OUR VISION

Twin Peaks Classical Academy provides an academically rigorous environment that encourages students to seek truth, beauty, and goodness in both their acquisition of knowledge and their development of character. This classical education is provided to any PK-12 student and family seeking a well-rounded education that prepares all students for the opportunity for acceptance into a four year university.

ABOUT US

We are a public school of choice in the St. Vrain Valley School District, conveniently located in Longmont, Colorado. We are governed by engaged and passionate parents and community members, and are the longest operating charter school in the SVVSD. We are the only classical school in Longmont, offering a unique alternative and choice for families. A classical education is based on the timeless value of creating critical thinkers who seek truth, beauty and goodness, while acquiring foundational skills and knowledge, in a teacher-led classroom that lays the foundation for advanced study. The heart of a classical school is a comprehensive Latin mastery program, beginning in kindergarten. A classical school explicitly teaches character and values through the study of great works of literature. Core Knowledge provides our elementary and middle school’s foundational curriculum that supports our ideals. We are the only PK-12 school in the district creating a special sense of community. 

United by a vision of a traditional academically rigorous school, a group of parents founded Twin Peaks Classical Academy in 1997. In fulfilling its mission, TPCA relies on specific guiding principles and founding philosophies. These principles and philosophies originated in the earliest meetings uniting over 100 founding families with the original Board of Directors. All proposals and decisions in policy and curriculum are measured against the vision, guiding principles, and original founding philosophies. Continuity of these philosophies depends on the board, administration, staff, and parents remaining faithful to and communicating the following:

TCPA is a Parent-Governed School

• Parents are the child’s first teacher.

• Parents must assist their child to ensure success in this rigorous academic environment.

• Parent participation in committees and volunteer activities is critical to student success.

• Volunteers in the classroom are directed by the teacher.

• The school is governed by a parent-elected board accountable to all of our stakeholders.

Content and Curriculum

• TPCA is dedicated to a content rich curriculum that builds cultural literacy.

• TPCA uses the foundation of Core Knowledge as a tool to reach our goals of supporting Classical Education across all grade levels.

• Classical Education continues to build each year through the grades, culminating in our high school experience which involves a focus on Rhetoric using socratic methodology that is supported by the Grammar and Logic acquired in earlier grades. 

• Reading is the foundation for all learning. We employ research-based strategies, with a focus on phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension utilizing primary source documents and great works of literature. We recognize the importance of reading within content areas, particularly history, for reading achievement.

• We believe that handwriting, including learning to read and write in cursive, is a valuable skill for students to develop.

• Math is fundamental to understanding our world and the universe. We employ rote memorization of math facts and basic skills, development of number sense and problem solving skills, as well as the critical and logical thinking necessary for advanced education and lifelong learning of engaged citizens. 

• Analyzing and discussing classic literature and historic documents is critical to the development of articulate, contributing citizens.

• We hold a conservative and deliberate approach to use of technology in the classroom. Technology should never replace great teachers or great curriculum.

• Latin mastery is central to a classical education and supports overall student achievement.

• Extracurricular activities and electives support the growth of the whole student.

TPCA Practices the Traditional Concept of Teacher-led Classes

• Classical education is aligned with state standards and supports the curriculum.

• Teachers will use a wide range of teaching methodologies that align with the classical approach to meet the

  needs of each student.

• Classes will not be student directed or include self-paced learning.

• Cross grade grouping in math and reading is utilized as needed.

• Technology should only be used as a tool to augment the curriculum, not replace it.

Expectations for Academics and Behavior

• We believe children will rise to the level of expectation placed upon them in both academics and character development. 

• The principles of good character, using the Six Pillars of Character, are integrated into daily instruction and curriculum. 

• We offer opportunities for true academic success and achievement, through hard work and mastery of a broad curriculum rooted in the Classical Education stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. 

• K-8 uniforms and a high school dress code foster an environment which is conducive to learning while reinforcing our strong code of character.