What is expected from parents?

Are parents required to teach?
Yes. At ASCEND, parents are the teachers. Each parent is required to teach two classes and may be asked to assist in others. Expect to spend 1–2 hours per week preparing for each class. All prep must be done before the school day.

Teacher Responsibilities
Parents must attend teacher training in the summer and are responsible for arranging a substitute when absent. Every family also helps with setup, cleanup, and care of the church. Duties like trash removal, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning are assigned on the “Back to Beautiful” list. We serve with gratitude and respect for the space we’ve been given.

What can I do during off hours?
When not teaching, you may attend your child’s classes, assist elsewhere, or connect with other parents. Parents must remain on campus all day, except for approved exceptions.

Can someone else teach in my place?
Teachers should be parents of enrolled students. Exceptions are rare and typically involve special guests sharing unique gifts. No adult may be alone with students without a background check.

Substitutes
If you need a sub, coordinate in advance with another ASCEND parent-teacher. All substitutes must have a Colorado background check.

How are classes assigned?
After enrollment, you'll share your skills and interests. The board builds the teaching schedule based on this input and your registration date. Class assignments are finalized during summer.

Are some classes already taken?
No. Class teaching assignments aren’t made until the summer schedule is created.

Class details and student requirements:

Class details:

Can I pick and choose core classes?
Students in kindergarten through 8th grade are required to participate in all core and enrichment classes. The core curriculum is shared across all grade levels, and assigned homework is an essential part of the program.

The only exception to this rule applies to high school students who are enrolled in early college programs or have specific graduation requirements. High school students are required to take at least one core class each semester and may choose additional classes based on their individual academic needs.

Is homework required?
Yes. Students are expected to complete all assignments outlined in their class syllabi while completing coursework at home. 

What enrichment classes do you offer?
Enrichment classes are developed each year based on the skills, talents, and passions of our parent teachers. Each semester, students are enrolled in two enrichment classes, which rotate annually.

Past enrichment offerings have included classes such as leadership, cooking, dance and drama, performing arts, arts and culture, manners and etiquette, dating and relationships, life skills (including self-defense, baking, health and nutrition, CPR and first aid, basic car and bike maintenance, and survival skills), physical education, Spanish, and yearbook staff.

Students have the opportunity to switch their enrichment classes during the first two weeks of the semester. After that period, they are expected to remain in the class and complete the course.

Are there grades and tests?
Yes. Students in grades 7 through 12 receive grades based on the completeness and accuracy of their homework. For students in grades 5 and 6, we track assignment completion, though formal grades are not issued. Ultimately, it is the parents’ responsibility to assign final grades for transcripts.

Students will be tested on their knowledge of the assigned material, and parents will be notified of missed assignments. Additionally, parents are responsible for meeting Colorado state homeschool requirements, including submitting a letter of intent to their local school district and providing standardized testing at required grade levels.

Does Ascend provide State testing?

No. Parents are responsible for assigning final grades for transcripts and meeting all Colorado homeschool requirements including submitting a letter of intent and arranging stardardized testing. Parents can find testing materials for grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 at:
https://www.faceschool.org/test-materials
https://www.academicexcellence.com/achievement-tests

What are we aiming for when our students graduated?

ASCEND Academic Student Outcomes
ASCEND students graduate as strong communicators, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers. They master core subjects, use research and technology effectively, and connect ideas across disciplines. They understand how faith, art, and culture shape values, and they apply a biblical worldview to history and current events. Respect, diversity, and biblical harmony are key principles they carry into life and work.

Christian Principles at ASCEND
ASCEND integrates Christian values through curriculum, service, discussions, and activities. Students are guided to serve others, live out their faith, pursue their God-given purpose, and build lasting relationships—with others and with Christ.

what is the cost of attending Ascend?

Can I See the Curriculum?

All ASCEND students study the same Bible, History, Science, and Writing/Literature curriculum.

Exceptions:
High school students may follow a different curriculum based on their individual graduation requirements. They are only required to take one core class with ASCEND.

You can view a sample of the 2024–25 curriculum here: Curriculum 24/25

Math and Language Arts are selected by each family and completed at home. We're happy to offer recommendations if needed.

Do I need to purchase all curriculum and literature books?
Yes, families are responsible for purchasing the required materials.

The yearly curriculum is selected during the summer prior to the school year and will be shared with co-op families once finalized.

Are Science Experiments Offered at ASCEND?

Yes! Hands-on science experiments are an exciting part of the ASCEND experience and are directly tied to the curriculum.

We also complement classroom learning with science-related field trips throughout the year.

Highschoool details: 

• High School Students

  High school students are required to attend at least one core class per semester at ASCEND. Core classes include Bible, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Beyond that, students may choose additional classes that complement their high school schedule or early college coursework.

  Our high school program follows the Adams 12 School District’s scope and sequence for graduation requirements. Students are also welcome to participate in early college opportunities while enrolled at ASCEND. For questions about high school graduation planning or college admissions, we recommend meeting with an academic advisor you trust.

• For H.S. graduation & college entrance questions, we always recommend visiting with an advisor that you trust.

See LINKS below for more information...

College Prep Checklists: http://www.collegeprep101.com/checklists.html

CHEC: https://chec.org/resources/high-school/

Adams 12: https://www.adams12.org/

Graduation Requirements: https://www.adams12.org/graduation-requirements

Colorado Early College: https://www.coloradoearlycolleges.org/

College Help: AP, Accuplacer, SAT, Careers, Colleges: https://www.collegeboard.org

Special needs:

Can ASCEND accommodate children with disabilities?
At this time, ASCEND is not equipped to support children with severe disabilities, though we remain open to how God may lead us in the future.

We can often accommodate mild learning disabilities that do not disrupt classroom flow.

Please reach out to us directly to discuss your child’s specific needs. We want to partner with you in finding the best plan, whether that means making adjustments or offering recommendations.

Childcare

Is childcare provided for the ‘littles’?

• ASCEND has a nursery for infants through Pre-K, which is supervised by our parent teachers.

• Parents with ‘littles’ in the nursery will be scheduled to work in the nursery each week as part of their teaching schedule.

Field trips and service projects:

Field Trips & Service Projects at ASCEND
Field trips and service projects are a core part of ASCEND’s mission to build authentic friendships and Christ-centered community. While not mandatory, we encourage all families to participate as they’re able.

• Service Projects take place once a month and provide opportunities to serve our local community together.

• Field Trips are both educational and relational—past activities include museum visits, tours, and even skiing.

• Mission and Educational Trips are offered based on age and readiness.

• High School students will have a special end-of-year trip to celebrate their growth and connection.

These experiences are a meaningful part of life at ASCEND and help strengthen our community outside the classroom.