February at Golden View

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

February 2026

Dear Friend of Golden View Classical Academy,

Classical schools claim to teach virtue. This sounds so promising, and suggests that we have cracked the code on human morality and can simply instruct our way to goodness. But anyone who has parented understands that this is more of a pious hope than real and gritty reality. Even good kids do foolish things, and sometimes they enjoy doing foolish things, or even being cruel. There is something to be said about a school’s general atmosphere inclining students to be more studious, attentive, and kind, but there are always those who cheat in the dark, who insult when no one can overhear, or who marshal the forces of social isolation to ice out their peers.

So what is a school to do? Is there a way to “teach virtue?” There is much one can do, from providing the genuine vocabulary of moral virtue to young students to modeling respectful and just behavior as best one can. But there must also be some practice and a curriculum that provides decent and satisfying examples of virtuous action. And, of course, unappealing examples of vice. I can think of one recent example where students had the occasion to learn of both vice and virtue, and practice empathy in the context of their lesson.

Students in 5th Grade were in a history unit on westward expansion, and this included a good deal of the tension and war between settlers and Native Americans. In one lesson on the Battle at Wounded Knee, students read a primary source, or rather a biography that directly quoted a Lakota man named Black Elk, who was at the battle. It’s truly hard to read, with direct statements about dead men, women, and babies. 5th Grade students can read it, and older students could read, discuss, and dwell on it, but what about younger children?

The students had a standard assignment - listen to the story and then select the important details to share as if you were retelling it. Essentially, summarize and prioritize. But they were told “retell it as if you had to tell a younger child.” This instruction immediately called attention to the fact that what they read was possibly dangerous or harmful in the wrong hands, and they were now custodians of it to do something good. They had to consider not just the facts of the story, but what a younger child ought to hear given their innocence. There are some details they definitely shouldn’t hear, though one does not want to lie and indeed must tell the truth. So, how do you tell them that yes, children were killed, but without harming or scaring them? Simply put, you must practice empathy and careful speech.

And that is what the class did. One student retold the story, and others asked questions. She had to respond with care and tact, knowing that directly stating the facts, while easier to do, would be wrong. The students had to practice empathy before necessarily believing it, or had to practice the virtue before knowing fully what it is. While not a failsafe recipe for teaching virtue, it is at least on the right path.

Sincerely,

Dr. Garrow

Principal, Golden View Classical Academy

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT

At Golden View, science instruction emphasizes observation, inquiry, and the development of models that reveal the underlying principles governing the physical world.

In Physics, students have been immersed in the study of circular motion, investigating what keeps objects moving in a circle and how forces shape that motion. From these observations, students developed mathematical models that explain centripetal acceleration and velocity, which apply not only to tethered masses in the lab, but also to race cars and planets in orbit.

Advanced Physics students recently applied the Law of Conservation of Energy in a particularly memorable way: calculating the precise mass needed to safely “rescue” a figurine using a bungee cord. This engaging challenge required careful modeling, and now serves as a foundation as students transition into their study of linear momentum.

In Chemistry, students explored thermochemistry by investigating the heat of combustion of magnesium. While the highly exothermic reaction between magnesium and oxygen makes direct measurement difficult, students relied on Hess’s Law to calculate the heat of combustion using safer alternate reactions. In doing so, they encountered an elegant expression of one of nature’s most fundamental truths: energy is conserved.

Meanwhile, Human Anatomy students recently concluded their study of the circulatory system, culminating in a hands-on exploration of blood typing. By determining their own blood types, students deepened their understanding of blood compatibility, inheritance patterns, and the real-world significance of the systems they study.

From Ms. Corkum, Upper School Science Teacher

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHT

Golden View is proud to celebrate a truly remarkable senior. Mason O'Quinn has made his mark as a dedicated multi-sport athlete, competing in both wrestling and track for Golden View, while also swimming for Wheat Ridge High School. A three-sport athlete at the highest level, Mason has qualified for and competed in multiple state championships across each of these sports. This remarkable achievement reflects his commitment, discipline, and passion for competition.

Mason trains hard every day and fully embraces the demanding schedule that comes with balancing multiple sports at an academically challenging school. What makes his accomplishments even more extraordinary is that Mason competes with Down's syndrome. He does not allow his disability to define or limit him. Instead, he competes with heart, grit, and an infectious joy that inspires everyone around him.

Mason is the kind of teammate every program hopes for. Whether on the mat, the track, or in the pool, he is often the loudest supporter of those around him. He celebrates his teammates’ successes as enthusiastically as his own, and his positivity is contagious. When you’re around Mason, you can’t help but smile.

CHSAA provides meaningful opportunities for unified athletes to compete and experience the camaraderie, growth, and life lessons that come through high school athletics. Mason has eagerly taken advantage of every opportunity he can get to participate in sports.

As he closes out his senior year, Mason will be competing in the pool and on the track, preparing to defend his senior thesis, and getting ready for his final state championships. Golden View could not be more proud of the athlete, teammate, and young man he has become.

From Mr. Gilmore, Athletic Director

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Board Meeting

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th 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.