December at Golden View

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

December 2025

Dear Friend of Golden View Classical Academy,

As the year ends, we are about halfway through our republic’s 250th year. And, as Benjamin Franklin noted, it will only remain a republic if we can keep it - if we can live out the fundamental ideals of self-government. We generally take for granted that doing so is easy - just leave me alone and I’ll live my life and express my views. But Franklin and every other founder, ranging from Washington to Jefferson, and beyond them to most other first-tier public men at the time, understood that knowledge of our rights and a willingness to defend them are both very hard to acquire. If they were easy, everyone would do it. But everyone doesn’t - that’s why regimes from time immemorial are ruled by emperors, kings, warlords, cartels, and gangs, or small groups of men who will not suffer their power to be diminished.

A classical school in modern America must take the perennial difficulty of forming a republic seriously, through years of civics and history education, and finally with an education in the principles and purposes of our government.

I am happy and proud to say that Golden View is doing its part. This fall, Seniors in Government class were tasked with explaining the American regime. That’s no small task, but I wanted to share a couple of excerpts from their papers to give you a sense of the kinds of arguments they are capable of. The fact is that with students like this, Franklin’s hope for our republic is one we can share:

“The American regime is, at its core, a natural rights republic. Therefore, the primary role of the American government is to protect the unalienable rights of its citizens such as life, liberty, and property. In America, the authoritative body is the people, which means that the citizens possess the highest authority in the land. The Constitution begins with: “We the People…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America” (Preamble). If the Constitution is the source of authority in America, and the people establish it, then the people are ultimately the authoritative body…”

“…Both Madison and Lincoln valiantly protected their citizens as statesmen searching for the solutions most conducive to freedom in various controversies. Their deliberation and character led them both to tensions between governing principles. When citizens rights, property value, and slavery were in question, their solutions to each of these matters was to prioritize union above all, even when their opponents forced other principles to be compromised. Union is the foundation of the American regime that leads to freedom.”

Each of these students, and indeed many of their colleagues, have developed their knowledge of our republic in a manner and to a degree that would make Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin proud. And even more to the point, they vindicate the hope that our republic will endure, perhaps for another 250 years.

Sincerely,

Dr. Garrow

Principal, Golden View Classical Academy

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT

In a classical academy, the study of fine art—particularly traditional drawing, printmaking, and painting—plays a central role in forming students intellectually, aesthetically, and morally. These disciplines align with the classical pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty by teaching students to observe carefully, work patiently, and appreciate the order found in nature and great works of art. Fine art is not treated as a secondary elective but as a vital part of a holistic education that shapes both the mind and character.

Traditional drawing develops foundational skills in observation, proportion, perspective, and the Classical Order of Light. Printmaking introduces students to hands-on craftsmanship, sequential thinking, and symbolic visual storytelling, while painting—with its layered, indirect methods—teaches discipline, technical mastery, and the creation of harmonious, luminous works. Together, these practices connect students to centuries of artistic tradition, reinforcing cultural literacy and cultivating a deep respect for materials, process, and beauty.

Through these fine art practices, students gain far-reaching benefits: stronger cognitive abilities, improved focus and perseverance, and a refined aesthetic sense. They learn to embrace careful craftsmanship over speed, to see corrections as part of growth, and to participate thoughtfully in the visual language of Western civilization. In this way, the fine arts in a classical academy do far more than teach artistic skills—they shape attentive, disciplined, and imaginative thinkers prepared to engage the world with wisdom and appreciation.

From Mr. Stephenson, Upper School Art Teacher

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHT

In December, Golden View High School Basketball Teams were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the court at Ball Arena. Coaches and parent volunteers worked tirelessly to organize and coordinate these special matchups against Front Range Christian School. Our teams played in the early afternoon and all of the spectators, managers, coaches, and players were able to return to Ball Arena later that evening to watch the Denver Nuggets takedown the Orlando Magic.

The Girls Team, which was shorthanded, fought incredibly hard staging a comeback in the fourth quarter, but fell short by just two points. The Boys game was close all the way through, and thanks to some strong plays and solid free throw shooting at the end, the Sentinels were able to beat the Falcons by seven points.

Competing on Denver's biggest basketball stage created an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes, and it will certainly provide them with a powerful motivation for a demanding and successful stretch of the season that remains.

From Mr. Gilmore, Athletic Director

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Board Meeting

The January Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th at 5:30pm in the Bailey Heritage Library. You can find meeting agendas on Diligent Community prior to the meeting.

Enrollment

If you or a family you know is interested in enrolling at Golden View Classical Academy, please send them to our enrollment page.