Growing Character and Knowledge
At East Hills Academy, we believe a true education develops a child’s mind and character. Opening in the Fall of 2026, our tuition-free public charter school offers time-tested instruction in an atmosphere that cultivates character.
because children are people before they are learners.
A Culture of Character
We focus on character because students are not just thinkers—they’re real people that will interact with other people every day of their lives, from the playground to the classroom to social media to the workplace.
What is Character?
It’s treating others with dignity. It’s having the wisdom and courage to do the right thing. It’s building good habits that last a lifetime. It’s doing your best and serving others.
What Character Looks Like
Children become their best selves when they grow in their character, which is shaped by hundreds of little moments every day.
- A caring student standing up for another student on the playground
- An encouraging student publicly recognizing something positive about another student
- An honest student choosing to get a wrong answer instead of looking at another student’s test
- A respectful student who listens quietly to another student’s response instead of interrupting
- A selfless student helping another clean up a spilled lunch
Our Approach to Building Character
Character development isn’t a box that we check; it’s ingrained in our culture and begins with intentionally hiring teachers of high character who become role models. Teachers are trained and supported to:
- model virtues such as respect by speaking to students with kindness, and excellence by leading well-prepared lessons
- publicly recognize students each day and at school assemblies for ways they displayed good character
- help develop good habits such as responsibility by assigning students classroom duties, and perseverance by giving students challenging problems and supporting them to solve them
- lead discussions that explore how characters in literature and people in history face and resolve moral challenges
- take a restorative approach to discipline, upholding high standards and providing consequences designed to help students grow from their mistakes
Learning That Matters
Knowledge comes alive when students are immersed in the best of what our world has to offer. Our approach to learning helps students make meaningful connections and develop a lifelong love of learning.
See
Our content-rich, broad-based curriculum presents students with the greatest ideas, stories, events, scientific discoveries, poetry, art, and music that have shaped our country and our world.
Read an example +
Walk down our hallway, and you’ll hear first graders engaging with a riveting history of Ancient Egypt, third graders discussing a Mary Cassatt painting, fifth graders listening to Beethoven or Mahalia Jackson, seventh graders reading and discussing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and eighth graders doing a project on magnetism.
By following a consistent curriculum, East Hills Academy ensures that all students receive the same, high-quality instruction and content.
Know
Deep understanding comes from mastering fundamental skills and facts, close observation, exploring meaningful questions, and engaging in thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Read an example +
In social studies, seventh graders read a primary source, like James Madison’s Federalist No. 51. Having previously studied and memorized the branches of government and their functions, students have the foundational knowledge to intelligibly engage with the ideas of checks and balances and the separation of powers.
Care
When students are presented with quality content and are supported in understanding it, they develop an appreciation for it.
Read an example +
A second grader may use watercolor to paint a pine cone in a nature journal. She will feel the sharp spines and the sticky sap and smell the pine scent. Painting the pine cone allows her to observe its details more closely, and upon completion, she will label and memorize the parts of a pine cone. The next time this student is at a park, she will notice the pine cone and proudly share everything she knows about it.
Excellence in Action
Our rigorous program enables students to access deeper knowledge while fostering growth in virtues like hard work, perseverance, and responsibility.
In our classrooms, you’ll see:
- Readers asking and discussing thoughtful questions on challenging texts
- Mathematicians thinking creatively to solve difficult problems
- Writers crafting compelling essays with correct spelling and grammar
- Scientists asking good questions and recalling important details by memory
- Historians making a meaningful connection between two independent events
Our commitment:
- Unwavering high expectations and supporting students to achieve them
- Effective teachers receiving regular training, coaching, and support
- Evidence-based curriculum and instruction
- Clear and regular communication with families about student progress
- Continually reflecting to improve how we serve students
Growing Together
At East Hills, all children are seen, known, and cared for so that they may see, know, and care for others. This begins with strong relationships.
Building community through:
- Intentional morning meetings that start each day with meaningful connections
- Assemblies celebrating students’ character and academic achievements
- Student performances that highlight their talents
- Events and field trips that provide regular opportunities for families to volunteer and engage
- Themed classroom days (like “Renaissance Day”)
What you’ll see and hear each day:
- Teachers greeting each student by name at the door
- Opportunities for students to give genuine affirmations to their peers
- Extended recess time to allow friendships to blossom
- Fun and enriching extracurricular activities
- Celebrations of daily achievements
Meet Our Founder, Dan Ajamian
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in East Hills Academy.
Growing up in D11, I experienced firsthand how the right educational opportunity can transform a student’s future. I attended a top-performing charter school similar to East Hills Academy from kindergarten through eighth grade, and the excellent education that I received has contributed to much of my joy and flourishing in life. East Hills Academy is opening to allow more children in our community to have that opportunity.
Prior to East Hills, I have spent more than a decade serving as a head of school, dean, teacher, inner-city school tutor, and co-founder of an award-winning charter school. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
I would love to discuss East Hills Academy further and invite you to call, text, or email me to ask any questions, set up a meeting, or reserve a seat for your child.
Sincerely,
Dan Ajamian, Executive Director
(719) 425-9208 (call or text)
Frequently Asked Questions
About Our School
What is East Hills Academy?
East Hills Academy is a tuition-free public charter school that offers time-tested instruction in a broad and rich curriculum, with a focus on character.
When will the school open?
East Hills Academy is planning to open in August 2026.
What grades will you serve?
We plan to start with kindergarten (and possibly first and second grade, depending on interest) and will add a grade each year until we reach eighth grade.
Do you have small class sizes?
Yes, our target class size is 22 students, with a homeroom teacher and teacher’s aide in each elementary classroom. To maintain this target class size, we may slightly over-enroll at the beginning of the year, knowing that some families will naturally relocate during the school year.
Is this a private school? What are the costs?
East Hills Academy is a public charter school, which means there is no tuition to attend.
Our Approach
What will the academic program look like?
East Hills Academy will use an evidence-based direct instruction approach to reading and math. The traditional East Hills curriculum will be broad-based and content-rich, providing a comprehensive survey of history and science and immersing students in some of the best classic literature, poetry, art, and music that our world has to offer.
Will cursive handwriting be taught?
Yes, cursive handwriting will be taught starting in kindergarten. Research shows that cursive enhances reading and writing skills, reduces letter reversals, improves fine motor coordination, and boosts cognitive development.
Will there be homework?
Yes, East Hills Academy will assign purposeful homework to reinforce classroom learning and build independent study skills. Homework will follow the “10 minutes per grade level” rule of thumb, increasing gradually through middle school to prepare students for high school rigor. We also ask students to read or be read to for 20 minutes each night.
This approach to homework and reading balances academic growth with respect for family time and developmental needs. Homework help will be available in our after-school program.
What about extracurriculars?
- As the school grows, East Hills will add an after-school theater program and choir program, depending on interest.
- Sixth through eighth grade students will have boys’ and girls’ basketball and soccer and girls’ volleyball. Depending on interest, sports may be available at younger grades in partnership with local organizations.
- Other extracurricular activities will be available, depending on interest.
Community & Family Involvement
How can parents be involved?
We welcome family involvement in many ways:
- Volunteering at school and at school community events
- Helping with field trips
- Serving on parent committees
- Supporting learning at home
What does a typical day look like?
- Morning meetings that build community
- Academic subjects taught in engaging ways
- Art, music, and physical education every week, K-8
- Extended recess time
- Small group instruction and individual support
- Character development woven throughout
Practical Details
Where will the school be located?
East Hills Academy is actively looking for a building in the southern half of District 11.
What about before and after-school care?
East Hills Academy will have before and after-school care.
Will there be uniforms?
Yes, uniforms promote a focused learning environment, foster a sense of community, and minimize distractions. Uniforms also encourage students to take pride in their appearance and contribute to an atmosphere of respect and high expectations.
How do I enroll my child?
Start by joining our interest list at the bottom of the web page. We’ll keep you updated about information sessions, enrollment deadlines, and other important dates. You can also reach out directly to our founding team with questions.