About Us
Welcome to Highlands Academy, where we are dedicated to providing a high-quality early childhood education 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 childcare 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.
Professional Educators
We are 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 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 and childcare in Denver.
In The Classroom
Our classrooms 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. If it is our infant care classrooms, toddler classrooms, early preschool, preschool, or pre-K classrooms, we prioritize the holistic development of each child.
All-Inclusive Childcare
In addition to our exceptional childcare 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.
Experience the Highlands Academy Difference
At Highlands Academy, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming community where children don’t just attend school—they truly thrive. Our commitment goes beyond academics; we focus on nurturing the whole child through a play-based, child-led curriculum that fosters creativity, confidence, and crucial social-emotional skills. This philosophy is brought to life by our passionate team of educators who partner with you, the parents, to create a consistent and enriching environment. We believe this strong partnership is the cornerstone of a successful early childhood education, building a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
We invite you to schedule a tour and see this vibrant community for yourself. Witness firsthand how we offer exceptional education and childcare in Denver, from our gentle, responsive infant care to our dynamic, kindergarten-ready Pre-K programs. During your visit, you can explore our 16 modern classrooms, meet our leadership team, and learn more about our all-inclusive approach. Taking this next step is the best way to understand the unique, nurturing atmosphere we have cultivated. Come see why so many families have chosen Highlands Academy as the place for their child’s journey to begin.
Leadership Team

Claire Southard
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
