Welcome to Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction!
A note from our Headmaster
“It is my privilege to welcome you to a community devoted to the formation of both the minds and the hearts of young people. In the classical tradition, education is far more than the transfer of information; it is the cultivation of virtue, the pursuit of truth, and the shaping of the whole person toward human excellence. Here, we take seriously our charge to help students grow in wisdom and character so that they may flourish in their families, their communities, and, ultimately, in their lives.
Our work is guided by seven core virtues—courage, responsibility, justice, moderation, friendship, prudence, and wonder, the highest of these. We believe that an education rooted in wonder invites students to be attentive to the beauty of the world, to seek truth with humility, and to develop a lifelong love of learning. From this sense of wonder flows the strength to practice the other virtues: courage to do what is right, responsibility to care for one’s work and actions, justice in treating others with fairness, moderation in habits, friendship rooted in goodwill, and prudence in sound judgment.
In an 1816 letter to Charles Yancey, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization it expects what never was and never will be.” His words remind us that education is not only a personal good, but a civic duty. To maintain this great republic, we must have an educated and engaged citizenry. Classical education forms thoughtful, principled citizens capable of sustaining a free society. We aim to equip our students with the knowledge, habits, and virtues required to preserve the blessings of liberty for generations to come.
Thank you for your interest in our school. Whether you are a prospective family or a returning member of our community, we are grateful for your partnership in this noble and joyful endeavor. I invite you to explore our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and learn more about the classical model that inspires our work each day.”
Warmly,
Carissa Drake
Headmaster, Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction