subject of history is often misunderstood as the memorization of dates, names, and events with little actual relevance to modern life. In reality, students who study history dive into a study of the human condition. By reading historical texts, students can understand the people of the past in their own words, and observe the great movements and accomplishments that have shaped history and the modern world.
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Science: Through the study of scientific topics, students learn how to observe the universe and investigate the phenomena they observe. They practice critical questioning and reasoning through collecting data, building inferences, testing hypotheses, and applying theories and principles already discovered.
Senior Thesis Program
The Senior Thesis is the capstone of a student’s education at Ascent. Each student selects a topic and a meaningful work to study, developing a clear argument about its significance. Rather than a traditional research project, the thesis is a self-directed exploration of something important, enduring, and personally meaningful.
Portrait of a Graduate
A graduate of Ascent Classical Academy is formed through years of rigorous study in core subjects like literature, history, mathematics, and science, grounded in a rich classical curriculum. They engage deeply with great works of Western civilization and develop a strong understanding of language, reasoning, and civic principles. At the same time, students are intentionally shaped in character—growing in virtues like courage, wisdom, responsibility, and self-governance through daily practice and community life. Ultimately, graduates are equipped to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful, with the discipline and freedom to live meaningful and virtuous lives.
The House System: Belonging, Leadership, and School Spirit
Our House System fosters camaraderie, mentorship, and leadership across grade levels. Students are placed into one of six houses, where they participate in competitions, service projects, and community-building activities.
Athletics & Extracurriculars
We believe athletics is an important part of a well-rounded education. Certain virtues are difficult to practice in a classroom. The field of competition and physical training is an arena for that practice. Students are pushed beyond limits, taught discipline, and are forced to practice strength and virtue when they are tired, losing, or extended beyond the comfort of a typical classroom.
Volleyball
Cross Country
Basketball
Track & Field
Soccer
FAQs
College Readiness
Will my student be able to get into a good college if he/she attends Ascent Classical for grades 7-12? I am concerned that colleges may not recognize a classical charter school as a “real school.”
Absolutely! Attending Ascent Classical for grades 7-12 provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares students exceptionally well for college. At the same time, our students will receive a content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences that will prepare them for a life of human flourishing. Ascent Classical’s curriculum and academic standards meet and often exceed those of traditional high schools. By the time our first graduating class approaches, we are confident that Ascent Classical will be recognized by colleges not only as a legitimate educational institution but also as one of the top schools in the greater Denver area.
Furthermore, we understand the importance of the college application process, which is why we will have a dedicated college counselor and counseling office to support students every step of the way. From selecting the right colleges to preparing application materials and securing scholarships, our college counseling team will guide and assist students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Use of Instructional Technology
When will my student be introduced to technology so that he/she can be ready to succeed in college and in the work force?
At Ascent Classical, we prioritize the “tried and true” approach to education that values traditional learning methods. While technology plays a significant role in today’s world, we believe in fostering strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking, which are best developed through traditional methods such as books and pencil and paper.
However, we will provide opportunities for students to engage with technology in a purposeful and meaningful way. In our high school, students will have access to a research lab as part of our library, where they will learn to conduct real research using academic databases. Further, we will offer an elective course called “Creator Technologies,” detailed in our Ascent Classical’s 6-12 Prospectus. This course equips students with the mindset necessary to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology.
Use of Personal Smart Devices
What will be the policy regarding the use of personal smart devices (phones, watches, etc.) during the high school years at Ascent Classical?
At Ascent Classical, we uphold a policy that promotes a focused and distraction-free learning environment during school hours. Therefore, we will continue to maintain our “no smart devices” policy on campus during the high school years. This policy is in place to support the development of self-discipline and habits of academic integrity among our students.
While personal smart devices such as phones and watches can be valuable tools outside of school hours, we believe that their presence during instructional time can detract from the learning experience and disrupt classroom dynamics. By limiting the use of personal smart devices on campus, we create an environment where students can fully engage in their studies and interact meaningfully with their peers and teachers.
'Useful' Skills
Will my student be taught useful skills like keyboarding or how to use Excel?
At Ascent Classical, our educational approach focuses on providing students with a comprehensive foundation that extends beyond mere technical skills. While keyboarding and proficiency with software programs like Excel are undoubtedly useful, our curriculum prioritizes the development of essential skills such as grammar, logic, rhetoric, self-discipline, numeracy, literacy, and analytical thinking. These core skills are fundamental to a Ascent Classical education and serve as the building blocks for success in various facets of life, including college, business, civic engagement, and personal relationships. By emphasizing these transferable skills, we equip our students with the tools they need to excel in any field they choose to pursue.
While we recognize the importance of technical skills, our high school curriculum is not designed to focus on teaching them. Instead, we encourage students to explore opportunities outside of the classroom to develop proficiency in areas such as keyboarding and software applications. We are happy to provide recommendations for summer classes and training sessions that can complement our curriculum and further enhance students’ skill sets.
Elective Classes
Will my student be able to take electives?
At Ascent Classical, our Hillsdale K-12 curriculum is carefully crafted to provide students with a comprehensive education in core academic disciplines. While our focus is on delivering a prescriptive and ordered curriculum in subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, and history, students will have the opportunity to take semester or year-long elective courses in art, music, theater, and physical education. These co-curricular elective options allow students to take full advantage of a classical education.
College Credit Plus & Advanced Placement
Will you be offering Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus classes?
At Ascent Classical, our priority is to provide students with an exceptional classical high school education that aligns with our mission and values. We take pride in our Hillsdale K-12 curriculum and our dedicated, mission-driven faculty members who deliver high-quality instruction to our students. That being said, we do plan to offer a selection of 14 Advanced Placement (AP) courses that are carefully integrated into our curriculum and taught by our qualified faculty members. It’s essential to note that while we will offer AP courses, we will never compromise our mission or values to meet the requirements set forth by external entities such as the College Board or AP curriculum. Our focus remains on providing a rigorous and enriching educational experience that is rooted in classical principles and values.
College Credit Plus (CCP): The State of Ohio mandates that students have the option to enroll in college classes while still in high school. Cincinnati Classical Academy is currently partnered with Sinclair Community College on CCP course availability for students. Students who meet Sinclair’s eligibility requirements are now able to take CCP courses through Sinclair.
Social Events
Will you offer opportunities for high school dances and other typical high school social events?
Certainly! At Ascent Classical, we believe in providing a well-rounded high school experience that includes opportunities for student socialization and engagement. Therefore, we do plan to offer student activities programming, which will include dances and other social events that are run through our house system, what we call “Citadel Life” in Sentinel lingo.
However, it’s essential to emphasize that our approach to student activities is guided by our mission and values. While we recognize the importance of social events in a high school setting, we will never feel obligated to participate in specific social activities or events simply because other schools do. Instead, we will adapt these events to align with the Ascent Classical way. So, while we will have student dances, it’s important to note that they may take a different form from typical local high school dances. Our goal is to provide enriching and enjoyable experiences for our students while maintaining the integrity of our educational philosophy.