Merit Academy

Our Story Merit Academy is a K-12 public charter school located in Woodland Park, Colorado, serving the Ute Pass region. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the school is entering its fifth year with a solid roadmap for continued growth and academic progress. It has earned top CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) scores in the region in both ELA and math. The academy is patriotic and founded on principles of civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and desire for good, with exceptional focus on science, math, history, literature, the arts, and the Rocky Mountain environment. Its mission is to cultivate the minds and nurture the hearts of youth with instruction in moral character and civic virtue, employing the honored foundations of classical education and Core Knowledge®. Programs & Trainings PreK, Early childhood program preparing young learners for foundational academic and character development within a classical setting. School of Grammar, Elementary program utilizing the Core Knowledge® sequence to build fact mastery and literacy in the Grammar phase of the Trivium. Upper School, Middle and high school program (grades 6-11) progressing through the Logic and Rhetoric phases, offering credits, certificates, and graduation requirements. Classical Education, Comprehensive K-12 model based on the developmental Trivium: Grammar (facts), Logic (understanding), and Rhetoric (articulate communication and reasoning). Core Knowledge® Sequence, Content-rich curriculum in science, math, history, literature, and the arts based on E.D. Hirsch Jr.’s model. Literature Studied, Dedicated literature curriculum examining great works as part of the liberal arts tradition. Computer Sciences, Modern technology courses integrated within the classical framework. Aerospace Science / Civil Air Patrol, Aerospace education and cadet leadership program developing technical and leadership skills. Homeschool Enrichment, Support and enrichment offerings for homeschooling families in the community. Student Supports, Academic and developmental assistance for diverse learners. Athletics, Sports programs promoting physical excellence, discipline, and teamwork. Varsity Rifle Team, Competitive marksmanship program developing focus and precision. Shooting Club, Extracurricular club dedicated to shooting sports and safety education. House System, Community-building structure dividing students into houses to foster camaraderie, virtue, and friendly competition. Credits, Certificates & Graduation Requirements, Structured academic pathways meeting state and classical education standards. Specialties Classical liberal arts and sciences education Civic virtue and moral character formation Core Knowledge® curriculum integration STEM and aerospace sciences within a classical framework Patriotic education emphasizing the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence Character education anchored in five core virtues Methods & Approach The academy follows the classical Trivium taxonomy tailored to developmental stages. In the Grammar phase (elementary), students master facts through the Core Knowledge® sequence. In the Logic phase (middle school), they receive tools to question, understand, and organize those facts. In the Rhetoric phase (high school), they perfect reasoning and articulate communication to express complex ideas clearly. The pedagogy prioritizes teaching students how to think rather than what to think, fostering wisdom through a content-rich, inquisitive, and traditional classroom environment. Moral formation is woven throughout via five core virtues: valor, goodness, perseverance, responsibility, and friendship. Who It's For Families with children from PreK through 12th grade in the Ute Pass and Woodland Park region seeking a tuition-free classical charter school. The school serves students whose families value moral character, civic responsibility, intellectual rigor, and patriotic education. It is also designed for homeschool families seeking enrichment support, as well as students interested in distinctive extracurricular offerings such as aerospace studies, rifle sports, and a classical liberal arts foundation that prepares them for responsible citizenship in a free society. Facilities & Practical Info The campus is located in Woodland Park, Colorado. The school operates as a nonprofit charter in partnership with the Woodland Park School District (WPSD). Families have access to uniform guidelines, K-5 and 6-11 meal programs via Nutrislice, published supply lists, and the Infinite Campus portal. Enrollment is managed through intent-to-enroll forms, and the school provides a family handbook along with a published academic calendar (including 2026-27). Financial transparency, board meetings, and governance policies are publicly accessible on the website. Location Address: 500 E. Kelley's Rd., Woodland Park, CO 80863 Hours: See website for schedule The "+" Top regional CMAS achievement scores in ELA and math Classical education model adapted for modern times, including computer and aerospace sciences Unique extracurricular portfolio: Civil Air Patrol, Varsity Rifle Team, and Shooting Club Integrated character education through the House System and five core virtues (valor, goodness, perseverance, responsibility, friendship) 501(c)(3) nonprofit commitment to financial transparency and community accountability