Our Program at a Glance

ASCEND serves Kindergarten through 12th grade and meets every Monday in Thornton, Colorado. Students spend the rest of the week learning at home, following the guidance and assignments provided through the co-op.

Teaching is a shared commitment: all participating parents take an active role in leading classes and supporting one another to provide a rich, engaging learning environment.

Christ-Centered Learning

Our program centers on Christ in both worship and curriculum. We begin each day with group worship and Bible study, emphasizing God’s truth as the foundation for all learning and life. The Bible guides our teaching and shapes our community, encouraging students to develop character marked by compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Academic Program

We strive for academic growth grounded in purpose—preparing students to explore their God-given talents and passions. Smaller class sizes and combined grade groups allow for personalized instruction, thoughtful discussions, and meaningful presentations.

Class levels:

• Elementary (Lower & Upper)
• Middle School
• High School

Subjects for K–8 include: Bible, Science, History, Writing, and two enrichment classes per semester.
For grades 9–12: Bible, Science, Social Studies, English Literature & Writing, plus two enrichment classes per semester.

Alongside core academics, we offer educational field trips and monthly service projects, fostering a love of learning and a heart for serving others.

At ASCEND, we focus on striving towards our greatest potential, and to ‘work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.’ Colossians 3:23

Student & Teacher Expectations

ASCEND thrives because every family embraces the cooperative spirit. This means learning and teaching are shared responsibilities, with parents and students working together to make the program successful and meaningful.

For Students:
Students are expected to complete all assignments outlined in their class syllabi during the week at home. This consistent work supports their growth and helps them fully benefit from the co-op experience.

For Parents as Teachers:
Parents play a vital role as instructors in our community. Each family is asked to teach two classes per semester and may assist in additional classes as needed. You don’t need to be a professional teacher just a heart willing to serve and learn alongside your children.

We provide teacher training during the summer before classes begin to help you feel confident and prepared. Typically, you can expect to spend 1–2 hours preparing per class each week.

By sharing the teaching load, we support one another and create a nurturing environment where both students and parents grow.

Learning, Serving & Fellowship

Our learning philosophy—Christian curriculum along with Inspired, Integrated, and In-depth (I³ Learning)—encourages students to explore their passions, connect ideas across subjects, and dig deeper into topics that excite them. With this approach, our hope is to foster a lifelong love of learning grounded in purpose and joy.

Serving others is an essential part of our community life. Once a month, we come together for planned service projects, giving students meaningful opportunities to put their faith into action and grow in empathy and leadership.

We also enrich our learning through carefully chosen field trips, whether visiting museums, participating in educational tours, or enjoying outdoor activities—that bring classroom lessons to life and strengthen relationships.

Additionally, age-appropriate mission and educational trips offer students a chance to expand their worldview and deepen their sense of calling.

Together, learning, serving, and fellowship create a vibrant community allowing families to grow together in their faith.