Student writing on white board in impact studio

Student Innovation & AgencyAt Kent Denver, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through the Office of Innovation, students can earn credit in over 40 additional classes—fostering opportunities to customize learning beyond our core academic departments.

Innovation Scholars

A Different Approach to Learning

In the Innovation Scholars program, students are the initiators, architects and managers of their learning. They choose what to pursue and how deeply to engage. Students can participate in the program through our established tracks or by developing their own.

Advisors help students begin their journey, explore initial projects, connect students with mentors and draft an initial personalized learning plan. Currently, we have established tracks in technology, entrepreneurship, design and experimental research. Students developing their own track are supported by divisional coordinators to achieve their learning goals.

At the end of each semester, students present their work at an Innovation Symposium, showcasing what they’ve learned to our community.

Innovation Scholars Staff

Nicholas Weingardt

Associate Director of Information, Innovation Scholars & Libraries

Cody Candler

Innovation Coordinator, Impact Studio

A Framework that Empowers Students

Innovation Scholar Advisors

Innovation Scholar Certificates

For students whose learning goals include a deep dive into the field, Institutes in the Middle and Upper School offer an Innovation Scholar certificate at Middle School continuation and Upper School graduation. While certificate requirements vary in the different established tracks, an approved personal learning plan and a completed portfolio/presentation of learning should bookend the student’s experience.

Innovation Scholar Portfolios

The Innovation Scholars program does not have traditional assessment methods or grades. Instead, students demonstrate their accomplishments through the creation of a portfolio covering five different areas. This portfolio contains artifacts representing five competencies: (1) engagement with fundamental concepts, (2) an established professional support network, (3) demonstrated impact in a community, (4) developed expertise in a focus area and (5) ability to narrate learning journey and personal learning style.

Global Online Academy

Kent Denver is proud to be a member of the Global Online Academy (GOA)—a consortium of schools around the world—whose mission is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society.

GOA offers Kent Denver students the opportunity to learn alongside peers from around the world and to test their passions in ways typically unavailable on a single campus. To learn more about the program, click to see the 2022-2023 GOA School Profile and explore frequently asked questions.

With Global Online Academy, teachers and students can share their voice on a global stage, improving learning and enabling the pursuit of individual passions. There are currently more than 120 high-performing independent schools in the consortium that represent 25 countries and 30 states. All GOA courses are taught by teachers who currently teach at a GOA member school.

See the full list of Global Online Academy member schools.

For more information about GOA courses and enrollment, please contact our GOA site directors.

Global Online Academy Liaisons

Wendy Daniel

Associate Director of Information, Online Learning & Libraries

Michael Ehrenfried

Chief Innovation and Information Officer

"By teaching our students 21st-century learning skills, we can prepare them to be global citizens who can communicate with people who have backgrounds different from their own; who can collaborate effectively with peers in other states or even on different continents; who can advocate for their own learning; who can publish their work and ideas in a format that will preserve their work in perpetuity; and who know how to be creative, flexible, proactive learners."

- GOA website

One Schoolhouse

Kent Denver is excited to partner with One Schoolhouse, a consortium of schools whose mission is to empower learning and transform education by leading through innovation, inspiring learners, and partnering with schools and organizations.

One Schoolhouse offers Kent Denver students the opportunity to take coursework outside the core curriculum and to grow relationships with students across the country and around the world. To learn more about the program, click to see the One Schoolhouse course catalog and explore frequently asked questions.

With One Schoolhouse, students have a choice in how they learn & practice, apply & analyze, and assess & master. There are currently more than 230 high-performing independent schools in the consortium.

See the full list of One Schoolhouse consortium members.

For more information about One Schoolhouse courses and enrollment at Kent Denver, please contact our One Schoolhouse site directors.

One Schoolhouse Liaisons

Wendy Daniel

Associate Director of Information, Online Learning & Libraries

Michael Ehrenfried

Chief Innovation and Information Officer

"Classes at One Schoolhouse are designed for each student to find success. We do this by personalizing the student learning experience, inspiring students to gain new skills and competencies, and supporting students by giving them the best independent school teachers and partnering with their schools."

- One Schoolhouse website