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DA Parent Katy B. Prior to DA, school was such a challenge because teachers were unable to support my daughters’ learning needs…My daughters can now think creatively, express themselves better in written and verbal form, and take ownership of their learning. It All Starts Here At Denver Academy, we are committed to the development of the whole child. Starting in elementary school, each student is placed in a homeroom class that matches their academic readiness and skills. We offer our students a safe, nurturing environment where they can flourish. In addition to instruction in Denver Academy’s math, science, and social studies programs with placement tailored to your child’s needs, our teachers use Orton-Gillingham phonetics-based methods to teach reading and spelling, and the Lindamood-Bell program for Visualizing/Verbalizing. These specialized approaches help our elementary teachers assist your child as they fill in the gaps in their skill sets. Denver Academy Literacy Specialists are available to work one-on-one and in small groups with students to augment their reading skills when needed. Elementary students round out their learning with classes in physical education, arts and media, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Our Approach to Learning and Teaching Young JEDIs Diversity Group After School Programs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Physical Education We believe active bodies = active brains! At Denver Academy, Elementary students have physical education five days a week! The focus is on the development of motor skills, coordination, and balance. Arts & Media + STEM Programs Throughout the school year, Elementary students rotate through classes provided by our Arts & Media Program in the areas of theatre, visual arts, music, and digital arts. Upper Elementary students also spend time in the state-of-the-art Campos EPC SmartLab (Science, Math, Art, Robotics, and Technology) where they explore robotics, software engineering, mechanics and structures, circuitry, scientific data and analysis, alternative energy, computer graphics, and more. Character Education All students participate in our Character Education classes. Respect, responsibility, perseverance, generosity, and empathy are taught and discussed during these lessons. Denver Academy is a Common Sense Media -certified school and uses its digital citizenship curriculum. Conflict resolution, maintaining friendships, creating a sense of community, and self-advocacy are also modeled during this class. Students leave Denver Academy’s Elementary School with enhanced foundational academic and social skills, higher self-esteem, and increased enthusiasm for learning. Meet the Elementary School Team List of 10 members. Lori Hull Head of Lower School Read Bio Lori Hull has been at Denver Academy since 1984 and has served as the Lower School Head since 2004. During her tenure, she has taught high school and elementary school, worked as Director of Admissions, and coordinated the Elementary Division. Ms. Hull received her degree in Elementary Education/Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She thinks the best part of her job is getting to know our awesome students. Jenn Perry Dean of Elementary School Read Bio Beyond teaching our 4th and 5th grade students, Jennifer Perry serves as DA's Elementary Dean, helping ensure quality teaching in the classroom and mentoring other teachers. In 2011, Jennifer received DA's Teacher of the Year Award , recognizing her outstanding performance in the classroom and her commitment to her students and our school. Ms. Perry received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Nebraska and her J.D. from the University of Denver. Blair Butler Elementary Teacher Read Bio Blair moved to Denver from Santa Barbara, Calf., where she taught elementary school for six years. She has her B.A. in Sociology from the University of San Diego and her M.Ed. and teaching credential from the University of California Santa Barbara. She is excited to be a part DA team! When she's not teaching, Blair loves to read, bake, and travel. Addie Mintz-Johnson Elementary Teacher Read Bio Mrs. MJ joined Denver Academy from Los Angeles, though she originally hails from Vermont. With a background in teaching students in grades K–4, Mrs. MJ is passionate about helping elementary learners discover how they learn best. She loves weaving mindfulness and yoga into daily routines, believing these practices nurture both focus and well-being. Deeply committed to social justice, Mrs. MJ strives to create inclusive classroom spaces where every student feels a sense of belonging. She earned her B.A. from Bates College in Maine and her M.Ed. from the University of San Francisco. Outside the classroom, you’ll often find her cooking, knitting, or exploring the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and mini Australian shepherd. Mrs. MJ is delighted to be part of the thriving Denver Academy community! Olivia Morrison Elementary Teacher Read Bio Olivia relocated to Denver from Atlanta, where she dedicated three years to teaching at a school specializing in dyslexia and language-based learning differences. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida State University. Additionally, Olivia is certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach at both the Classroom Educator and Associate Levels. Her passion for teaching shines through her commitment to helping students achieve their goals. Outside of the classroom, Olivia enjoys reading, hiking, and skiing. She is excited to be a part of the Denver Academy community and looks forward to making a positive impact. Sallie Raila Elementary Teacher Read Bio Sallie Raila is a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator who brings warmth, creativity, and more than a decade of experience to the classroom. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University in Ohio and has been committed to nurturing young learners ever since. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Sallie has called Denver home for more than 10 years. She loves spending her free time with her husband, Rytis, and their beloved French Bulldog, Frankie ("the girl"). Together, they enjoy traveling the world, skiing, exploring the mountains, and making lasting memories with family and friends. Sallie believes in fostering a joyful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to grow. Christopher Reeder Elementary Teacher Read Bio Christopher relocated to Denver from Columbus, Ohio. He has a bachelor’s in Middle Childhood Education with a concentration of Math and Science from The Ohio State University and has been teaching in and outside of the classroom for the past 10 years. He aims to create a fun and safe learning environment in his classroom. In his free time, Christopher enjoys exploring nature and trying new things with others as well as relaxing at home. Debbie Robinson Elementary Teacher Read Bio Ms. Robinson’s experience as an educator spans 32 years as a classroom teacher and a literacy specialist in grades kindergarten through fifth. She is grateful for a purposeful career that fulfills her passion for lifelong learning. She believes every child wants to learn and that it is her duty to help each one reach their goals. Ms. Robinson’s greatest desire is to build relationships with each of her students so they feel safe, confident, and loved. She has a deep understanding of literacy, language, and mathematical development. Her students develop a love for learning and a mindset that they can accomplish anything. She is committed to providing students with the best opportunities for learning, growth, and community. Andrew Stefaniak Elementary & 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Born and raised in Denver, Mr. Stefaniak began his journey at DA as a fourth grader and continued through 12th grade, proudly graduating as a Mustang in 2018. His love for the school, its mission, and its people inspired him to return, this time as a teacher. Mr. Stefaniak earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He now brings his passion for learning and dedication to students into his classroom every day. Outside of teaching, you can often find him soaking up Colorado’s great outdoors—whether hiking mountain trails, discovering hidden gems around Denver, or cheering on local sports teams (with a special place in his heart for the Denver Broncos). Hannah Topka Elementary Teacher Read Bio Ms. Topka is happy to be a part of the wonderful Denver Academy community. She enjoys hiking with her dog, running before school, and exploring new places. Ms. Topka grew up in Colorado but spent four years in D.C. teaching at The Lab School of Washington. She moved home to Colorado to be near family and the mountains. She received her BA in psychology from Denison University and her MA in special education from American University. Find Us 4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80222 Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870 Admissions: 303.777.5161 General: info@denveracademy.org About Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. 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