By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
The board of directors of Ascent Colorado Classical Schools, a network of four tuition-free classical public charter schools, has announced an engagement with Hillsdale College as Candidate Member Schools.
The Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office will provide curriculum resources and training on governance, school leadership, curriculum, instruction and school culture at no cost to Ascent Colorado Classical Schools, a press announcement reads.
The four campuses of Ascent Colorado Classical Schools include: Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County (Lone Tree), Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado (Windsor), Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction, and Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Denver (Brighton).
“Although our schools have used Hillsdale’s classical curriculum in the past, we weren’t digging deep enough into everything that Hillsdale has to offer,” said Robert Williams, board chair of Ascent Colorado Classical Schools. “Now we’ll be taking full advantage of Hillsdale’s excellent program, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results for our students, teachers, and school communities.”
The Hillsdale K-12 Education Office will engage with the Ascent Colorado Classical Schools’ headmasters and teachers with training in five areas: board governance, school leadership, curriculum, classroom instruction, and school culture, the press announcement reads.
“Hillsdale College has been in the serious business of K-12 education for 30 years, and we look forward to working with faculty members and headmasters at each of the Ascent campuses,” said Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, assistant provost for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College. “Our hope is that all four Ascent Colorado Classical Schools will become Hillsdale College Member Schools by the spring of 2026. We’re excited for their renewed commitment to excellence.”
Hillsdale’s guidance centers on the K-12 Program Guide, developed over decades and the product of excellent teachers in Hillsdale’s affiliated schools, Hillsdale College faculty and the Hillsdale K-12 Education Office staff members working together, the announcement reads. It provides a scope of the topics to be taught, a sequence to teach them and a complement of vetted and reviewed books, primary sources and other resources for teachers and students.
Like all of Hillsdale’s curriculum, the K-12 Program Guide offers structure, but respects the intellect and education of great teachers and their judgement in the classroom, the announcement reads. All of Hillsdale’s K-12 resources and training are provided to its member, candidate, and curriculum schools free of charge.
“Teachers are the most important employees in a school,” Dr. O’Toole said. “Our office supports them with resources, training, and encouragement in teaching a robust classical curriculum, built at Hillsdale College over the last several decades. The responsibility of the classroom rests with the teacher — this is a refreshing and encouraging approach, and we look forward to serving the Ascent school communities and helping them build upon the wonderful things they have already accomplished.”
Ascent Colorado Classical Schools is authorized by the Colorado Charter Schools Institute. Hillsdale College does not own, govern or manage the schools within its network. More information on Ascent Colorado Classical Schools is available at AscentColorado.org or call 720-336-0140.