Academics
Academics at Renaissance
At Renaissance Secondary School, academics are relevant, rigorous, student-centered, and interdisciplinary. Our program challenges students to think deeply, apply their learning in real-world contexts, and develop the skills they need for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
How Learning Works at Renaissance
Learning at Renaissance is designed to reflect how knowledge is used in the real world.
Real-World Relevance
Students learn through authentic questions and problems that connect academic content to real situations and meaningful outcomes.
Rigorous & Standards-Aligned
Students engage with complex texts, data, research, and problem-solving tasks aligned to Colorado Academic Standards and college expectations.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Subjects are intentionally connected, helping students see how skills and knowledge work together across disciplines.
Student-Centered Instruction
Learning is personalized. Students receive ongoing feedback, have voice and choice, and are supported in progressing toward mastery.
CORE CLASSES
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English Language Arts – Advanced reading, writing, discussion, and analysis
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Mathematics – Real-world applications and mathematical reasoning
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Science – Lab-based inquiry across earth, biological, and physical sciences
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Social Studies – Global context, civic engagement, and historical thinking
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World Language (Spanish) – Communication, cultural immersion, and real-world use
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Electives – Physical Education, Performing Arts, Music, Visual Arts, and other academic areas
Renaissance offers a full, college-preparatory academic program designed to build strong content knowledge while intentionally developing the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills students need for success beyond high school.
How Learning Comes to Life: Learning Expeditions
Learning Expeditions are the core of the Renaissance academic experience. These interdisciplinary, project-based experiences immerse students in real-world topics and big questions that matter.
Each expedition is built around a compelling problem or theme. Students analyze real data, conduct experiments, apply mathematical modeling, and use evidence to develop and defend ideas. They read complex texts, write research-based arguments, and present their learning to authentic audiences.
Students regularly learn beyond the classroom—working with experts, collaborating with community partners, and engaging in local and extended fieldwork. These experiences build independence, curiosity, and the habits of mind students need for college and life.
College-Ready and Standards-Aligned
Renaissance’s curriculum is fully aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and designed to prepare students for the academic demands of higher education. Our rigorous, inquiry-based approach ensures students develop both deep content knowledge and the transferable skills needed for long-term success.
At Renaissance, students don’t just learn content—they learn how to think, how to learn, how to work with others, and how to grow into confident, capable young adults who contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Learning That Delivers Results
While Renaissance believes learning should go far beyond test preparation, our students consistently demonstrate strong performance on state standardized assessments. These results reflect the depth of understanding students gain through our curriculum and show that Renaissance prepares students for college.
Our focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts ensures that students are not just prepared for tests, but equipped for long-term academic success.
Experience Learning That Comes to Life
The best way to understand Renaissance Secondary School is to see our students learning, collaborating, and thinking deeply together. We invite you to experience Renaissance firsthand—please join us for an upcoming campus tour:
