Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Alternative School in Denver, CO
Accelerated Schools has been dedicated to transforming education through individualized learning since 1974. Our mission focuses on empowering students who struggle in traditional academic environments by providing tailored curricula, small class sizes, and comprehensive support systems. With decades of experience, we specialize in addressing diverse learning needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and gifted education. Our team of certified educators employs diagnostic testing and personalized success plans to foster academic growth and self-confidence. We maintain rigorous accreditation standards through Cognia while offering year-round open enrollment.Our proven methodologies emphasize social skill development, college advisement, and character building to prepare students for lifelong success. The historic Fitzroy Mansion campus provides a unique learning environment that combines modern educational technology with architectural heritage. Parent collaboration remains central to our approach, ensuring consistent communication through daily report cards and regular conferences. This structured yet flexible model has established us as Denver's leading alternative education provider for nearly five decades.
Services
Individualized Curriculum
College Advisement
Social Skill Development
Executive Functioning Coaching
Diagnostic Testing
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning plans for each student's unique needs
- Our average class size is nine students for maximum attention
- Certified teachers with specialized training in learning differences
- Proven college preparatory program with 40+ years of success
- Daily parent communication through structured reporting systems
Associations and certifications
- Cognia
What people say
Positive change in Donnie
Dedication & care you bring
Transcript look so much better
Confidence to move to next level
Fantastic during this transition
Services
Individualized Curriculum
Our personalized education approach creates tailored learning paths for each student. Through diagnostic testing and continuous assessment, we develop customized curricula that address individual strengths and weaknesses while maintaining college preparatory standards. This method allows students to progress at their own pace while receiving targeted academic support.
College Advisement
Our comprehensive college preparation program guides students through the application process and academic requirements. Certified counselors provide personalized guidance on course selection, application strategies, and financial aid options while developing essential study skills and academic habits required for university success.
Social Skill Development
Structured programs focus on improving interpersonal skills and emotional regulation. Through daily interactions and targeted coaching, students develop effective communication, conflict resolution, and self-management techniques in a supportive environment that emphasizes positive behavior reinforcement.
Diagnostic Testing
Comprehensive evaluations identify each student's academic strengths and challenges. These assessments form the foundation for personalized education plans and help track progress over time, ensuring instructional methods align with individual learning styles and cognitive development.
Executive Functioning Coaching
Specialized instruction develops essential organizational and time management skills. Students learn effective planning strategies, task prioritization techniques, and self-monitoring tools to improve academic performance and build lifelong learning capabilities through structured practice and consistent feedback.
People
Michelle Tuengel
Executive Director
Colorado native with 17+ years in education. Holds BFA in Fine Arts with Reading minor. Joined Accelerated Schools in 2012, progressing from classroom teacher to director. Specializes in academic and behavioral support while maintaining family engagement.
Evan Simpson
Dean of Students
Colorado State University graduate in English Education. Former youth counselor with experience in traditional and outdoor education programs. Focuses on creating optimal learning environments and student engagement through personalized educational approaches.
Raechel Kimsey
High School Instructor
Fine Arts teacher with BA in Art and minor in Psychology. Former barber and hairstylist with international study experience in Barcelona. Brings creative perspective to classroom instruction while emphasizing lifelong learning principles.
Dan McMahon
Science Instructor
Experienced educator with international teaching background. Holds degree from California State University and master's from University of Northern Colorado. Former Denver Public Schools science teacher and sports coach with decade of classroom experience.
Jessica Machetta
High School Instructor
English educator with BA in Journalism and French. Former reporter with two decades of field experience. Specializes in ESL instruction and cross-cultural communication while teaching diverse student populations in K-12 settings.
Questions
What grade levels do you serve?
We serve middle school and high school students with individualized education programs tailored to each learner's needs and academic level.
Are you accredited?
Yes, we maintain accreditation through Cognia (formerly AdvancED) which covers the former North Central Association standards.
What learning differences do you support?
Our programs address Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, and gifted/talented education with specialized staff training.
Do you offer college preparation?
Yes, our curriculum includes college advisement, career exploration, and academic skill development specifically designed for college-bound students.
What is your class size?
We maintain an average class size of nine students to ensure personalized attention and meaningful teacher-student interactions.
