Ricks Center for Gifted Children

Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is an exemplary program designed for gifted children. We provide nationally recognized gifted education to approximately 200 students ranging from ages three years old through eighth grade, who demonstrate exceptional, differentiated abilities and learning needs.
Our mission is to empower intellectually gifted children to thrive and achieve their full potential.
We purposefully uncover and tap into students' interests in order to spark and fuel the passion in their minds.
We nurture both the intellect and heart, opening new worlds for our students, and preparing them to do more and go farther than they ever thought possible, both now and in the future.  This is Ricksfinity..

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

Ricks Center for Gifted Children ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1984
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
218 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Ricks Center for Gifted Children Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Average Class Size
18 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 21 / Jan. 14 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges based on the level.
Summer Program Cost
$375
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Amy Jacobs

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

School Notes

At Ricks, we believe:
LEARNING BEGINS AT THE EDGE We push ourselves outside the comfort zone. We work through the struggles and never give up. We cherish moments of success - big or small - they all matter.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY We are curious explorers, cherishing childhood joy. We have fun and laugh, but also allow ourselves to cry. We appreciate every bend in the road and discovery we make along the way.

MAKE YOUR MARK We are innovators - eliminating boundaries and resolving challenges. We ask tough questions and bring new ideas. We leave a lasting impression, and make Ricks, and the world, a better place.

EMBRACE YOUR INNER QUIRKINESS We believe the things that make us unique also make us interesting. We don't conform or sacrifice individuality. We maintain open minds and hearts, encouraging everyone to be themselves, while respecting the uniqueness of others.

Gifted children can be curious and easily bored, considerate and demanding, quick to understand and quick to judge, persistent and perfectionistic, independent and isolated. Those facets are what we consider while designing rigorous and engaging curriculum for our students from preschool through middle school. Our goals are to challenge students, to allow them to explore content, ideas, and passions, and to prepare them to be successful when they leave Ricks.
  • Low student to teacher ratio which allows teachers to focus on strategies specifically designed to meet the learning needs of their students
  • Curriculum designed around the whole child, taking into account affective and academic needs
  • Curriculum that is thematic and integrated across content areas through overarching themes and concepts
  • Class work based upon national standards, and is differentiated to reflect student abilities and interests
  • Time for exploration is regularly scheduled; passion pursuits are integral at all levels
  • Located on the University of Denver campus

TOGETHER, WE ARE BETTER We elevate one another's thinking, talents and spirits. We make this a safe place to try and a safe place to fail. We lift one another up and are thankful to have found one another. Together, we are Ricks.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Ricks Center for Gifted Children cost?
Ricks Center for Gifted Children's tuition is approximately $23,365 for private students and $375 for summer students.
Does Ricks Center for Gifted Children offer a summer program?
Yes, Ricks Center for Gifted Children offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Ricks Center for Gifted Children offer?
Ricks Center for Gifted Children offers 4 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Ricks Center for Gifted Children's ranking?
Ricks Center for Gifted Children ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Ricks Center for Gifted Children?
The application deadline for Ricks Center for Gifted Children is Jan. 21 / Jan. 14 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 21 / Jan. 14 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
What neighborhood is Ricks Center for Gifted Children located?
Ricks Center for Gifted Children is located in the University neighborhood of Denver, CO. There are 2 other private schools located in University.

School Reviews

5  
Ricks is wonderful school. The teachers approach and curriculum is outstanding. I can't imagine a better environment for our kid.
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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Denver, CO is $14,501 for elementary schools and $18,709 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Denver, CO is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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