Back to Resource Topics
Topics: Educational Options: Day Schools , Grade Level: Elementary School , Grade Level: Middle School

Website:	Mackintosh Academy (Littleton, CO)
URL:	http://www.mackintoshacademy.com
Description:	This school stands as the Rocky Mountain pioneer in gifted and talented education. The holistic, well-rounded educational program focuses on the mind and the heart and nurtures the social, emotional, physical, and creative needs of gifted children, as well as academic ones. Mackintosh Academy employs the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme curricular framework, which helps ensure that each individual student is engaged, challenged, pushed to be an independent thinker.
Comments:	Contributed by: Parent on 4/2/2011 We have been part of the Mackintosh Academy community for the past 5 years, with both our son and daughter attending the school. From our experience, the school serves 2e children well, however we believe there is not enough academic differentiation to serve highly gifted children successfully. Contributed by: Parent on 9/29/2008 My 5 year old is attending this school and he just loves it. The teachers are awesome and the head of the school is very compassionate but firm in her dealings with the kids. I couldn't have a better choice for my son who is advanced. I recommend this to parents who have kids that needs a specialized education and attention Contributed by: Student on 3/3/2008 This school is amazing and has many benefits for everyone; they are very gracious and work with us closely. I'm glad im a student here. Contributed by: Educator on 11/16/2007 As a teacher at Mackintosh Academy I am honored to be an educator within such a positive and heart filled environment. Within our school one will find a community of learners that are inquiring about the world around them through a rich academic curriculum that is supported by experienced educators. In their learning, the students acquire and apply not only academic skills, but social skills as well that are valuable in the classroom as well as in their own personal lives. The staff and families of Mackintosh are committed in making a positive influence in the educational experiences of all students by appreciating their differences in learning. It is a compassionate school where it is a joy to watch the students love to learn. Contributed by: Educator on 11/15/2007 Being an arts educator for 10 years, I have experienced different formats in which the visual arts have been taught academically, as well as infused into the curriculum. Having spent time at Mackintosh Academy in a variety of capacities, from our Early Childhood room to our 5th grade classroom, I see such authentic connections and the use of the visual arts to not merely enhance the central ideas but in which the arts are used as transformational modes of experience to reach the various learning styles and intelligences of our students. A gentle, calm, respectful environment is the backdrop for the visual arts. Contributed by: Parent on 11/13/2007 This is our daughter's first year at Mackintosh and we couldn't be happier! During the last eight weeks, my husband and I have noticed tremendous growth--both academically and socially. There are many components that make Mackintosh such a unique learning environment. Some of these components include: Small class size, highly qualified teachers, International Baccalaureate accreditation, amazing leadership by the Head of School, and the 'family-like' atmosphere. We are blessed that our daughter has the opportunity to attend such an amazing school! Contributed by: Parent on 11/13/2007 I stumbled upon Mackintosh almost by accident 6 years ago as I was trying to find the best environment for my seven year old son during a hectic family relocation. The first impression I received was one of a warm family atmosphere which would foster a love of learning while providing the challenge that my child desperately needed. Six years later I continue to be amazed at how well the school meets and exceeds my expectations for both of my children. The IB progam truly encourages them to be thinkers and to approach world issues with compassion and intelligence. I have also been impressed with the support for the individuality and creativity of each child. I so appreciate the provision of PE daily, a rarity in today's schools. I only wish I had had the opportunity to attend this school when I was a child! Contributed by: Parent on 11/12/2007 As a parent and a Master's degree educator I searched extensively to find that perfect educational experience for my son. Within the first meeting with the director of Mackintosh, I immediately felt her commitment to my family and her compassion for my child. These traits permeate throughout the entire faculty and each educator demonstrates an unparalleled level of integrity, knowledge and respect for each learner. My child is continually challenged and guided to innovative concepts through a rich and unbounded curriculum. I have always found Mackintosh Academy to be open and supportive of parent ideas and to children’s creativity and inquiries. Additionally, the way children learn and play in this environment fostering the foundation of a more peaceful world through intercultural awareness and respect for all individuals is what sets Mackintosh Academy apart. Contributed by: Student on 11/12/2007 Here is how I think Mackintosh benefited my endeavors: I am one of the few well rounded pre-med students I know. Most of the pre-med students I encounter are so focused on science and math that they have very little understanding or appreciation for the arts and humanities. I benefited from the fact Mackintosh teachers would constantly remind students of how one area of study, say biology, intertwined with the next, say history. I kept up this habit when I got to high school in the IB program. I still love good literature and pursue modern literature studies independent of school despite my concentration in the sciences. I also felt like Mackintosh taught me how to reason and use logic early on. Finally, Mackintosh gave me great study habits. I learned the value of not procrastinating. This has helped me multiple times throughout my educational career. Contributed by: Educator on 11/12/2007 Mackintosh Academy is a model of what education should be for children everywhere. Classes are small and there are two teachers full time in each room. The curriculum is conceptual in nature and fosters deep critical thinking about concepts that really matter. Students do not spend an exorbitant amount of time regurgitating a bunch of fluffy facts but use enough facts to get to a bigger idea. The school culture is one that communicates respect, tolerance, and dignity to all students and provides fair and logical boundaries. I have had the honor of teaching at Mackintosh for a long period of time and recently chose to send my own son. In the admission process I found myself looking at the school from the perspective of an outsider and found that I really believe in what we do and am confidently and with out hesitation sending my own child. Contributed by: Parent on 11/12/2007 Our family entered the Mackintosh community 4+ years ago. We were searching for a school where our son would have his academic and social needs met in a caring, supportive environment. Our son is a mature, bright child who thrives with high expectations. Mackintosh aided him in becoming a motivated, knowledgeable, confident student. Teachers are dedicated to individual student's growth and development. The IB program adds depth and excitement to the curriculum at Mackintosh Academy. Contributed by: Educator on 11/12/2007 As a teacher at Mackintosh, I feel very fortunate to be in such a supportive, compassionate, well-rounded school. Mackintosh recognizes the children’s individual needs and works hard to support these needs. The values at Mackintosh help the children to learn how to think, and how to use their knowledge in the world around them. The community of students, staff and parents are truly exceptional. I am honored to be an educator at this school. Contributed by: Parent on 11/12/2007 The last two years my son spent in middle school have been his best ever. He is excited to go to school every day, he is touching topics as an emerging adult in a setting that encourages thoughtfulness, reflection, and questioning. He has been surrounded by fabulous kids and made some extraordinary friendships. He has gained confidence in who he is as a learner; rather than comparing who he is with others in a negative way, he understands who he is and that his friends know who he is as well. Contributed by: Educator on 11/6/2007 As a teacher at Mackintosh Academy, I am grateful each day to be part of a compassionate, intelligent and conscientious community of teachers, students and families. Mackintosh strives to teach the whole child - head, hand and heart - by addressing the differentiated needs of each student and honoring them as individuals. Each classroom is a fusion of individuals exploring the world together. With the International Baccalaureate Program as a foundation, each class investigates concepts to deepen knowledge and develop skills. The children continuously explore what it means to be an IB learner, and are encouraged to take their learning and put it into action. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this excellent program. Contributed by: Davidson Young Scholar on 11/5/2007 Profoundly gifted children dream of a school like this; it saved my son's life. Before Mackintosh Academy, he felt friendless and "like his head was too big for his body." He came to Mack in 5th grade, and found friends in peers, teachers, administration, and himself. I'm posting this in Nov., 2007, with two children still in the school. My oldest has graduated happily to High School, and he loves high school because Mackintosh Academy gave him a place to learn to believe in himself, and a place that believed in him so much that it gave him opportunities he would never have known. Center for Talented Youth Pioneers. Junior National Youth Leadership Council. Junior Statesmen. A gifted child needs a place to grow roots in many different directions, and to thrive. Mackintosh gives both. Contributed by: Parent on 11/2/2007 My child has been at Mackintosh Academy for five years now. As a gifted child, her needs have been met both socially and academically every day, in every class. The individualization for her special needs in language arts and mathematics always has been strong. The science and history components of the curriculum, from early childhood, make me wish that I was part of the classroom! Not only is she learning the basics needed for any child’s education, she applies that knowledge and is inspired to learn more about a myriad of issues in all disciplines. The IB curriculum is so rich and the commitment and understanding being cultivated in her for a better understanding and stewardship for her world and its members so important. I love the fact that Mackintosh values a balanced education and offers Spanish, PE, and the Arts (Music/Drama/Visual) every day and so often the specialist classes connect with what is being taught in the core classes. The staff is quite professional, knowledgeable, caring, and understanding of the gifted child. The small size in each class allows them to truly know and attend to the needs of each child. Contributed by: Parent on 8/28/2007 We thought long and hard about enrolling our son in Mackintosh and after his first year our whole family can truly say, We LOVE Mackintosh! The teachers and staff at Mackintosh care so much for my son. They care about what he learns academically, physically and socially and support him in school as well as extra curricular activities. Yes, the school has high standards and students are expected to adhere to those standards. A wise man told me once, “To whom much is given, much is required”. My son has been given much and I want him to grow up knowing that such gifts come with responsibility. That’s right! RESPONSIBILITY!!! Something society does little to teach. My son is responsible for himself, his actions, his learning and his contributions to society. Not to give me bragging rights – to make him a good person. I will admit, there is a competitive attitude from some (only some) of the parents but it definitely does not stem from the teachers or the administration at this school! Contributed by: Student on 8/28/2007 It would be irresponsible to base a decision on everything you read here. If Mackintosh is not a GOOD FIT for you/your student, it doesn’t mean it is a BAD school. Whether or not you choose Mackintosh you owe it to yourself and your student to responsibly make your own decision after visiting the school personally. Contributed by: Educator on 8/20/2007 I have been in education for fifteen years and have worked in three states, New York, Kansas and Colorado. I have a Masters Degree in Education as well. Mackintosh is an exceptional school that encourages students to compete only with themselves, the teachers raise the bar and the students strive to meet their goals. It is one of the few schools that truly recognizes differences in learning and supports differentiation. The school does have high standards and negative comments must generate from those families and students who struggled to meet those standards. Contributed by: Parent on 2/26/2007 From my experience, this school does not provide academic inspiration for extremely gifted children and is extremely competitive. As has been stated by previous posters, I would think VERY hard and VERY long before enrollihng a child in this school. Contributed by: Student on 3/26/2006 I have been attending for 3 years. I love it. Everyone is great. I had never really been challenged before. I started to know every day is pushing me to were I want to be. I don't listen to any bad reviews. I am a student and I am telling you this is still a great school. I have been in 5 schools and this is the only one for me. Everyone is so nice and I have made the best friends of my life. Go mack! Contributed by: Parent on 3/22/2005 My son is a Young Scholar and started at Mackintosh last fall. His needs are served astoundingly well. The teachers are flexible and astute, and strive to accomodate the variety of the abilities in their classrooms. At no time has my son been unchallenged; on the contrary, he is challenged daily by his peers, his educators, and himself. He has thrived in this school. Show All CommentsShow Less Comments

The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.

Close Window