What are the two types of programs that Castlewood Classical Academy offers?

Classical 2-Day Academic Homeschool Hybrid

This two-day program provides essential academic support twice a week in core subjects such as math, reading, writing, science, history, Bible, and electives rooted in classical education.

• Publicly funded morning: Math, science, and PE

• Privately funded faith-based afternoon: Reading/writing, history, art, and Bible

This program is designed to partner with parents by offering pacing guides, curriculum, lesson plans, and teacher support to guide the learning that happens at home on off days.

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INSPIRE 1-Day Outdoor Enrichment Program

INSPIRE is the second year in Castlewood’s three-year enrichment rotation (ENGAGE → INSPIRE → CREATE). For the 2026–2027 school year, students will explore gardening, hunter safety, geology, bushcraft, and foraging. They will learn practical outdoor skills, build confidence, and develop meaningful connections to the natural world.

Families also have the option to stay for a Worldview Bible 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 in two regions:

Castle Rock Campuses

• Elementary (K–5): Eternal Rock Lutheran Church

• Upper School (6–10): Cornerstone Presbyterian Church

Littleton Campus starting in 2026/2027

• Elementary & Upper School (K–8): Valley View Christian Church

Both regions offer the 2-Day Academic Hybrid and the 1-Day INSPIRE enrichment program.

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What is the weekly schedule for the two-day hybrid and one-day enrichment programs?

CASTLE ROCK - Hybrid 2-day Program

Eternal Rock (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 (6–10)

• Monday/Wednesday, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM
  (This is the only option for upper school in Castle Rock.)

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CASTLE ROCK - INSPIRE – 1-Day Outdoor Enrichment (K–10)

• Fridays, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

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LITTLETON (Valley View – K–8) coming in August of 2026

2-Day Academic Hybrid

• Tuesday/Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

INSPIRE – 1-Day Outdoor Enrichment (K–8)

• Fridays, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

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What is the cost of Castlewood Classical Academy?

2-Day Academic Hybrid (’26–’27)

• Morning (publicly funded): No cost to families

• Afternoon (privately funded and faith-based):

  • $2000 per year for the first child

  • $1400 for each additional sibling
    These fees include curriculum and testing.

INSPIRE 1-Day Enrichment

• Fully publicly funded, no cost to families.

Registration Fee

• $100 per new student for the 2026–2027 school year.

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Can students enroll in both programs?

Yes. However, public funding can be applied to only one program.

Families enrolled in the full 2-day program may add the INSPIRE enrichment day for $2500 for their first child, and $2000 for additional siblings.
Total yearly cost for all three days: $4500 for the first student and $3400 for additional siblings

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What grades does Castlewood serve?

• Castle Rock: Kindergarten through 10th grade

• Littleton: Kindergarten through 8th grade

Both locations offer the 2-Day Academic Hybrid and the 1-Day INSPIRE program.

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Is curriculum provided? What curriculum does Castlewood use?

Yes, Castlewood provides all required textbooks, teacher guides, and supplemental materials.

Curriculum Overview

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

• Science: Core Knowledge

• English: Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

• History: Masterbooks My Story

• Art: Masterbooks Living Art

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

Note: Math and Science are taught in the publicly funded morning block. English, History, Art, and Bible are taught in the privately funded afternoon block.

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What does “classical education” mean at Castlewood?

At Castlewood, classical education centers on the pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and academic depth. We want students to not only master content but also grow in character, integrity, and curiosity. Our curriculum and teaching approach emphasize critical thinking, meaningful discussion, and a love for learning.

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What are your class sizes?

Castlewood intentionally keeps classes small.

• Maximum class size: 15 students

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How do families legally homeschool while enrolled at Castlewood?

Castlewood is not an umbrella school. Families must do one of the following:

1. Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to any Colorado district, or

2. Register with an umbrella school of their choice.

Colorado homeschool law requires a minimum of four hours of instruction per day.
Castlewood provides approximately two to three hours of work for home days.
Families will need to supplement with additional meaningful learning (projects, exploration, reading, hands-on experiences, field trips, etc.) to meet the state requirement.

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What are the parent and teacher roles in the 2-day hybrid program?

Parents are responsible for at least 50% of their child’s learning. This includes completing at-home assignments and maintaining pacing.

Teachers are responsible for:

• Providing pacing guides and assignments

• Communicating classroom updates and expectations

• Teaching core subjects on campus

• Offering occasional support to families throughout the year

The partnership between parents and teachers is foundational to the program’s success.

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What happens if my student places above or below their grade level in Math or English?

Placement assessments for new students take place in July 2026.

Castlewood offers flexible ability grouping for Math (morning) and English (afternoon). Students may join another grade-level class for those subjects and return to their homeroom for the remainder of the day. This allows for appropriate challenge and support without disrupting classroom community.

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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.

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What are the recess and play areas like?

• Eternal Rock (K–5): Indoor gym with basketball hoop, paved outdoor space with temporary fencing, basketball hoop, and outdoor activities.

• Cornerstone (6–10): An outdoor area and a large open field.

• Valley View (K–8): Playground and field for daily outdoor play.

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Do you follow Douglas County School District’s calendar?

A detailed calendar will be available soon. It will be similar to DCSD’s calendar.

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What is the inclement weather policy?

Castlewood follows DCSD’s snow day decisions.

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How do you communicate with parents?

Email is the primary communication tool.
Families also have access to a school phone for questions or support during the academic year.

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What is your testing schedule?

Most assessments are completed during in-person days. Grades are posted weekly.
Castlewood also offers Iowa testing in the spring.

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Are there limits on days missed?

There is no strict limit. Families only need to notify the school if they plan to be gone longer than a week.
Students must complete assignments while away to stay aligned with classroom pacing.

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What security measures are in place at Castlewood?

• Locked doors at all times

• Security cameras

• Security tinting on windows

• Quarterly safety drills

• Watchdog volunteer program (fathers, grandfathers, uncles)

• Ongoing relationship with Castle Rock Police Department

 

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 in the classroom​

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

Please note: Cell phones are NOT ALLOWED at school, including smart watches. If a student is wearing a smart watch, the only function that can 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, and other opportunities throughout the year.

 

Are there school events throughout the year?

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

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Are field trips offered?

Yes. Field trips will be available, and they are typically parent facilitated.

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