The BCD Difference clone

Joyful Learning

We are committed to cultivating an environment where joy and kindness are integral to every facet of the student experience. Our community of teachers, staff, parents/guardians, and students come together to develop an environment that is fueled by a love of learning, care for one another, and an optimism about what is possible.

Welcoming and Inclusive Community

We understand the power of a welcoming and inclusive community and we are intentional at building a calendar, events, classrooms, and curricula that bring this value to life. Students, family members, and employees can only thrive in a place where they show up safe, seen, and cared for. Our commitment to belonging guides or work and grounds our program in developing empathetic students who hold a deep interest in the unique contributions of others.  

Preschool - 8th Grade

Our intentional focus on preschool through eighth grade is among our greatest assets. The distinct advantages this age range offers during the most critical years of a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional development are proven. Extensive cross-grade experiences develop both leadership and community and our focus on childhood, not college admission, keeps us committed to our young students.

Learn more about the benefits of a PS-8 school environment.

Engaging, Experiential Curriculum

We believe children thrive when they are invested, challenged, and are invited into the learning process. Our research-based, experiential curriculum is infused with best practices teaching, innovative strategies for differentiated instruction, project-based and thematic learning, as well as inquiry and reflective engagement. Our small class sizes allow for the building of deep connections with teachers thus further supporting the love of learning.

Social-Emotional and Wellness Focus

Social and emotional skills don’t develop by osmosis. We believe we must intentionally teach and model. Our integrated philosophy for wellness helps students build self-awareness and confidence in themselves by developing skills in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, self-advocacy, risk-taking, and resiliency.

Small Class Sizes

We believe small class sizes allow our teachers to truly see, know, and tailor support for each student. Current students and alumni will share that their positive relationships with their BCD teachers is what fuels their love of school. Smaller ratios are essential to tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. Our Board of Trustees mandates that sizes do not exceed 18 in the Elementary School or 22 in the Middle School. Preschool classes range from 12-16 students with two full-time teachers.

Dedicated Faculty and Staff

Committed and Engaged Parent Body

We believe education works best when schools and families partner for the benefit of the students. Committed and engaged parents are the key to the success of those partnerships, and our Portrait of a Parent outlines the embodiment of that role at BCD. We recognize that parents also want connection and at every turn, we curate opportunities for connection and relationship-building with one another.

Inviting and Safe Campus

We believe that a safe, modern, and age-appropriate campus improves learning and enhances student engagement. BCD’s six buildings, playgrounds, and greens are situated on a stunning 5.5 acres campus located in the Gunbarrel neighborhood of Boulder. The campus nestles up to the Twin Lakes open space, providing ample opportunity for students to learn and grow inside and outside the classroom. With a brand new Dining Commons, design labs, art studios, learning gardens and playgrounds, BCD’s campus provides the container for exploration, creativity, and growth.

Outstanding Outcomes

We believe our graduates should be socially and academically confident leaders who are prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow. They should demonstrate resilience and curiosity and be empowered to make a difference in the world around them.

Our alumni matriculate at a variety of local public and private high schools along with out-of-state boarding schools. Typically, over 85% enter high school taking four or more honors courses and engage in a wide variety of sports, clubs, and service activities. They are well-rounded, grounded, kind, and exceptionally well prepared for the next step in their educational career.