High School Counseling

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local law enforcement.

Mental Health Crisis Services

Colorado Crisis Support Line - 844.493-TALK (8255)

Colorado Crisis Text - text TALK to 38255

Safe2Tell Colorado - 877-542-7233

The Counseling Team has created Google Classrooms for each grade level that contains important information about students in regards to mental health, career exploration, post-secondary readiness, and more! Use the links below to explore what the counseling team is up to for each grade level.

Class of 2025 Link

Class of 2026 Link

Class of 2027 Link

Class of 2028 Link

Seeking additional support? Check out the link below that provides additional information on connecting with support outside of The Academy.

Mental health resources

Child Mind.org is an excellent resource for families to explore a variety of mental health topics ranging from anxiety to sleeping habits. Explore some of their resources below!

Child Mind

Grief is a defining moment in the lives of both students and adults. Grief is hard to describe and sometimes even more complicated to talk about. If you or your student are experiencing a recent loss, connect with your counselor and view some of the helpful resources below from the National Alliance for Children's Grief and Judi's House.

Rights of a Grieving Students

Key Points to Remember When Talking to Children and Teens about Death and Dying

Judi's House Services

Explaining Death to Kids

Common Questions About Children and Grief

Developmental Difference

Supporting Children Grieving a Death By Suicide

 

 

Overview of Safe2Tell
Safe2Tell was founded on the idea that early intervention is the key to preventing violence and saving lives. The program promotes early intervention by serving as a relay of information between people submitting reports and local multidisciplinary teams, such as schools and law enforcement agencies. The founding principles are:

• Educate the community on the importance of reporting safety concerns
• Encourage everyone to play a role in prevention
• Equip community stakeholders with a direct way to report anonymously
• Empower those who have the intention to help, prevent, or protect to make a difference

Make a Report
Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community. We take your reports any time, any day.

Make A Report

High School Graduation Requirements

• 4 credits in English & Math
• 3 credits in Science and Social Studies
• 2 credits in World Language
• 1 credit in PE (.5 Health, .5 PE class/sport)
• 7 academic/general electives
• Total of 24 credits 

Counselors work with students to figure out what graduation pathway is the best fit. Starting with the class of 2021, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has asked that students demonstrate competency in English and Math upon graduating from high school. Students must select a graduation option from the CDE Menu of College and Career-Ready Demonstrations. Please see the link below for a list of the options. 

Graduation Guidelines CDE

 

Distinctions

Distinctions are earned for students who have achieved a high level in a specific academic area. The distinction earned by students will appear on their transcript to highlight student's success in a particular content. Typically, a distinction is earned by exceeding the minimum course requirement in the content and completing the highest level course (through an AP or CE credit) in the content. The distinctions currently offered at The Academy include:

• Computer Science
• Honors
• Performing Arts
• Science
• Social Studies
• Visual Arts
• Work Based Learning
• World Language

   

School Profile

The school profile is used by universities and colleges to get a "snapshot" of what programming a high school offers. The Academy school profile is linked below.

School profile

 

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) is a national program run through College Board (the same organization that develops the SAT). The Academy currently offers a variety of AP courses. At The Academy, AP courses are weighted (on a 5.0 scale, as opposed to a 4.0 scale), giving students the opportunity to increase their GPA.

In addition, if students do well on the AP test, which is offered at the end of the year, they have the opportunity to earn college credit. Please note, it is the student’s responsibility to cover the costs for the AP exams, which generally run between $90-$100. While this can be costly, it is still significantly cheaper than college tuition! You can also find more information by visiting www.CollegeBoard.org or by talking to your counselor.

• AP Credit Policies

Why Take AP?

• Stand Out in College Admissions - Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you’re up for the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer.
• Earn College Credits - By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major. AP can transform what once seemed unattainable into something within reach. Check out specific colleges’ guidelines on accepting AP scores for credit and placement by searching our AP Credit Policy database.
• Skip Introductory Classes - If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help you advance and avoid required introductory courses – so you can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests you most. Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major – whether or not you know what you want to major in – can place you beyond your college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.
• Build College Skills - Taking an AP course builds the skills you'll need throughout your college years. You give your mind a rigorous workout while polishing up your time management and study skills. You also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of your AP teachers. AP courses let you know what to expect during the next phase of your educational journey, and help you build the confidence to succeed.

Front Range Community College & Concurrent Enrollment

Front Range Community College (FRCC) Packet - The Academy partners with FRCC. Students will earn both high school and college credit concurrently by earning a C or better grade in their FRCC course.

FRont Range Community College Packet

This opportunity is predominantly available to eligible students grades 11-12 although certain classes are available to underclassmen. We recommend most students to take two courses per semester as that fits best within our schedule, although we do allow the opportunity for students to take more. Benefits include reduced cost/time of 4-year degree, guaranteed transfer credit to public in-state 4 year schools, and concurrent high school and college credit.

• The FRCC/Academy Concurrent Enrollment (CE) program is open to 9th through 12th grade students. 
  • 9th and 10th grade students can enroll in High School Select (HSS) courses only (FRCC courses taught on The Academy Campus).
• 9th grade students cannot take a CE course in English or Math.
• 11th and 12th grade students can enroll in HSS or Campus Select (CS) (FRCC courses taught at the Front Range Campus).
• Students enrolled in on campus at Front Range (CS classes) must complete the CE Intent Form.
• Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, with no current Ds/Fs while applying.
• Students must have reliable transportation. 
• Parents/Guardians must agree to program guidelines including paying for fees and books associated with the college. (The Academy pays for tuition only)
• Students must complete all processes:
  • Complete any testing that may be required (dependent on the class)
  • Turn in materials
  • Attend advising meetings
  • Complete the “Concurrent Enrollment Agreement” and receive counselor approval of courses by the published deadlines.
  • These steps must take place each semester prior to enrolling in courses on e-wolf.
• Students in their first semester of classes at Front Range must attend an informational session.
• Students typically enroll in 6 credit hours (traditionally two classes) offered on the Westminster Front Range Campus, and the classes must fall within the hours of The Academy’s school day. Exceptions must be approved by an administrator and a counselor. 
• The Academy will pay for FRCC courses on the Westminster campus.
• The number of FRCC credits that students can take is dependent on the CE budget divided amongst the number of participating students.
• Students must be full-time students  and enroll in a minimum of 5 credit bearing classes (2.5 credits) at The Academy of Charter Schools.
• FRCC courses that are offered at The Academy (HSS) may only be taken at The Academy (not at the FRCC Westminster campus - CS).
• Online CE classes must be approved by administration and a counselor.
• Students will earn 0.5 weighted credit at The Academy per every 3 credit class at FRCC and 0.75 weighted credit for every 4 or 5 credit class at FRCC.
• Students must meet all FRCC College Now requirements, and enroll themselves via their e-wolf accounts by the deadline.
• Any grade(s) earned at Front Range Community college will appear on both The Academy transcript and the Front Range Community College transcript. 
• Any concurrent enrollment course paid for by The Academy will contribute to the student’s cumulative GPA at The Academy.
  • Any concurrent enrollment course in which the tuition is not paid for by The Academy ("self-pay") will be exempt from the student’s cumulative Academy GPA.
• Students must earn a C or better at FRCC in order to receive credit at The Academy, and to remain eligible to take FRCC courses in future semesters.
• Students who do not pass FRCC courses (earn a C or higher, or earn a W) may be eligible to re-enroll in FRCC courses after a one-semester probationary period.
• Please be aware that a GPA below a 2.0 on a FRCC transcript may impact future financial aid at FRCC.

Hoping to be a concurrent enrollment student in the near future? Please follow these steps to get started:

1. Indicate to your counselor during course selection that you are interested in participating in Concurrent Enrollment or reach out to your designated counselor in advance, prior to the The Academy registration deadline. Please see/attend the Concurrent Enrollment Information Session for more information. 
2. Review the packet at the top of this page and follow each step carefully. 
3. Application and packet materials must be reviewed by April. 
4. Attend a meeting with FRCC coordinator and your counselor to discuss classes you will take at FRCC. 
5. Register for your classes by mid-April (Fall) or November (Spring) and start your journey as a concurrent enrollment student!

Resources for Current FRCC Students:

• Concurrent Enrollment Information Session
• Concurrent Enrollment Information Session (En español)
• Applying to FRCC as a Concurrent Enrollment Student
• How to Search and Register for Classes
• How to Register for Classes Using CRN
• How to Drop and/or Withdraw from a Class
• How to Reset your Password on eWolf

Credit Recovery & Summer School

If a student fails a class that is needed for graduation, they must retake the course via credit recovery. Please communicate with your student’s counselor to discuss what action needs to be taken if a student fails a course.

The Academy has two credit recovery options:

• Edgenuity Online Courses - Students will be enrolled in Edgenuity during the school day and will be expected to complete the course requirements within one semester. Both the original F and the new grade earned in Edgenuity will appear on the official transcript and will factor into the student’s GPA. 
• Summer School- Summer school courses are typically through the online educational platform Edgenuity. Information in regards to Summer School is typically sent out to families in April or May. The cost for one Summer School course is $150, unless otherwise discussed with a counselor or administrator. 

Course Registration

Course registration at The Academy focuses on allowing students the opportunity to forge their own path through high school while exploring exciting courses, programs, and opportunities throughout. Each student selects their courses for the upcoming year which are reviewed by their respective counselor and family to encourage independence, engagement, and achievement.

Work Study / Internship

Work Study and Internship is an exciting opportunity for students to begin to explore work outside of the classroom and provides an experiential learning experience for students that provides hand-on learning. Explore the career tab to learn more about off-site learning opportunities.

Course Catalog

Course Catalog with course descriptions

Blended Honors

Blended honors are offered for a wide variety of coursework offered at The Academy, predominantly in the student's 9th and 10th grade year. Students seeking to push themselves academically and gain additional acknowledgement on their transcripts can connect with their classroom teacher to better understand how to complete honor's level coursework.

Front Range Community College & Certificate Programs

Front Range Community College (FRCC) offers opportunities for students to work towards specific certifications. To participate in a certification program, please view the Front Range Community College Packet linked which contains all of the details for a student to participate in our partnership with FRCC. Additionally, certificate programs can be found in the link below the packet.

FRont Range Community College Packet

Front Range community college certificate programs

Resources for Current FRCC Students:

• Concurrent Enrollment Information Session
• Applying to FRCC as a Concurrent Enrollment Student
• How to Search and Register for Classes
• How to Register for Classes Using CRN
• How to Drop and/or Withdraw from a Class
• How to Reset your Password on eWolf

Individualized Career and Academic Plans (ICAP) are intended to help students create and implement postsecondary plans throughout high school. The Academy develops and supports ICAP in many ways, including course registration, classroom guidance lessons, Naviance Student, and providing access to the PSAT & SAT. 

In grades 9-11, Pathways conversations explore post high school plans to gauge interest in a variety of career, college, and trade possibilities. As a team, credits, grades, postsecondary plans and future courses are discussed. 

In 12th grade, counselors with with seniors and their families to hold a Senior Meeting. This meeting details each student's individual postsecondary plan. 

Counselors present college and career classroom guidance lessons several times throughout the school year. All 7-12 Academy students are provided with a Naviance account where they can explore college and career options.

Students typically take the PSAT starting in 8th grade. All 11th grade students take the SAT in April at no cost. 

Naviance

Naviance is a tool used in grades 7-12 for college and career exploration. It is also heavily used in 12th grade to submit documentation to post secondary institutions. 

 

Naviance Student Allows You To:

• Get Involved in the Planning and Advising Process - Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers.

• Research Colleges - Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics of students who have been admitted to the college.

• Research Scholarships - Use a scholarship website database to find a wide variety of scholarships.

• Research Careers - Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments.

• Create Future Plans - Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned to you by the school to better prepare yourself for your future college and career goals.

The link below is a video lesson that will give you the opportunity to review navigation via a mobile device and access a foundational tour of each of the Naviance Student sections.

Naviance Log In

Username: Academy Student Email Address
Password: Students can create their own password by clicking "Forgot Password?"

Postsecondary Pathways

College

Counselors partner with students and families to prepare for college. The Academy offers rigorous courses to build competitive student transcripts. Each year during the spring semester, students and families meet with their counselor to discuss post-secondary goals. If students hope to move on to a 2-4 year college post high school, counselors help guide and facilitate what options look like for individual students. Resources for college planning:

• Naviance Student - See High School Counseling page for login instructions

• CollegeBoard

• ACT

• College Fairs of Greater Denver

Career

Many students are interested in jumping into careers right after high school. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn income while also learning a skill/trade. Resources for learning more about apprenticeships:

• Apprenticeships for Career Seekers

• Talent Found

Military 

If students are interested in joining the military, counselors will connect them with specific representatives from the branch they are interested in pursuing. Below are the contacts for military representatives. Students are welcome to reach out to reps on their own. Please know, most of these branches do have restrictions when working with students under 17 years old. 

Air Force

Name: Isaac Fifer
Phone Number: 720-601-4230
Email: isaac.fifer@us.af.mil

Army

Name: Marvin Browning
Phone Number: 720-839-0896
Email: marvin.r.browing.mil@mail.mil

Coast Guard

Name: David Williams
Phone Number: 720-234-1480
Email: david.a.williams@uscg.mil

Marines

Name: Bishop Guerrero
Phone Number: 303-912-5329
Email: bishop.guerrero@marines.usmc.mil

National Guard

Name: Kyle Warren
Phone Number: 720-584-3696
Email: kyle.h.warren2.mil@mail.mil

Navy

Name: Crystal Munns
Phone Number: 720-799-3755
Email: crystal.munns@navy.mil

Student Internships

Student internships provide an avenue for students to further their education through hands on opportunities at a variety of community led and run businesses. This opportunity is available to students in 11th and 12th grade. Please first talk to your academic counselor if you are interested in pursuing an internship for the following semester to get the process started!

Check out the student internship flyer below for more details!

Internship Flyer
 

Applying For Internships

Interested in an internship? The process starts with your school counselor to ensure you have internship on your schedule for next semester. From there, your internship coordinator will reach out directly to you towards the end of the semester before you are scheduled to start!

After you have talked with your counselor, be sure to complete the internship application by clicking the button below.

Internship Application

After you have completed your internship application, be sure to log in to your Naviance account and complete the following interest surveys:

• AchieveWorks Personality
• AchieveWorks Skills
• Career Cluster Finder
• Career Interest Profiler
• Career Key

These steps will ensure you are prepared to start your internship at the beginning of the next semester. For additional steps once accepted into the internship program, please view the field guide below.

Field Guide

Along your journey as an intern, apprentice, or work-study participant this guide is intended to support you.  As a parent, host business or community stakeholder in this journey, this guide is also intended to support you, and your involvement will help to grow a pipeline of skilled employees, entrepreneurs and better prepared community members.  Thank you again, we appreciate your support and interest in work-based learning and feel grateful for your partnership and participation.

This guide is intended to provide guidance and information, and is not intended to be an all encompassing manual for participation and other requirements. To view the guide, please use the link below.

Field Guide

 

Need More Information?

For any further questions about Student Internship opportunities, please contact Timothy Fifer, the Director of Postsecondary Workforce Readiness. He can be reached via email or phone at:

Email: timothy.fifer@theacademyk12.org

Phone: (303) 439-6111

 The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Student athletes who are planning to play sports in college in Division I, II, or III must be eligible and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) - Student athletes who are interested in playing sports for a small college must be eligible and register with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

A helpful guide about how to plan your high school preparation to become a collegiate athlete can be found here.

The Counseling Team has created Google Classrooms for each grade level that contains important information about students in regards to mental health, career exploration, post-secondary readiness, and more! Use the links below to explore what the counseling team is up to for each grade level.

Class of 2025

Class of 2026

Class of 2027

Class of 2028

Financial Aid & ScholarshipsPaying for College

• Financial Aid - Money that is given borrowed or earned for educational purposes. Sources for financial aid include federal and state governments as well as the college or university. Need for financial aid is determined through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
• Grants - Money from the federal government or college/university. Grants are need based and do not need to be repaid.
• Subsidized Loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time or during deferment periods.
• Unsubsidized Loans do accrue interest starting on the date they are received.
• Scholarships - Money won or given for a variety of reasons including academic excellence, athletics, and personal attributes. Some are needs based and others are not. They do not need to be repaid. 

Access FAFSA here

Student Resources for Scholarships:

• Going Merry
• Fastweb
• Unigo
• Annuity
• Counseling Google Classroom Page

Scholarship Websites (top 6)

Naviance

Naviance is a tool used in grades 7-12 for college and career exploration. It is also heavily used in 12th grade to submit documentation to post secondary institutions. 

Naviance Student allows you to:

• Get Involved in the Planning and Advising Process - Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers.

• Research Colleges - Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics of students who have been admitted to the college.

• Research Scholarships - Use a scholarship website database to find a wide variety of scholarships.

• Research Careers - Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments.

• Create Future Plans - Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned to you by the school to better prepare yourself for your future college and career goals.

The link below is a video lesson that will give you the opportunity to review navigation via a mobile device and access a foundational tour of each of the Naviance Student sections.

Naviance Log In

Username: Academy Student Email Address
Password: Students can create their own password by clicking "Forgot Password?"

 

Letters of Recommendation (LoR's)

Letters of Recommendation are often required by universities to highlight students outside of what they may see on a traditional transcript. Students are encouraged to select a recommender from an academic sources (most important) and from an a non-academic sources. Letters of recommendation are requested through Naviance (further details can be found in the Senior Packet - located in the FAQ section of the website under "Graduation") Below is a link to the form students must complete before reaching out to teachers. Paper copies can be found in the Counseling Office.

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Cords

Cords are embellishments that are designed to highlight student's specific achievements in high school that adorn their cap and gown. The cords offered by The Academy and how they are earned are described in the link below.

Academy Cords

Distinctions

Distinctions are earned for students who have achieved a high level in a specific academic area. The distinction earned by students will appear on their transcript to highlight student's success in a particular content. Typically, a distinction is earned by exceeding the minimum course requirement in the content and completing the highest level course (through an AP or CE credit) in the content. The distinctions currently offered at The Academy include:

• Computer Science
• Honors
• Performing Arts
• Science
• Social Studies
• Visual Arts
• Work Based Learning
• World Language

Senior Packet

The Senior Packet is a comprehensive document designed to guide students and families through Post-Secondary Plans (what happens after graduation.) Included is the Senior Packet from the Class of 2024 which contains a wealth of information from choosing the right college, scholarships, and how to prepare to enter apprenticeships or occupations on graduation.

Senior packet (English)

Senior packet (Español)

 

Diplomas and Transcripts

The high school diploma is issued at the time of graduation and there are no copies.  The transcript serves as evidence of graduation and may be requested by the following below:

Class of 2014 and Earlier - The Academy of Charter Schools was under Adams 12 Five Star Schools therefore you must request transcripts from them.  Please click here to order a transcript. 

Class of 2015 and Later - Please click here to complete a Transcript Request Form. This link will take you to an external website. 
PLEASE NOTE:

If the transcript you are requesting is for a former graduate and they are over the age of 18, the graduate must be the individual to request the transcript. 

ASCENT vs. TREP

Students who participate in the Concurrent Enrollment (CE) program may be eligible for ASCENT (Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment) or TREP (Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation.) These programs allow students to remain enrolled at both the high school and at Front Range Community College. The Academy covers the cost of tuition during the academic year following their high school graduation. Students must earn a minimum of 9 credits at FRCC upon high school graduation to be eligible for either program. 

*Please note that TREP is specific to students pursuing careers in teaching. In addition, eligible students must have completed a TREP pre-requisite course at FRCC during 12th grade.

Additional information about each program can be found in the links below:

ASCENT Application Steps Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions - ASCENT

Educator Pathway TREP Fact Sheet