Mackintosh Academy

At Mackintosh, we are passionate, energetic, engaged, creative, and empathetic. Inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile, our vision reflects our drive to discover the best in ourselves and in each other, to develop a keen understanding of the world and how it works, and to make a meaningful contribution to it.

In 2020, the Mackintosh Academy Board of Trustees embarked on a yearlong strategic planning process. Trustee Kelly Keena led the committee, consisting of trustees, staff, teachers, parents, and alumni, in an inclusive, comprehensive process. Using the prior five-year strategic plan, VISION 2020, as a foundation, the strategic planning committee consulted with over 150 key stakeholders across the Mackintosh community. An important step in this process involved aligning our plan with feedback from the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) during the accreditation process. The four pillars of the prior plan – People, Place, Program, and Prosperity – remain at the core of this new plan, along with a newly added one: Risk Management. The result of this inclusive, comprehensive process is a strategic plan that builds on Mackintosh’s well-established strengths, and lays out a vision for areas of growth as the school completes its fifth decade.

Littleton, Colorado, offers a compelling mix of academic rigor and community-driven values, making it a sought-after location for families seeking quality education. Among its strongest educational assets are the private elementary schools that blend academic excellence with the kind of individual attention that helps children truly thrive. These schools offer more than just a curriculum—they foster confidence, creativity, and character development within a nurturing and often personalized learning environment. Schools like Aspen Academy, Mackintosh Academy, and Front Range Christian School have built strong reputations for innovative instruction, low student–teacher ratios, and well-rounded programs. Aspen Academy stands out for its leadership and entrepreneurial-based curriculum, offering students a forward-thinking foundation in academics, financial literacy, and communication. With a student–teacher ratio of approximately 8:1, it ensures each child is recognized and challenged according to their needs. Similarly, Mackintosh Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, provides a deeply immersive and inquiry-driven education tailored for gifted and creative learners. Its interdisciplinary teaching style and focus on emotional intelligence prepare students not only for academic success but for global citizenship. Meanwhile, Front Range Christian School incorporates a faith-based approach to education, emphasizing moral character and servant leadership while maintaining strong performance in STEM and liberal arts subjects.

What truly distinguishes these schools is their commitment to recognizing and nurturing the unique potential of every student. Small class sizes allow educators to form strong, lasting relationships with students and families, enabling personalized instruction and early intervention when needed. For children who learn best in supportive, tight-knit environments, these private schools offer a sense of belonging that fosters both academic growth and emotional security. Parents in Littleton often highlight the holistic benefits of these schools—beyond test scores—pointing to character education programs, creative arts integration, and access to outdoor learning spaces as major advantages. Schools like Havern School also serve an important role by specializing in instruction for students with learning differences and twice-exceptional (2e) profiles, providing the individualized strategies necessary for these students to thrive. Faith-based institutions such as St. Mary Catholic School and Shepherd of the Hills Christian School offer values-oriented education in small, family-like settings, reinforcing community engagement and spiritual development alongside academic achievement. In every corner of Littleton’s private school landscape, one can find a consistent theme: the belief that educational excellence begins with knowing each child—academically, socially, and emotionally. As parents look to invest in an elementary experience that balances rigor with compassion, Littleton’s top private schools provide a powerful model for what 21st-century education can and should be.

At Mackintosh, inspired by the IB Learner Profile, we strive to grow as thoughtful, creative, and compassionate learners who make a positive impact.

In 2020, our Board of Trustees led an inclusive strategic planning process, building on VISION 2020 and community input. The updated plan strengthens our core pillars—People, Place, Program, and Prosperity—with a new focus on Risk Management, guiding our growth into Mackintosh’s next chapter.

In the vibrant community of Littleton, Colorado, a number of private elementary schools are setting the standard for creative, student-centered learning. These schools go beyond conventional education by cultivating environments where imagination, inquiry, and individuality are not only encouraged but embedded into the curriculum. From project-based learning and outdoor classrooms to integrated arts and leadership programs, Littleton’s top private schools are reimagining what elementary education can be. Institutions like Mackintosh Academy, Aspen Academy, and Anastasis Academy lead the way with dynamic approaches that prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and whole-child development. Mackintosh Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, is specifically designed for gifted and creative learners. It emphasizes interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven projects where students explore global issues, express themselves through multiple media, and develop a strong sense of agency. Similarly, Aspen Academy blends academic rigor with entrepreneurial thinking, allowing students to engage in real-world problem solving, public speaking, and leadership initiatives from an early age. With low student–teacher ratios and an emphasis on emotional intelligence, these schools ensure each child is seen, heard, and challenged at their own pace.

What truly sets these schools apart is their shared belief that creativity is essential to both academic achievement and personal growth. Small class sizes allow for individualized learning, while teachers act as mentors and facilitators, guiding students through hands-on experiences that build both knowledge and confidence. Schools like Anastasis Academy break free from grade levels and standardized testing altogether, allowing students to progress through learning paths tailored to their interests and readiness. Children might spend their mornings collaborating on a documentary about water conservation, followed by afternoons prototyping inventions or writing fictional stories inspired by history. Other private schools in the area, such as Front Range Christian School and Cherry Hills Christian, incorporate strong faith-based values with rich arts and STEAM programming, offering students opportunities to grow spiritually and intellectually while engaging creatively with the world. Even schools like Havern School, which specializes in supporting students with learning differences, demonstrate how individualized, creative instruction can unlock potential in remarkable ways. Across the board, these institutions reflect a shared commitment to nurturing curiosity, compassion, and confidence in their youngest learners. In a time when education can often feel pressured and standardized, Littleton’s leading private elementary schools stand as powerful examples of how creativity—when thoughtfully integrated into academics—can shape young minds into innovative, resilient, and empathetic individuals.

In Littleton, Colorado, families with advanced learners are fortunate to have access to a range of outstanding elementary schools that prioritize gifted education through thoughtfully designed programs, individualized instruction, and emotionally supportive environments. Recognizing that gifted students thrive when challenged beyond the standard curriculum, both public and private schools in the area offer tailored experiences that nurture intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Leading the way in private education, Mackintosh Academy stands out as one of the region’s only elementary schools specifically designed for gifted and creative learners. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Mackintosh offers an inquiry-based curriculum that integrates global awareness, interdisciplinary exploration, and emotional development. Students engage in hands-on, student-led projects that dive deep into complex topics such as climate science, global cultures, and ethical dilemmas—encouraging them to think beyond the classroom. With small class sizes and highly trained educators, Mackintosh supports not just academic excellence, but also the social-emotional needs of children who often experience asynchronous development. Other private institutions such as Aspen Academy and Anastasis Academy offer personalized approaches that appeal to high-ability students. Aspen emphasizes leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking alongside core academics, while Anastasis offers a fully customized, project-based learning model with no standardized testing, allowing gifted students to grow at their own pace and follow their passions.

In the public school system, Littleton Public Schools (LPS) is known for its robust Gifted and Talented (GT) programming, which starts identifying advanced learners as early as second grade. Schools such as Wilder Elementary and Lois Lenski Elementary offer enriched instruction, differentiated learning pathways, and access to GT specialists who collaborate with classroom teachers to meet students' unique needs. Pull-out programs, cluster grouping, and advanced academic tracks help ensure that gifted students are consistently challenged while remaining socially connected to their peers. LPS also provides strong support for twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are gifted and have learning differences—through specialized interventions and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). For families seeking a blend of advanced academics and personalized learning without leaving the public system, LPS presents a strong, community-oriented option. Additionally, schools like Havern School, though not exclusively for gifted learners, serve 2e students exceptionally well by offering a low student–teacher ratio and tailored academic and therapeutic support. Throughout Littleton, there is a shared commitment to recognizing and fostering exceptional potential in young learners—whether through rigorous academics, creative freedom, or emotional guidance. For parents seeking an elementary experience that both challenges and supports their gifted child, Littleton offers a rich educational landscape with multiple pathways to success. These schools understand that advanced learners don’t just need more work—they need meaningful engagement, compassionate educators, and opportunities to explore the world in deeper and more complex ways.

As families in Littleton, Colorado, increasingly seek holistic and future-ready education for their children, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) has emerged as a standout option for elementary students. Designed for children ages 3 to 12, the PYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, global awareness, and whole-child development—creating a foundation not just for academic success, but for lifelong curiosity and international-mindedness. The IB approach fosters critical thinking, encourages students to ask big questions, and integrates learning across subjects rather than teaching in isolated silos. At the heart of the program is the IB Learner Profile, a set of attributes such as being principled, open-minded, reflective, and caring. In Littleton, Mackintosh Academy is the primary private school offering the full IB PYP experience. As an IB World School, Mackintosh combines the global rigor of the IB framework with a mission to serve gifted and creative learners. Its classrooms are active, student-centered environments where children engage in real-world issues through interdisciplinary units. A third grader might explore environmental sustainability by designing a model eco-village, while fifth graders culminate their PYP experience with the Exhibition Project, tackling complex global topics through research, collaboration, and presentation. This rich educational model not only deepens academic engagement but also nurtures the emotional and social intelligence essential for thriving in today’s world.

What sets the IB approach apart in the elementary years is its balance of structure and freedom. Students are guided by a rigorous academic framework but have the flexibility to follow their interests and develop their voices as learners. Mackintosh’s low student–teacher ratio ensures that every child receives the attention they need to grow both intellectually and personally. Teachers act as facilitators, encouraging students to explore problems, develop their own questions, and make connections across disciplines. Beyond Mackintosh, interest in IB education is growing among Littleton-area families, prompting nearby public school districts such as Denver Public Schools and Cherry Creek to expand their own IB offerings—making it increasingly accessible to a wider audience. For families in Littleton considering open enrollment or private options, the IB program offers a distinctive blend of academic challenge, creativity, and international perspective. The emphasis on student agency, collaboration, and ethical responsibility means that learners are not just absorbing content—they’re being equipped to apply it meaningfully in their communities and the world. Whether a child is a natural inquirer, a deep thinker, or a creative problem solver, the IB Primary Years Programme in Littleton supports their growth in a way that traditional models often cannot. For parents looking to lay a strong educational foundation rooted in curiosity, compassion, and global citizenship, the IB option offers a transformative path well worth exploring.

In Littleton, Colorado, a growing number of elementary schools—particularly private and independent institutions—are embracing the benefits of small class sizes as a cornerstone of their educational philosophy. While large classrooms often make it difficult for teachers to address each student’s unique needs, schools with smaller student-to-teacher ratios provide an environment where children receive more individualized instruction, develop stronger relationships with educators, and enjoy greater opportunities for participation. These conditions are particularly valuable during the elementary years, when students are developing foundational skills in reading, math, and social-emotional learning. Schools like Mackintosh Academy, Aspen Academy, and Anastasis Academy maintain intentionally low class sizes, often with ratios as low as 8:1 or 10:1, allowing teachers to tailor lessons, identify learning challenges early, and foster a sense of safety and belonging in the classroom. In this kind of environment, students are more likely to ask questions, take academic risks, and engage meaningfully with their peers. These benefits aren’t limited to academics—small class sizes also support emotional regulation, stronger peer connections, and reduced behavioral issues. For advanced learners or students who need extra support, small classes make it easier to differentiate instruction, allowing every child to be both challenged and supported at their own pace.

This personalized approach extends far beyond the curriculum. In Littleton’s top private and independent elementary schools, small class sizes create a learning culture where each child is known as an individual. Teachers can build deeper connections with students and families, track personal growth over time, and offer feedback that is both timely and relevant. At Mackintosh Academy, for instance, teachers frequently adjust projects and assessments to align with students' interests and abilities, encouraging ownership of learning and intrinsic motivation. Similarly, at Anastasis Academy, the absence of rigid grade levels and standardized testing—combined with small group instruction—enables educators to craft fully personalized learning experiences rooted in inquiry and creativity. Even in faith-based institutions like Front Range Christian School or Shepherd of the Hills Christian School, small classes are instrumental in creating nurturing, close-knit communities where students thrive socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Parents consistently report higher levels of satisfaction in schools where children feel seen, supported, and celebrated—not just as learners, but as whole people. While public schools in Littleton also work to maintain manageable class sizes, particularly in younger grades, it’s the city’s private institutions that fully leverage the advantages of small-group learning. Ultimately, the impact of small class sizes in Littleton’s elementary schools is clear: they create space for deeper learning, greater confidence, and a more personalized path to success. For families prioritizing a nurturing, responsive educational environment, this approach offers not only academic benefits, but a strong foundation for lifelong growth.