Growing bright futures
Forjando futuros brillantes
At Colfax, we set every student on the path to becoming contributing citizens in a diverse society.
We believe that providing an environment of high expectations and joy creates a strong foundation of academic and social-emotional success for ALL students. Staff, Students and families are united by the following five core values: Responsibility, Curiosity, Community, Perseverance, Positivity.
En Colfax, ponemos a cada estudiante en el camino para convertirse en ciudadanos contribuyentes en una sociedad diversa.
Creemos que proveer un ambiente de altas expectativas y alegría crea una sólida base de éxito académico y socio-emocional para TODOS los estudiantes. El personal, los estudiantes y las familias están unidos por los siguientes cinco valores fundamentales: Responsabilidad, Curiosidad, Comunidad, Perseverancia, Positividad.
Colfax Elementary School provides all students with a rigorous academic experience while fostering a positive student culture of high expectations and support. Since 1887, Colfax Elementary School has been educating students in the West Colfax neighborhood to prepare them for success through middle school, high school and college.
Located at Colfax Ave. and Tennyson St., Colfax Elementary School is a small school nestled in the West Colfax neighborhood of Denver. At Colfax Elementary, we believe that preparation for college begins with our youngest learners.
We offer every student a broad and rigorous academic program, including exposure to the arts, sciences and technology. We believe in learning and living by our five Core Values and support students with a strong school culture. Colfax Elementary is a diverse community that believes high expectations and high support will allow every learner to achieve at high levels.
Find the Colfax App at http://tiny.cc/colfax
Guiding Principles for Success at Colfax:
School Culture
•Students learn more successfully within a culture where they feel supported and encouraged to develop positive character strengths. At the center of this culture are our five Core Values: community, curiosity, perseverance, positivity and responsibility. Students have the opportunity to show the Core Values throughout the day. Most school days begin with a morning meeting, where students come together to celebrate learning and the exciting work of being a Colfax student. We believe strongly that we must nurture character development so our students are successful in college and beyond.
Rigorous Instruction
•Frequent data assessments ensure students receive individualized instruction that meets their needs. Standards-based lessons are frequently implemented through a gradual release model, in which students are provided with more support when first learning a skill. That support is reduced as students become more independent. A strong focus on literacy means that students are actively reading and writing throughout the day, developing communication and critical thinking skills.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
•Many students at Colfax are bilingual and our ELA program ensures that students become biliterate. Students in ELA-S classes receive native language instruction paired with supported English content instruction and English language development. English language learner students in ELA-E classes receive scaffolded instruction in English and daily support from our ESL Resource Teacher (for speakers of languages other than English or Spanish).
Community
•Families and community members are an essential part of our school culture. Guided by the work of our parent leadership team, a variety of educational and fun activities take place throughout the year.
Arts, Athletics & Enrichment
•Students participate in visual arts, music and physical education weekly. A wide variety of clubs and other enrichment opportunities are available after regular school hours.
Enrichment opportunities are provided through The Neighborhood Center at Colfax Elementary. At the Center, students, parents, families, staff and community members can enroll in free classes provided by DPS community partners. These classes are scheduled based on the needs of the Colfax community.
Adult Programs
Tai Chi
Wednesdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Free to community members
Student Programs
Boy Scouts
Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Boys, Grades: 2-5
The Leadership Educational Assistance Program (L.E.A.P.) is an after-school scouting program for boys 7-16 years old. It is designed by the National Boy Scout office for youth in diverse communities. L.E.A.P. builds self-esteem, socialization skills and values through scouting.
Colfax Tiger Chess Club
Fridays, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Grades: K-5
This club is a great way to build community with fellow students. Students persevere through chess matches, show positivity with teammates, are responsible for their chess boards, and are curious about learning new moves.
Dance
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: 3-5
Denver 4-H is a youth development program offered by Colorado State University at Colfax. Students are involved in movement, choreography and dance performances, and all students with any level of ability are welcome to participate.
Fitness League
Mondays, 3:35-4:40 p.m.
Grades: K-5
Curriculum involves weekly, hour-long sessions of diverse physical activity programs. In 2014-15, students will travel to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to experience Expedition Health to gain a better understanding of the connection between health and fitness.
Girls Inc.
Tuesdays
Grades: 1-2, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Grades: 3-5, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
During the spring, girls in this club will explore a variety of storytelling techniques including poetry, singing, dancing and acting. At the end of the session, there will be a performance for family and friends to attend. The next session will focus on sports and adventure, and girls will learn about the importance of physical fitness and mental wellness.
Soccer
Mondays & Thursdays, 3-4 p.m.
Grades: K-5
Designed to help students enjoy and share in their love for soccer. Fun and movement is at the heart of every practice, and each week we have friendly competitions to help improve student’s skills and understanding of the game. Come join our team and get moving after school!
Sticky Fingers
Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m.
Grades: K-5
Let your child release their inner chef! Students will prepare and eat healthy global inspired recipes, all while learning to cook in a fun, engaging and real world environment. Colfax Chefs will reinforce kitchen skills associated with weekly recipes, as well as review areas of cooking terminology, foods and fun nutrition facts. Students will review numbers and measurements, and explore cooking utensils and fresh ingredients while in the kitchen. Recipes will be created each class with a master chef Sticky Fingers instructor.
Volleyball
Mondays, 3-4 p.m.
Girls, Grades: 3-5
For those from all skill levels, and will ignite and excite girls about the fun competition of volleyball. Players will develop fundamentals including serving, passing, setting and hitting. Players will have the opportunity to encompass all these skills in game situations, while learning the importance of teamwork.
Bowling Club
Wednesdays, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Grades: K-5
Designed for all students to expand their existing knowledge and skills in the sport, or gain a new hobby. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Fit Fun
Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Grades: K-5
A fee-based program that provides academic support, health and fitness programming, community building and a safe, fun and engaging atmosphere for Colfax students. Fit Fun provides snacks and dinner to registered students. Students in this program are inspired, engaged and having fun!
