Admission

Admission

At Arma Dei Academy, our goal is to provide an excellent classical Christian education founded upon a biblical worldview. We thank you for your interest in Arma Dei Academy and invite you to explore this website as you consider your child’s PK – 12 educational options. 

It is our prayer that you will find our vision compelling and give us an opportunity to partner with you in educating  your children to the glory of God. We would be honored to assist you during the Admissions process to help you determine if Arma Dei Academy is the best school for your family. We look forward to helping you explore the benefits of a classical Christian education!

Arma Dei Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admissions Procedures

Arma Dei Academy offers three academic programs:

  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten – 12th Grade Academy (full time)
  • Collaborative Learning Program Kindergarten – 8th Grade (part-time)

Each program is run separately by a Dean or Director, having a distinct admissions process independent from the other programs.

  • Upon applying, each applicant must specify one of the three academic programs. Families will then follow the selected program’s admissions process for each applicant.
  • Offers of acceptance will be extended to an applicant for one of the three programs.
  • Acceptance and enrollment into one academic program does not guarantee acceptance and enrollment into another academic program.
    • Suppose a family is accepted and enrolls into one academic program and wishes to be considered for another academic program. In that case, they must (1) request in writing to admissions@armadeiacademy.com the desire to be considered for a specific program and (2) complete any step(s) in the admissions process requested by the school that is specific to the desired grade/program.

Wait Pool (K-12 Academy and Collaborative Learning Program)

  • When a grade has reached capacity in either program, applicants may request in writing to admissions@armadeiacademy.com to be added to the wait pool to the respective grade/program, so long as the following admissions steps have been completed: (1) online application, including all required teacher recommendations and (2) spiritual letter of reference from a pastor of the applicant’s church. 
  • Students enrolled in either the K-12 Academy or Collaborative Learning Program may request to be added to either program’s wait pool. If a spot opens up in a given grade/program, the school reserves the right to request an applicant to complete any step(s) in the admissions process specific to that grade/program.
  • If a spot opens up in a given grade, the school will evaluate all wait pool applicants and decide who would be the best fit for that particular class at that specific time. Other factors may include sibling priority, boy/girl ratios and the general makeup of the class.
  • A wait pool is for the current or upcoming academic school year only
  • If a family desires to continue in a wait pool for subsequent years, the school reserves the right to request an applicant to repeat any step(s) in the admissions process to ensure continued alignment and fit to Arma Dei Academy’s mission, vision, and values.

Seven Questions for Families

We all long for an environment where our children flourish; where they are known by their teachers as individual learners and are supported by a community of like-minded families who hold the same hopes for an upcoming generation – one that is marked equally by their intellect and ability and their wisdom and virtue.

Our families value our commitment to Christ in all that we do. Children memorize entire chapters of scripture regularly and are taught to live according to them. We often hear the story of parents who are pulled aside by their children’s Sunday school teachers and asked how these children know so much. We pray and work so they will translate what they learn here into a life of service to Christ. If you share these values, you probably will fit well at Arma Dei Academy.

Our standards within the school are loving and structured. We believe all children are created in the image of God and we deeply respect the uniqueness of their personalities. All children are prone to misbehavior on occasion, so we don’t expect your kids to be perfect (or even close). We do expect parents to support our teachers and administration as we lovingly but firmly discipline children who are acting out. If you value a partnership with a school that will uphold high standards, you will do well at Arma Dei.

Our school is generally recognized in the community for the academic standards we uphold. This comes with a standard of work that requires a little more of both parents and students. Parents are often called upon to be actively involved with their young children as they do homework. Many parents find that by the 4th or 5th grade, the Latin, history, and other subjects exceed their ability to help. However, parents still remain actively involved to ensure they are diligently working to prevent frustration from poor study habits. While some families may find it difficult to trade-off some recreational or entertainment time to focus on academics, our graduates commonly thank us for their training.

Some misunderstand our work ethic. We do not desire or expect children to work excessively. Certainly, children need time to play. For this reason, we restrict the amount of homework allowed each week.

For those who wonder why we have higher expectations: Hundreds of families have found that their children thrive in our environment because they enjoy being challenged. What expectations characterize your family? If you are serious about finding an educational partner with you in preparing your child for life, we invite you to visit and see what’s possible.

Some families want a mainstream education like they had. If you were satisfied with your education (assuming you were educated in a mainstream public or private school) and don’t see any reason to want more, then you probably won’t find our form of education appealing. From our uniforms to our study of the great books to our emphasis on writing, we are different than most schools.

Often, the people who most identify with classical Christian education are those who went to school in the eastern or southern United States, Europe, or any of the British or French commonwealths. A vestige of classical education remains in most of these areas, particularly in the preparatory schools. Because classical Christian education takes time to appreciate, those with a background in traditional Western education more quickly identify with the advantages gained in what has been called a “Western liberal arts” education.

If you are attracted to education that reaches beyond training to enrich the minds and the spirits of students as they learn to love learning, then you should consider our school.

The most consistent success factor for children at Arma Dei is the learning environment at home. Families who read and love to learn send children to our school because they want the world of language, books, history, science, and math to be an integrated whole. They want their children to use their love of knowledge to explore and seek truth. Families that do not have many books in their home and that rarely visit a library or bookstore probably will not find our value compelling.

Having said this, many families discover the world of literature and information through their children’s experience at our school. If you would like to develop a love of books, knowledge, and learning in your home, Arma Dei can provide a great start.

Arma Dei Academy takes a measured approach to the usage of technology in the classroom and believe that students need skills more foundational than those acquired by technology alone.

Technology is one of many tools and we are careful in the tools we use as they have the ability to make and shape us.

The Washington Post cited a recent study that found, “the more children use computers at school, the more their reading abilities seem to suffer.”

Technology is strong in handling data and locating, accessing, relaying, processing, and handling certain types of communication. Technology is not good for encouraging contemplation and reflection, socialization, or identifying and valuing truth, goodness and beauty – all things Arma Dei desires to cultivate in our students.

​Arma Dei Academy is a community of believing parents and teachers sharing a commitment for teaching students to love learning and grow in godliness.

Education at Arma Dei Academy is a family affair and takes a generational approach. At Arma Dei we act and operate under the principle of “in loco parentis” – a Latin phrase that means “in the place of a parent.” Parents have God-mandated authority over their children; we partner with your family to educate your children but do not usurp your authority or responsibilities as a parent.

Preschool

The Arma Dei preschool provides a high-quality early childhood experience for your child in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children develop and grow using developmentally-appropriate curriculum. We strive to prepare your child for the more formal learning environment they will encounter in Kindergarten. Additionally, our preschool program prepares students for the classical model of education by encouraging memorization through song and poetry, hands-on exploration, and exposure to rich literature that emphasizes God’s story. For more information about our preschool program, please click here

For families who reach a decision to begin a classical Christian education at Arma Dei Preschool, the next step on your journey is to apply! Please do not hesitate to call or email with your questions.

Brittany Conklin, Director of Preschool
bconklin@armadeiacademy.com
720-668-4668

Lora Hollaus, Director of Community Engagement
lhollaus@armadeiacademy.com
303-346-4523

For each student, please complete the online application. * Please note that applications are being accepted for the 2023/2024 year. The application for the 2024/2025 school year will open on October 16, 2023.
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN

K - 11 Academy

1 - Experience Arma Dei Academy

For families interested in Kindergarten – 11th grades, for the current (2023/2024) school year, please complete the inquiry form and a member of our Admissions team will be in touch to answer questions, including availability by grade and opportunities to visit the campus. 

The first step towards ensuring the best fit possible for the academy, student and family, is to understand the distinctives of classical Christian education. To begin the admissions process for the 2024/2025 school year, parents must attend an informational Open House, whereby you will experience first-hand the educational environment and discover the nurturing, Christ-centered culture at Arma Dei Academy. You will have an opportunity to observe classes, experience the joyful environment of our school, speak with teachers and administrators, and ask questions of current parents to assist you in determining how Arma Dei Academy might be a good fit for your family. 

Information and Resources:

We encourage prospective families to learn more about classical Christian education through our website and the following. 

Our Admissions office is here to serve you during this process, so please do not hesitate to call (303)346-4523 or email admissions@armadeiacademy.com with your questions.

2 - Apply Online

Apply Online

For families who reach a decision to pursue a classical Christian education at Arma Dei Academy, the next step on your journey is to apply! Our Admissions office is here to serve you during this process, so please do not hesitate to call or email with your questions.

Lora Hollaus, Director of Community Engagement
admissions@armadeiacademy.com
303-346-3423

For each student, please complete the online application. Please note that if you are applying for the 2024/2025 school year, the online application will be available October 16, 2023.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

NOTE: Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by the first day of school (August 12, 2024).

3 - References

References

3.a Spiritual Letter of Reference (Family) from a pastor or another leader at your church. As we seek to grow our community with like-minded families (please reference our Statement of Faith) the letter should be a testament to a family’s sincerely held Christian beliefs and practices within their church and community. Families must request the letter directly from the referring party. All letters must then be emailed by the referring party directly to the Admissions Director at admissions@armadeiacademy.com.

3.b Spiritual and Character Letter of Reference (Applicant)* (grades 5 – 12) from a Christian adult (non-family member) who knows the student’s character well and can attest to their Christian beliefs (e.g. youth pastor/leader, coach, mentor). Applicants must request the letter directly from the referring party. All letters must then be emailed by the referring party directly to the Admissions Director at admissions@armadeiacademy.com.

3.c Academic Reference(s) from applicant’s current teacher(s). Upon submitting the online application you will be taken to the Applicant Profile page where you will initiate the academic reference(s) via the REQUEST button under the Teacher Recommendation section. For reference, the below Teacher Recommendation Forms will be emailed directly to the teacher(s).

Grades K & 1 Teacher Recommendation Form
Grades 2 – 5 Teacher Recommendation Form
Grades 6 – 12 Language Arts Recommendation Form
Grades 6 – 12 Math Teacher Recommendation Form
Grades 9 – 12 Administrator Recommendation Form

4 - Request for Copies of Records

Request for Copies of Records

If your child is currently attending another school, please forward the Request for Copies of Records to your child’s current school registrar.

5 - Student Assessment & Application Fee

Student Assessment & Application Fee

To be considered for admission, all students are assessed through either an Arma Dei Academy faculty member (Kindergarten & 1st) or through the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) by ERB (grades 2-12). Entrance exams are administered on-site at Arma Dei Academy and can take one to three hours, depending on the grade level.

Upon scheduling your student for the assessment, the non-refundable $170 Application Fee is due by check.

6 - 5th through 10th Grade Applicants

5th through 12th Grade Applicants

6.a All students will need to complete a Student Questionnaire that can be scanned and emailed to admissions@armadeiacademy.com, or dropped off or mailed to the academy.

Grades 5-8 Student Questionnaire
Grades 9-12 Student Questionnaire

6.b Student Visit Day – All 5th – 12th grade applicants will have the opportunity for a “Student Visit”, whereby they can experience Arma Dei Academy first-hand during a full day of classes.

7 - Family Interview

Family Interview

After all previous steps in the Admissions process are complete, parents will be scheduled for an interview. The 1-hour interview allows parents to know Arma Dei Academy more intimately and helps us ascertain your family’s alignment with our core mission, vision, and values. Students applying to grades 6th-12th will also interview.

Prior to the family interview, parents must read the following:
Understanding the Classical & Christian Difference and The Parent’s Guide to Classical Education on the Arma Dei Academy website
An Introduction to Classical Education by Dr. Christopher Perrin
Parent-Student Handbook

Collaborative Learning Program

The first step towards ensuring the best fit possible for the academy, student and family, is to understand the distinctives of classical Christian education. To begin the admissions process, parents must attend an informational Open House, whereby you will experience first-hand the educational environment and discover the nurturing, Christ-centered culture at Arma Dei Academy. You will have an opportunity to observe classes, experience the joyful environment of our school, speak with teachers and administrators, and ask questions of current parents to assist you in determining how Arma Dei Academy might be a good fit for your family. 

RSVP for an Open House HERE.

For families who reach a decision to pursue a classical Christian education at Arma Dei Academy, the next step on your journey is to apply! We are here to serve you during this process, so please do not hesitate to call or email with your questions.

Lora Hollaus
Director of Community Engagement
lhollaus@armadeiacademy.com
303-346-4523 

For each student, please complete the online application. Please note that if you are applying for the 2024/2025 school year, the online application will be available October 16, 2023.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN

NOTE: Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by the first day of school (August 12, 2024).

3.a Spiritual Letter of Reference (Family) from a pastor or another leader at your church. As we seek to grow our community with like-minded families (please reference our Statement of Faith) the letter should be a testament to a family’s sincerely held Christian beliefs and practices within their church and community. Families must request the letter directly from the referring party. All letters must then be emailed by the referring party directly to the Admissions Director at admissions@armadeiacademy.com.

3.b Spiritual and Character Letter of Reference (Applicant)* (grades 5 – 8) from a Christian adult (non-family member) who knows the student’s character well and can attest to their Christian beliefs (e.g. youth pastor/leader, coach, mentor). Applicants must request the letter directly from the referring party. All letters must then be emailed by the referring party directly to the Admissions Director at admissions@armadeiacademy.com.

3.c Academic Reference(s) from applicant’s current teacher(s). Upon submitting the online application you will be taken to the Applicant Profile page where you will initiate the academic reference(s) via the REQUEST button under the Teacher Recommendation section. For reference, the below Teacher Recommendation Forms will be emailed directly to the teacher(s).

Grades K & 1 Teacher Recommendation Form
Grades 2 – 5 Teacher Recommendation Form
Grades 6 – 8 Language Arts Recommendation Form
Grades 6 – 8 Math Teacher Recommendation Form

If your child is currently attending another school, please forward the Request for Copies of Records to your child’s current school registrar.

To be considered for admission, all students are assessed through either an Arma Dei Academy faculty member (Kindergarten and 1st) or through the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) by ERB (grades 2-10). Entrance exams are administered on-site at Arma Dei Academy and can take one to three hours, depending on the grade level.

The non-refundable $170 Application Fee is due by check upon scheduling your student for the assessment.

After all previous steps in the Admissions process are complete, parents will be scheduled for an interview. The 1-hour interview allows parents to know Arma Dei Academy more intimately and helps us ascertain your family’s alignment with our core mission, vision, and values. Students applying to grades 6th-12th will also interview.

Prior to the family interview, parents must read the following:
Understanding the Classical & Christian Difference and The Parent’s Guide to Classical Education on the Arma Dei Academy website
An Introduction to Classical Education by Dr. Christopher Perrin
Parent-Student Handbook

Parents First Impression of Arma Dei

"It was clear that what was going on here, was what we were looking for in a total package."
Nicole, Arma Dei Parent
"I toured the school, looked in the eyes of the teachers, I saw joy in the kids, and I just knew this was it. I have never looked back since we made the decision to come to Arma Dei."
Tatum, Arma Dei Parent