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Our Mission

Castlewood Classical Academy exists to partner with parents in providing a Christ-centered, classically rooted education that nurtures the whole child. We seek to cultivate strong character, joyful curiosity, and a deep love of truth, beauty, and goodness. Through small class sizes, intentional instruction, and a warm community, we come alongside families to support academic growth and spiritual formation, honor God's unique design for each child, and point students toward Christ in all they learn and do.

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Our Vision

Our vision is to build a thriving Christ-centered school community where families experience a true sense of belonging. We want Castlewood to be a place where children are known and loved, families connect deeply with one another, and meaningful relationships grow naturally. We strive to empower parents in their homeschooling journey, equip teachers to lead with excellence and purpose, and create an environment marked by encouragement, faith, and shared values. We desire to see students grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and capable young people who live with integrity, walk faithfully with Christ, and carry a biblical worldview into every part of their lives.

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What kind of school is Castlewood Classical Academy?

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Castlewood Classical Academy is a tuition-funded private Christian school created to partner with homeschool families. Our classical approach centers on the pursuit of truth, wisdom, virtue, and academic depth. We want students not only to master content, but also to grow in character, integrity, curiosity, and a love for learning.

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At Castlewood, faith is not limited to Bible class. Teachers help students see meaningful connections between Scripture, God's character, His creation, history, literature, science, and daily life.

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What programs does Castlewood Classical Academy offer?

Classical 2-Day Academic Homeschool Hybrid

This two-day program provides essential academic support twice a week in core subjects while partnering with families in their homeschool journey.

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Morning Hybrid Program: Includes Math, Science, and Writing

Full-Day Hybrid Program: The full-day program includes all morning subjects, plus Reading, History, Bible, Elective

Families may enroll in the morning program or the full-day program. There is no afternoon-only option. Castlewood partners with parents by providing pacing guides, curriculum, lesson plans, and teacher support for learning on home days.

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INSPIRE 1-Day Outdoor Enrichment Program

For the 2026–2027 school year, students will participate in five hands-on enrichment classes:

-Gardening & Agriculture

-Foraging & Botany

-Bushcraft

-Geology

-Hunter Education & Marksmanship

INSPIRE is an outdoor-based enrichment program. Lessons may take place both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, with the goal of being outside as much as possible. Students develop practical outdoor skills, confidence, teamwork, and meaningful connections to the natural world.

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As a Christian school, Castlewood encourages INSPIRE instructors to connect what students are learning to biblical stewardship, God's creation, and a Christian worldview. Faith-based conversations may arise naturally throughout the INSPIRE day.

Families also have the option to stay for an optional Bible and Biblical Worldview class at the end of the day.

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Where is Castlewood Classical Academy located?

For the 2026–2027 school year, Castlewood will operate at two campuses:

Christ Life Community Church, located at 5451 E State Hwy 86, Franktown, CO 80116

Offering both our Hybrid and INSPIRE programs for Elementary students, K-5 for Hybrid and K-6 for INSPIRE

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Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, located at 2607 5th Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Offering only our Hybrid Upper School (6–10)

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What is the weekly schedule for the two-day Hybrid and one-day INSPIRE programs?

HYBRID 2-DAY PROGRAM

Christ Life Community Church (K–5)

Families may choose one of two separate program options:

Monday/Wednesday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM

Tuesday/Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM

There is no four-day option.

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (6–10)

Monday/Wednesday, 8:15 AM–3:15 PM

There is no Tuesday/Thursday Upper School option.

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INSPIRE 1-DAY OUTDOOR ENRICHMENT

Christ Life Community Church (K–6): Fridays, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

Optional Bible and Biblical Worldview class from 2:00–3:00 PM 

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When does school begin?

-Monday/Wednesday Hybrid classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026.

-Tuesday/Thursday Hybrid classes begin Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

-INSPIRE classes begin Friday, September 4, 2026.

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​What grades does Castlewood serve?

• ChristLife Community Church in Franktown: Kindergarten through 5th grade

• Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock: 6th through 10th grade​

Both campuses offer the 2-Day Academic Hybrid and ChristLife is the only 1-Day INSPIRE (k-6) program.

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What is the cost of Castlewood Classical Academy?

2-Day Academic Hybrid

Morning Hybrid Program

- First student: $2,500 per year

- Each additional sibling: $2,000 per year

Full-Day Hybrid Program

- First student: $4,500 per year

- Each additional sibling: $3,500 per year

INSPIRE 1-Day Outdoor Enrichment

First student: $2,500 per year

Each additional sibling: $2,000 per year

Tuition for either program may be paid in full or divided into a 10-month payment plan.

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Can my student attend only the morning portion of the Hybrid program?

Yes. Families may choose the Morning Hybrid Program, which includes Math, Science, and Writing, or the Full-Day Hybrid Program, which adds Reading, History, Bible, and an elective. Castlewood does not offer an afternoon-only option.

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Can students enroll in both Hybrid and INSPIRE?

Yes. Because Castlewood is a private school, families may select the combination of programs that best fits their needs. Students may enroll in Morning Hybrid and INSPIRE or Full-Day Hybrid and INSPIRE. Tuition applies separately to each program.

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Is curriculum provided? What curriculum does Castlewood use?

Castlewood purchases and provides the required Math, Science, and Writing student materials and teacher guides for families as needed.

Families enrolled in the Full-Day Hybrid Program will purchase required Reading, Literature, and History books. Grade-level book lists will be shared by teachers, and families may purchase books as they are needed throughout the year. Required family purchases will not exceed $150 per student for the entire school year.

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Curriculum Overview

Math: Singapore Dimensions (Elementary), Math in Focus (Upper School)

Science: MasterBooks (K-6), Apologia (7-8), Amy Brown Biology (HS)

Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

Reading: All About Reading (K–2), BJU Reading (3–5), Memoria Press Novel Studies (6–10)

History: MasterBooks Story Series (K-10)

Bible: Answers in Genesis (Elementary), Summit Ministries (Upper School)

Math, Science, and Writing are taught during the morning block. Reading, History, Bible, and the elective are taught during the afternoon portion of the Full-Day Hybrid Program.

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What are your class sizes?

Castlewood intentionally keeps all classes small, including INSPIRE classes. The maximum class size is 16 students.

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What are the parent and teacher roles in the 2-Day Hybrid Program?

For students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, Castlewood operates using a Collaborative Model. Instruction is shared between teachers and parents. Teachers provide classroom instruction, lesson plans, pacing guides, assignments, and ongoing support. Parents remain active educational partners by reinforcing concepts, guiding home-day learning, maintaining pacing, and ensuring assignments are completed.

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For students in 9th and 10th grade at Cornerstone, Castlewood uses a University Model. The majority of new concepts and direct instruction are taught during on-campus school days. Home days are primarily used for practice, application, reading, projects, studying, and completing assignments. Parents provide accountability, encouragement, and tutoring support as needed rather than carrying the primary responsibility for teaching new material.

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This partnership between families and teachers is foundational to the program's success.

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How much schoolwork should families expect on home days?

- Elementary students typically complete approximately 2–3 hours of guided learning on each home day.

- Middle and Upper School students typically complete approximately 3–4 hours of guided learning on each home day.

The amount of work may vary by grade level, assignment, and student pace. Parents remain responsible for overseeing assignments, maintaining pacing, and supplementing with additional meaningful learning as needed to meet Colorado homeschool requirements.

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How will families receive assignments for home-learning days?

Castlewood uses iGrade to provide home-day assignments, pacing guides, lesson information, grades, and classroom communication. Families will receive login information before the school year begins so they can confidently navigate the system and support learning at home.

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Does Castlewood use ability-based grouping?

Yes. Castlewood uses ability-based grouping for Math. All new students complete a Math placement assessment. When appropriate, a student may attend a different grade-level class for Math and then return to their homeroom for the remainder of the day.

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Reading is generally differentiated within the classroom through flexible groups and targeted instruction. If a student demonstrates a significant reading need, the teacher and family may consider additional evaluation and appropriate support options.

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How do families legally homeschool while enrolled at Castlewood?

Because Castlewood provides part-time on-campus instruction, families remain responsible for independently maintaining a legal homeschool status in Colorado. Families must use one of the following options:

- Submit an annual Notice of Intent (NOI) to a Colorado school district; or

- Enroll in a qualifying independent or umbrella school and follow that school's requirements.

 

Castlewood does not currently submit an NOI on behalf of families or serve as an umbrella school. Families are responsible for confirming and completing the requirements of the option they select.

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Colorado home education law requires at least 172 days of instruction, averaging four instructional contact hours per day. Castlewood provides approximately two to three hours of guided learning for Elementary School home days and approximately three to four hours for Middle and Upper School home days. Families should supplement with additional meaningful learning as needed to meet their chosen homeschool requirements.

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What is your testing schedule?

Most classroom assessments are completed during in-person days, and grades are posted regularly. Castlewood also offers NWEA MAP Growth testing for standardized placement and academic progress in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9.

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What are your teacher credential requirements?

Castlewood hires teachers who are highly qualified and experienced. A current license is not required, but a minimum of three years of classroom teaching experience and strong professional references are mandatory. All staff members must agree to and sign our Statement of Faith, which is available upon request.

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What are the recess and play areas like?

Both campuses have large outdoor areas with plenty of room for students to run, play, and explore. Each campus also has a playground, a basketball hoop, and a variety of sporting equipment.

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Is INSPIRE entirely outdoors?

INSPIRE is an outdoor-based enrichment program. Whenever possible, classes will be held outside, but lessons may also take place indoors when appropriate or when weather conditions require. The intent is for students to be outdoors as much as possible while keeping instruction flexible and safe.

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Families will receive clothing recommendations and supply guidance during Parent Orientation to help students prepare for each season.

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Will families receive a school supply list?

Yes. Each campus will provide a grade-level supply list before the school year begins. Castlewood supplies many shared classroom materials. Families enrolled in the Full-Day Hybrid Program will also receive information about the required Reading, Literature, and History books they will need to purchase.

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Is lunch provided?

Students are welcome to bring their own packed lunch and snacks each school day.

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Castlewood also partners with Sunday Salmon, which provides organic, gluten-free, seed oil-free lunches delivered to campus for families who order in advance. Meals typically cost between $4 and $8, depending on the size and type selected. Ordering information will be shared with families.

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Do you follow Douglas County School District's calendar?

Yes. Castlewood aligns its school-year calendar with Douglas County School District's fall, winter, and spring breaks whenever practical. Many Castlewood families also have students in Douglas County schools, and this alignment allows families to take breaks together.

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Homeschool families may also choose to take time off during another week or at another point in the school year. Simply notify the school. Assignments will remain posted in iGrade so families know what students need to complete to stay caught up.

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What is the inclement weather policy?

At this time, both Castlewood campuses follow Douglas County School District's closure and delay decisions. If Castlewood later adjusts this policy to better reflect conditions at our campuses, families will be notified promptly.

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How do you communicate with parents?

Email is the primary communication tool. Families will also receive reminders and announcements through Remind. Each campus has a dedicated school phone available during the academic year for questions or support.

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Are there limits on days missed?

There is no strict limit. Families should notify the school if a student will be absent or if the family plans to take time away during the school year. Assignments will be posted in iGrade, and students should complete the necessary work to remain aligned with classroom pacing.

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What must families complete before the first day of school?

Before attending, families must complete the following:

• All required enrollment documents and any requested student records

• A signed enrollment and financial agreement

• Medical information and medical release forms

• A media release or declination form

• The Parent Handbook acknowledgment form

• Parent Orientation or the required make-up materials

• Their selected NOI or umbrella/independent school requirements​

Families enrolled in the Full-Day Hybrid Program will also receive information about purchasing required Reading, Literature, and History books.

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What security measures are in place at Castlewood?

- Locked doors during the school day

- Security cameras

- Security tinting on windows where available

- Quarterly safety drills

- Watchdog volunteer program for fathers, grandfathers, and uncles

- Ongoing relationships with local law enforcement 

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What is Castlewood's approach to technology?

Technology use is minimal to support hands-on, relationship-centered learning.

Elementary School

• Very limited device use

• Occasional supplemental educational videos

• No regular technology use in the classroom

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Upper School

• Occasional use of tablets

• Some computer use required at home

• Technology remains a small portion of instruction and never replaces core teaching or discussion-based learning

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Please note: Cell phones are not allowed at school, including smart watches. If a student wears a smart watch, the only function that may be enabled is the clock.

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Are there parent volunteer opportunities?

Yes. Parents are welcome to help with classroom events, school-wide activities, field trips, and other opportunities throughout the year.

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Are there school events throughout the year?

Yes. Castlewood hosts a variety of events such as science fairs, talent shows, holiday programs, and community gatherings. Some events are school-led and others are parent-led. Communication will be clear and timely. Field trips are largely parent facilitated.