Denver Academy Sixth Grade Styles Templates arrow The DA Difference: How We Teach & Learn From the Head of School Administration & Faculty Board of Trustees Employment Press Room Strategic Plan Campus Map Admissions arrow Why Denver Academy Apply to DA Tuition & Tuition Assistance Inquire About DA Visit Denver Academy FAQs Connect with DA Parents Academics arrow Elementary School Sixth Grade Middle School - Grades 7-8 High School - Grades 9-12 Physical Education Arts & Media Meet the Teachers Denver Academy Curriculum Athletics arrow DA Athletics Athletics Calendar Community arrow Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Clubs & Organizations Counseling & Wellness DA Parent Association Online DA Spirit Store Distinctive Programs arrow Summer Program College & Transition Counseling Tutoring Library Elementary After-school Activities Experiential Education Denver Academy Symposium 2026 Give to DA arrow The Fund for Denver Academy Performing Arts Center Ways to Give Giving FAQs Denver Academy Gala 2026 Alumni News Calendar Non-Discrimination Policy Academics Sixth Grade Visit Inquire Give Sixth Grade is Special The concept of a sixth-grade division is unique to Denver Academy. We recognize that sixth grade is pivotal to achieving readiness for middle school and have created a special environment just for these students. Our 6th Grade Division has its very own building on campus. We provide the nurturing support of an elementary environment while preparing students for the academic, social, and emotional demands of middle school. Students are placed in one of four homeroom classes that meet their academic level. With the support of our committed faculty, students are guided toward greater autonomy and self-advocacy. Each homeroom class is paired with a middle school (7th and 8th grade) buddy class they connect with throughout the year so students feel comfortable with their next steps. Sixth Grade Photos View All Advantages of Sixth Grade List of 4 items. Character Education In addition to core classes (Language Arts, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies), each student is taught about Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences . Developmentally, this helps each student achieve an understanding of self and an ability to self-advocate—key skills for navigating the teenage years. Character development is also very important and students are taught our core values of respect and responsibility along with the virtues of empathy and resilience. We are a “Common Sense Media” certified school and students learn about the virtues of being good digital citizens as well. Learning Outside the Classroom Experiential Education — the act of learning through doing and then reflecting — is an integral part of Denver Academy's curriculum. Students in sixth grade take field trips and participate in Experiential Education throughout the school year. A highlight of the year in sixth grade is the annual three-day trip to High Trails Outdoor Education Camp in Florissant, Colorado. The DA Difference: How We Teach & Learn Upon completion of sixth grade, students will be prepared for middle school. They will have achieved academic and social growth and will exhibit greater respect, responsibility, and resilience as learners and DA community members. Physical Education + Athletics In addition to academic subjects, sixth grade students enjoy Physical Education classes five days a week at DA. Sixth grade students also have competitive sports options and after-school club offerings. STEM, Arts & Media Class Rotations Throughout the school year, sixth-grade students have the opportunity to rotate through a variety of classes in Arts & Media and STEM classes in Denver Academy’s Campos EPC SmartLab. Arts & Media classes for 6th Grade include theatre, video production, art (emphasis on fiber arts, sewing, and found-object art), and music. Denver Academy’s Campos EPC SmartLab (Science, Math, Art, Robotics, and Technology) focuses on STEM programming. Students explore, design, engineer, edit, code, and collaborate. Watch a video about the Campos EPC SmartLab here Click here to download Arts & Media and Campos EPC SmartLab class descriptions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Learn About DA After-school Clubs for 6th Grade Learn about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at DA Meet the 6th Grade Team List of 7 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. Barrie Bodden Dean of 6th Grade/Director of Summer Programs, Board Faculty Representative Read Bio Mr. Bodden began his career working as a counselor for students with learning differences at a public school on the East Coast. Barrie relocated to Denver in 2005, joining the team at Denver Academy. Beyond teaching in the classroom, he has coached various sports and run DA's afterschool and summer camp programs. As sixth grade dean, Mr. Bodden facilitates activities and lessons geared toward preparing sixth graders for middle school. Mr. Bodden earned his B.A. in English from the University of Akron. Emily Garbus 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Ms. Garbus has more than a decade of experience teaching youth at the elementary level. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Emily became an AmeriCorps member, working with students in the Sheridan School District. A staple at Denver Academy since 2003, Emily is known for her patience, poise, and kindness. Ms. Garbus earned her B.A. in Sociology from Colorado College and her M.Ed. in Elementary Math from the University of Colorado, Denver. Hope Gimbel 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Hope Gimbel moved to Colorado from Brooklyn, New York, and is excited to be a sixth-grade teacher at DA. Before relocating to Colorado, she taught and worked as a "Focus Teacher" (a.k.a. 1:1 learning specialist) at Winston Preparatory School, a school for children with dyslexia, ADHD, and NVLD in Manhattan. She earned her B.A. from Bowdoin College in Maine, where she majored in English with a minor in teaching. She completed her teaching certification post-graduation through the Bowdoin Teacher Scholars program. Sofia Harris 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Sofia began her career at DA as a teaching assistant. She received her BA in Journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Teaching, focusing on Elementary Education. In her free time, Sofia enjoys spending time with friends and making pottery. Kate Owen 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Kate has been a teacher in the sixth grade since 2015. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky with her elementary education degree, moved out to Colorado, and now has two young boys. She has a passion for teaching neurodiverse learners and loves to foster fun and community in her classroom. Kate's main goal for her students is to become proud and confident learners when they leave her classroom. Kyndal Petrie 6th Grade Teacher Read Bio Kyndal Petrie is a sixth-grade teacher. She believes that every child deserves access to differentiated learning opportunities, recognizing that all learners are unique and capable of growth. In addition to teaching, she coaches DA Volleyball and serves as the advisor for DA's chapter of the National Honor Society. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies. 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. DA inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education. Sign Up for DA Dateline Monthly Newsletter Member