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Summit to Success Events in the Trianon

• September 24, 5:00-6:00 p.m.: Elevating Excellence in our Divisions
• October 8, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating Student Wellness at Ģ����ý
• October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m.: Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School
• November 6, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating STEM & Innovation at Ģ����ý

Support Summit to Success: Elevating Academic Excellence at Ģ����ý by making a gift here to the Kodiak Pride Fund.

Summit to Success: Elevating Student Wellness

Student wellness at Ģ����ý is embarking on a new, innovative journey with the Kodiak Compass — a holistic framework that helps students grow through academics, relationships, equity, and wellbeing.

"I genuinely believe this is going to be a game-changer for how we support our students,” said Dr. Teneshia Taylor, Dean of Student Life.

From restorative practices to lifelong skills in reflection and repair, the Kodiak Compass is transforming how Ģ����ý supports every child’s journey.

“Before, our approach to behavioral challenges was more punitive,” School Counselor Emily Warren said. “With the Kodiak Compass, we now have a student-centered, holistic framework that considers every aspect of a student’s life."

Read the full feature here.

Learn more and meet Dr. Taylor and Ms. Warren at Summit to Success: Elevating Student Wellness on October 8, 2025, at 8 a.m. in the Trianon.

Summit to Success: Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School

At Ģ����ý, AP classes have expanded across every core discipline—with students now expected to take the corresponding exam, ensuring they experience the full rigor of college-level work.

Paired with highly personalized college counseling, students gain the guidance and confidence to find their best-fit schools.

“We haven’t just added new courses—we’ve changed expectations. The expectation now is that students prepare for and take the AP exam,” said Dr. Ira Pernick, Director of Upper School. “That changes the mindset for students and teachers alike.”

Read the full feature here.

Learn more and meet Dr. Pernick, Upper School Director, and Erik Playe, Director of College Counseling, at Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School on October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Trianon.

Summit to Success: Elevating STEM & Innovation at Ģ����ý

At Ģ����ý, STEM education now spans from PreKindergarten through Grade 12, both in the classroom and through after-school robotics clubs.

From PreK play-based sequencing to Lower School sumo bots, Middle School 3D modeling, and Upper School engineering projects, STEM cultivates creativity, logical thinking, technical fluency, and teamwork at every stage.

“At Ģ����ý, STEM education from PreK through 12th grade engages students in hands-on robotics, coding, engineering, and design experiences that build problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills while preparing them to navigate a technology-driven world,” said Dr. Bradley Hayes, Director of STEM Innovation and Institutional Research.

Read the full feature here.

Learn more and meet at Summit to Success: Elevating STEM & Innovation at Ģ����ý on November 6, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the Trianon.

Summit to Success: Elevating Experiential Education at Ģ����ý

At Ģ����ý, experiential education (ExEd) has been central since 1962, rooted in John Dewey’s philosophy of learning by doing. Today, students grow through hands-on, inquiry-based learning in the classroom and immersive field experiences across Colorado and around the world.

For senior Tristan K. ’26 (pictured on the far right), the Tall Ships Experience-Centered Seminar—a 10-day voyage through the U.S. Virgin Islands—was “life-changing,” helping him build confidence, embrace teamwork, and discover a stronger sense of self.

His experience reflects the broader purpose of ExEd at Ģ����ý for students in PreK through 12th grade: to expand comfort zones, foster resilience, and prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

“ExEd gives students opportunities to be challenged and to grow,” said Emily Fuller, Experiential Education and Auxiliary Programs Coordinator. “They gain confidence, build stronger relationships, and leave Ģ����ý ready to face life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.”

Read the full feature here.

Learn more here about Ms. Fuller.

Summit to Success: Elevating Curiosity & Exploration in Middle School at Ģ����ý

At Ģ����ý, Middle School Passion Classes spark curiosity through seminar-style experiences that extend learning beyond traditional academics. Launched this year based on student and teacher input, classes meet twice a week and include Outdoor Skills, Mountain Biking, Games & Strategy, Miniature Architecture, Weights & Sports Nutrition, and Global Sports.

“These classes expand horizons, build curiosity, and provide experiences that linger long after Middle School,” said Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School.

Through hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-world application, students gain confidence and independence while exploring diverse topics. What began as an experiment in student-driven learning has quickly become a weekly highlight, inspiring curiosity and exploration for years to come.

Read the full feature here.

Learn more here about Ms. Cerezo.

Summit to Success: Elevating Athletics & Kodiak Spirit at Ģ����ý

At Ģ����ý, Kodiak Athletics are about more than games—they’re about growth, character, and community. Students from PreK through 12th grade have the chance to try new sports, build confidence, and form lasting connections.

“Kodiak Athletics instills a growth mindset, encouraging students to try new sports, face challenges with courage, and celebrate effort and improvement,” said Director of Athletics Nathan Johnson. “Success is measured not just by results, but by the relationships built, resilience shown, and character forged through sport.”

Kodiak spirit shines through teamwork and support: athletes cheer on other teams, leave encouraging notes, share ice cream outings, and join cross-sport workouts. Kodiak Athletics: building skills, confidence, and community—one game, practice, and connection at a time.

Read the full feature here.

Learn more here about Mr. Johnson.

Summit to Success: Elevating Early Childhood Exploration at Ģ����ý

On a recent morning, PreKindergarten students transformed the new Exploration Garden into a world of imagination—pirate ships, dog kennels, and even a "banana bread bakery” came to life.

That spirit of discovery defines Ģ����ý’s PreKindergarten program for ages 3 to 5, where curiosity leads the way.

"We carefully design our learning spaces to encourage self-directed discovery, balancing structured activities with Montessori materials and open-ended play," said Bronwyn Holman, Director of Early Childhood. "Our approach emphasizes the arts, nature experiences, and collaborative projects, fostering both independence and connection."

Through hands-on exploration, STEM collaborations, baking projects, and real-world studies—like one inspired by an alumna’s trip to Antarctica—children learn to ask questions, experiment, and create.

From garden discoveries to pumpkin drops, Ģ����ý PreK nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence, preparing children for Kindergarten and a lifetime of joyful learning.

Read the full feature here.

Learn more about Mrs Holman here.

Summit to Success: Elevating a Culture of Giving at Ģ����ý

At Ģ����ý, every act of generosity helps shape the future. Since 1962, Ģ����ý has inspired curious, creative, and courageous students—but tuition alone doesn’t cover the full cost of our experiential education. The generosity of families, alumni, foundations, and friends keeps our programs thriving, our teachers inspired, and our students growing with confidence and purpose.

This year, the Kodiak Pride Fund aims to raise $1.25 million to spark innovation in STEM, expand the arts, and create spaces where imagination and discovery thrive.

Even better—your gift can go twice as far. Members of our Ģ����ý community, including parents, past parents, and the Board of Trustees, have pledged a $120,000 matching challenge through December 31, 2025. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling your impact on students and teachers.

“We are deeply grateful to the donors who have stepped forward to provide this year’s Kodiak Pride Fund match,” said Director of Development Aubryn Bednar. “Their generosity amplifies every gift, encouraging our community to come together in support of our students and mission.”

Every gift counts—whether $25 or $25,000. Supporters contributing $1,962 or more join the Claremont Society.

Join us in elevating a culture of giving at Ģ����ý—together, we’ll continue shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Read the full feature here.

Donate to the Kodiak Pride Fund here.