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Situated on the University of Denver campus, Ricks Center for Gifted Children provides a dynamic educational environment for gifted students from preschool through eighth grade. We foster a community of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators in a safe, nuturing environment.
- Flexible, differentiated curriculum for holistic child development
- Passionate, expert teachers in gifted education
- Access to rich resources and experiences from the University of Denver
- Low student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention
Ready to join the community? Let's get started!
We are accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year and look forward to getting to know your family! Inquire today!
Why Ricks
Play-Based Learning
We deliver our comprehensive curriculum within a play-based format. The daily classroom routine integrates all areas of development including social emotional, physical, cognitive, literacy, language, mathematics, science/technology, social studies, and the arts.
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Inclusive Community
At Ricks, we foster an empathetic, inclusive, and equitable school community that values and encourages respect, voice, and agency for all students.
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DU Connection
Ricks Center is proud to be a part of the University of Denver (DU), a community dedicated to life-long learning. With direct access to DU resources and scholars, our students cultivate their distinct intellectual, social, and emotional needs as gifted students and gain the necessary tools and confidence for self-expression and success.
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Early Childhood (Preschool-Kindergarten)
Celebrating the unique characteristics and accelerated learning needs of our youngest students, Ricks Center offers a nationally recognized program that supports, stimulates, and encourages these young minds to build on their strengths and pursue new skills.
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Primary (1st-4th grade)
The goal of the Primary program is to ensure that students develop essential academic skills while engaging fully in their learning. We want children to take intellectual risks, explore ideas, and expand their horizons.
Discover Ricks Primary School
Middle School
Students in 6th through 8th grade are taught by content specialists in the core areas of math, language arts, science, and social studies. They participate in small group and whole class instruction, allowing for passionate discussion, high-level thinking, and deep exploration of relevant topics.
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Academic Calendars
15 Average Class Size
$750k Amount awarded in financial aid each year
15+ Partnerships with Denver University
"Teachers are so amazing. They help you with everything. I love the curriculum. Ricks is open to all types of learners and levels."
Vanessa, student, age 13
Everyone here is so nice. Everyone here is friendly and open. I get to socialize. I like being around everyone. It makes me happy.
Ethan, student, age 13
"They help me feel proud because they help me through the work that I need to do, and it just makes me feel proud of myself--like I can do anything."
Tilly, student, age 8
"Teachers are so amazing. They help you with everything. I love the curriculum. Ricks is open to all types of learners and levels."
Vanessa, student, age 13
The Benefits of Getting Children into Nature
“ I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in tune once more” -John Burroughs
At Ricks Center, we provide opportunities for students to explore and play within the natural world using their own ideas and self-direction. These experiences shape the healthy development of an internal sense of wellbeing in children.
Nature provides multiple benefits to all ages, especially the youngest ones, and offers the best sensory modality possible. Children constantly link the outside world with their internal feelings/emotions and expand their thoughts and understanding of the world.
When allowed space to self-direct their outside play, children test themselves by interacting with the natural environment. They not only imagine, but they act in alternative ways to move and create given what is available to them in their surroundings.
Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to nature is essential for physical and emotional health and may reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, when children routinely interact in nature, improvements in cognitive abilities and resistance to negative stresses and depression are possible.
Curious about how to get your child outside in nature more often? Go with them!
Click HERE for more information on the benefits of nature and the healthy development of children.
Learn More About Ricks CurriculumWe're Here to Help!
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