The Academy in Westminster, Colorado on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"The Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9237285,"projectId":9281348,"letterContent":"When my students found out about the new iPad Air and accesories for our classroom, they were immediately in shock. They began exploring how they could use it to follow along with scores, recordings, and apps during warm-ups and rehearsals. We mainly use it right now to double our sound system so kids are learning about how to set levels on microphones and run sound for our upcoming plays and musicals. Almost instantly, the iPad became a central part of our daily routines. Students now use it during sectionals to access practice tracks, practice sight reading, and receive real-time feedback. Students have been loving learning these new tech skills and like having everything in one place.\r\n The iPad has enhanced both the efficiency and the quality of instruction in our classroom. I am able to mirror music and practice tools to the Promethean board, provide immediate feedback on student work, and support accessibility for students who need accommodations. The mobility of the device also allows us to use it during performances, outdoor rehearsals, and field trips, making learning more flexible and connected. This technology has become a key resource that helps every student engage more fully, work independently, and collaborate effectively. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1752586570402,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-our-choir-tech-tools-for-young/9281348/","projectTitle":"Power Up Our Choir: Tech Tools for Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9237285_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724200746117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9237285"},{"teacherId":9237285,"projectId":9280736,"letterContent":"My students and I are extremely thankful for this donation! My students were SO excited when they saw the new chairs and supplies, they couldn't believe it was real. They immediately jumped on them and settled in, honestly amazed that they were being given so many new things. Since then, the areas have become a regular part of our day. Students stop by before school to study, during lunch to rest or talk quietly, and after rehearsal to decompress with calming activities. One student said that this was the first time they had ever felt comfortable enough to eat lunch at school, which perfectly reflects how much this project has meant to them.\r\n\r\n The new materials have also shifted the tone of our classroom. The softer lighting and flexible seating have created a calm atmosphere that helps students focus and calm down before and after rehearsals. The addition of games and art materials has encouraged positive social interaction and helped students find meaningful ways to reset when they need it. Overall, the space now supports both the emotional and academic needs of my students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1752586536107,"projectUrl":"project/helping-choir-kids-find-their-safe-space/9280736/","projectTitle":"Helping Choir Kids Find Their Safe Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9237285_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724200746117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9237285"},{"teacherId":3772310,"projectId":8601334,"letterContent":"I want to thank you so much for your donation. So far every student has gotten to use the chairs and because they mean so much, I will keep working on getting more chairs for every seat in the classroom. Kids have helped put them together, we have used them as rewards, and they have made such a positive impact on student's mental health by giving them that comfortable feeling of being in a safe and loving place. For instance, there was a third-grader yesterday who does not ever smile. Every teacher he visits has tried to make this kiddo happy. It's such a simple, small thing to do. I let him help me put a chair together, and we let him use it for the day. He had the biggest grin. His home life is rough, and seeing him enjoy something new and getting a VIP experience touched our hearts. He is just one of many students that these chairs have made an impact on. \r\nI wish I had pictures of kids' faces lighting up when they first saw the chairs. They are for the third through fifth-grade students, and my high school helpers were a bit upset, saying that isn't fair. They get to use them too but just in the lab. But their reaction says a lot and they tell the younger students how lucky they are.","fullyFundedDate":1733262048705,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-to-keep-your-students/8601334/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies to Keep Your Students Safe","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Waldau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3772310_orig.jpg?crop=289,289,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693327922905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3772310"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61630","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1887,"numTeachers":90,"percentFrplEligible":35,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"21.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.9,"schoolId":61630,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about The Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"The Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/colorado-charter-school-institute/academy-of-charter-schools/61630"}

About this school

The Academy is a suburban public school in Westminster, Colorado that is part of Colorado Charter School Institute. It serves 1,887 students in grades K - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.0:1. Its teachers have had 90 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 12

1,887 Students

90 Teachers

11800 Lowell Blvd

Westminster, CO 80031 View local requests

http://theacademyk12.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

The Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from The Academy

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

The Academy Demographics

35%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

38%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

The Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

The Academy

$65,325

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

155

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

The Academy has received support from 99 individuals from Colorado and 56 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

The Academy

About this school

The Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

The Academy Demographics

The Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

The Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.