About Us

Welcome to Highlands Academy, where we are dedicated to providing a high-quality early learning experience for children in Downtown Denver and the surrounding areas.

Our Company

At Highlands Academy, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for children to grow, learn, and develop. Our commitment to excellence in early childhood education is evident in every aspect of our program. From our progressive curriculum to our experienced leadership team, we strive to create the best possible learning experience for each child.

Our progressive curriculum is designed to foster exploration, discovery, and critical thinking skills in children. We have implemented Experience Curriculum, a comprehensive research-based program that ensures children receive a well-rounded education. With a focus on confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning, our curriculum provides a solid foundation for academic and personal growth. This curriculum and your child’s journey is visible each day in your reports from the classroom.

Highlands Academy is proud to have a team of experienced and passionate professionals leading our school. Our owner, Holli Martin, has been involved in early childhood education since 2004 and has a deep understanding of the needs of both children and working parents. Holli’s dedication to providing top-quality preschools led to the establishment of Highlands Academy as well as Centennial Montessori, and Mountain View Academy, ensuring busy parents have access to exceptional educational programs.

The classrooms at Highlands Academy are designed to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment. Our school features 16 classrooms, catering to a total of 225 students. Each classroom is thoughtfully set up and equipped with age-appropriate materials and resources to promote learning and engagement. Whether it’s our infant classrooms, toddler classrooms, early preschool, preschool, or pre-K classrooms, we prioritize the holistic development of each child.

In addition to our exceptional curriculum and classrooms, we offer ancillary programming that adds value to your child’s learning experience. Our all-inclusive program ensures that snacks and additional activities are included in your monthly tuition. We believe in providing a well-rounded education, and our ancillary programming includes enriching activities such as art, music, physical education, and more. These activities enhance creativity, fine and gross motor skills, socialization, and overall development.

At Highlands Academy, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming community where children thrive. We invite you to schedule a tour and see firsthand the exceptional education and care we provide.

Leadership Team

Meet our dedicated and compassionate leadership team, guiding your child’s educational journey with warmth and expertise.

Claire Southard

Executive Director
I began my journey working in a small preschool with toddlers, and I found my passion for Early Childhood Education. I went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, worked in many types of schools and soon was able to earn my Directors Certificate as well as my Coaching Credential. I have now been in this field for over 20 years.

I love to be in the classroom with the children, working with our wonderful staff, but my favorite part is my relationship with the families.

Outside of Highlands Academy, I spend my time with my family. I have a preschool age son, Xander that attends Highlands Academy and a new baby joining us this winter. I am so proud that my children will be graduates of Highlands Academy!

Trisha VanWagenen

Assistant Director
My name is Trisha Van Wagenen. I started at Highlands Academy in 2017 as an assistant in the Sea Lions room, in 2018 I was happy to be a lead teacher in the Giraffes. and my current role in 2022 on the administration team! I moved to Colorado the summer of 2014 from Chicago, where I lived for over 20 years. While in Chicago, I studied at Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Family and Child Studies. Working with children has always been my passion. I have been in the field working with children of varying ages and abilities for 15 years. Teaching children is a very rewarding experience and brings me a lot of fulfillment. I am happy to be a part of the Highlands team and be a part of the shared passion of caring for our wonderful kiddos! In my free time, my husband, 2 chow chows, and I enjoy camping, hiking, and catching live music any chance we get!
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