Business Details
Innovative Education in Boulder, Colorado
September School was founded with a commitment to fostering holistic education and community-driven learning. Our dedicated team of educators brought decades of experience in creating personalized academic environments that prioritize student growth beyond traditional coursework. Despite facing significant financial challenges and declining enrollment, we remained focused on delivering quality education while maintaining the values of inclusivity and support that defined our institution. Our staff worked tirelessly to develop innovative curricula integrating arts, wellness, and cultural studies. We prioritized building strong relationships between students, teachers, and families to create a nurturing educational ecosystem.Though we regret our closure in December 2024, we take pride in the meaningful impact we made on students' lives during our operation. Our educators maintained rigorous professional standards through advanced degrees and continuous community engagement. We were committed to transparency throughout our transition process and deeply valued the trust our community placed in us. Our legacy continues through the educational philosophies we championed and the lasting connections formed within our school community.
Services
Spanish Education
Biology Instruction
Counseling Services
Art Education
Physical Education
Highlights and features
- Our educators hold advanced degrees from institutions like DePaul University and Lewis & Clark College
- We specialized in relationship-based learning models for personalized student development
- Our staff included experts in Spanish immersion, wellness education, and creative arts
- We maintained small class sizes to ensure individualized attention for every student
- Our team had decades of combined experience in both public and private educational settings
What people say
Passionate teachers
Supportive environment
Creative curriculum
Services
Spanish Education
Our Spanish program combined language acquisition with cultural immersion through TPRS methodology. Students developed proficiency through storytelling and interactive exercises. The curriculum spanned four levels with customized materials developed over 15 years of teaching experience.
Biology Instruction
Biology courses integrated lab-based learning with real-world scientific applications. Our instructors brought expertise from institutions like University of Colorado and Temple Grandin School. Classes emphasized hands-on experimentation and critical thinking skills for high school students.
Counseling Services
Professional counseling focused on student wellness and academic success. Our counselor held advanced psychology degrees and specialized in youth development. Services included individual support and mental health resources tailored to each student's needs.
Art Education
Art classes emphasized personal expression through traditional and contemporary techniques. Instructors had professional backgrounds in illustration and community art programs. Courses incorporated nature-based learning and adaptive teaching methods for diverse learners.
Physical Education
Our PE program combined martial arts instruction with outdoor activities. Instructors brought 40+ years of martial arts expertise and community coaching experience. Classes emphasized physical wellness, discipline, and teamwork through practical skill development.
People
Michelle Mullin
Head of School
Masters in Education from DePaul University with 15 years of teaching experience. Specialized in Spanish curriculum development and wellness education. Advocated for student-centered learning approaches.
Sarah DeSouza
Dean of Academic Advising
Doctorate in Education Administration with 25 years in policy analysis. Managed academic records and student advising systems. Transitioned to education after government career to support student success.
Hunter Amabil
Music and Social Studies Teacher
Journalism graduate with 20 years of musical experience. Developed unique teaching methods combining music theory with historical context. Directed outdoor education programs before teaching career.
Eitan Fire
Social Studies Teacher
St. Johns College graduate with teaching certification from Lewis & Clark. Specialized in student support through personalized learning approaches. Advocated for inclusive classroom environments.
Vajra Granelli
Physical Education Teacher
40+ years martial arts expertise with 25 years coaching experience. Founded community martial arts programs. Integrated physical discipline with character development in teaching philosophy.
Questions
Why is September School closing?
Due to financial pressures and declining enrollment, we made the difficult decision to close December 20, 2024, after prioritizing student needs.
What happens to current students?
We're providing transition support to help students transfer to new schools while maintaining academic continuity.
Will teachers receive final payments?
Yes, all staff will receive full compensation through the final pay period before closure.
Reviews (6)
Joan Doolittle
Jan 20, 2019
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Imagine the kind of learning that happens when a school meets a student wherever they are. Imagine what learning might be like in a school that holds as a core value the quality of relationshipbetween students, teachers and staff. That's the exceptional experience September School creates every day for all its students. And Im grateful for the profound impact the school has on my own child.
Scott Dimetrosky
Dec 02, 2018
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September School offers a small, intimate environment with amazing teachers and incredible support for all students. Our student, who was not happy in a large Boulder high school, wakes up happy and thrilled to go to school each day. We are so thankful to have discovered the September School!
Brus Westby
Oct 17, 2018
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I was the Principal and Director of September School from 1983 to 2006. During that time, I saw many students and teachers come through our doors. Everyone, myself included, was looking for a meaningful learning experience in which we could receive the support to further develop academic, professional and social skills. When it was our time to leave, we each felt sad to say goodbye to such a vibrant and supportive community, but also well prepared to face our next challenge, whether it was college, a new job or, in my case, retirement. One example of the strength of our community was in the process
Joy Redstone
Sep 15, 2018
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This place is warm and engaging, but has so much research and experience behind its approaches. Our daughter was struggling in public school due to learning difficulties and emotional challenges. She loves this place as a student and we as parents love it as well, especially its relational approach
Andrew Brandt
Jul 28, 2018
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The best private school in Colorado (and maybe the country). Sep School has beed a godsend for my family. We couldn't be happier with Kelly and her staff.
Melanye Levin
Jun 15, 2018
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September School has been the best experience for my daughter. I really appreciate the inclusive community and mutual respect between students and teachers. People are actually nice to each other! Kids are treated with respect and the staff is so caring. What a difference from regular high school.
