Why Highlands Academy
Progressive CurriculumWe designed our learning curriculum from The Creative Curriculum®, a comprehensive, research-based program that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.
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LocationLocated on the outskirts of Downtown Denver near Highland Park and Union Station, our school offers a convenient location for all parents.
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Meet our Experienced Leadership Team
Owner of H.A:
Holli Martin Hello, my name is Holli Martin and I am the Owner of Highlands Academy as well as a parent of Jack, Francesca who was a first student here in 2013 and James. I began my career in Early Childhood Education in 2004 as a Master's student in the ECE program at the University of Colorado at Denver. This program was coupled with practicum hours at a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool in Boulder, CO. I was a toddler teacher at the school before becoming a Large Child Care Center Director. I have years of experience working alongside teachers and administrators learning all the ins and outs of child care and schools. I have, since then, been back in the classroom as a lead teacher and Center Director in a therapeutic preschool here in Denver, CO. My husband Ben and I have opened Highlands Academy and Centennial Academy, in the DTC area, in hopes of providing preschools that can go above and beyond to meet the needs of busy working parents and their young children.
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Director of Admissions and Operations: Claire Southard
I began my journey working in a small preschool with toddlers, and I found my passion for Early Childhood Education. I went on to receive a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, worked in many types of schools and soon was able to earn my Directors Certificate as well as my Coaching Credential. I have now been in this field for over 20 years
. I love to be in the classroom with the children, working with our wonderful staff, but my favorite part is my relationship with the families. Outside of Highlands Academy, I spend my time with my family. I have a preschool age son, Xander that attends Highlands Academy and a new baby joining us this winter. I am so proud that my children will be graduates of Highlands Academy! |
Director of Currilcum:
Deanna Constantine Hi, my name is Deanna Constantine! After beginning at Highlands Academy in 2016 as a Preschool Assistant Teacher, I taught Pre-K students as a Lead Teacher from 2016-2020, served as a mentor teacher and internal coach for teachers in our Preschool and Pre-K classrooms since 2019. In the summer of 2021, I moved to the Administration Team and have enjoyed supporting our entire school community.
I received my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2010. I then received my Post-Baccalaureate in Elementary Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver and completed my student teaching at Stedman Elementary in 2015. When I’m not teaching, I spend my time volunteering with the Junior League of Denver and the University of Colorado Alumni Association. I am also a world traveler, coffee enthusiast, and loyal season ticket holder for CU Buffs football. I reignited my passion for writing in 2020 and enjoy trying the cuisine at local restaurants with my husband. |
Assistant Director:
Trisha VanWagenen My name is Trisha Van Wagenen. I started at Highlands Academy in 2017 as an assistant in the Sea Lions room, in 2018 I was happy to be a lead teacher in the Giraffes. and my current role in 2022 on the administration team! I moved to Colorado the summer of 2014 from Chicago, where I lived for over 20 years. While in Chicago, I studied at Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Family and Child Studies. Working with children has always been my passion. I have been in the field working with children of varying ages and abilities for 15 years. Teaching children is a very rewarding experience and brings me a lot of fulfillment. I am happy to be a part of the Highlands team and be a part of the shared passion of caring for our wonderful kiddos! In my free time, my husband, 2 chow chows, and I enjoy camping, hiking, and catching live music any chance we get!
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