Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, welcomed 279 students back to campus August 14, launching a new school year filled with learning, faith, and community. The day was marked by joy, reconnections, and traditions that set a hopeful and uplifting tone for the year ahead.

The morning kicked off with the first all-school chapel of the year, opening with this year’s theme song, “Start a Fire.” Worship was led by RD Gallant, MHA Upper School teacher and chaplain, who shared a meaningful illustration of how a candle represents God’s light in our lives, encouraging students to shine that light in their classrooms and beyond.

The chapel was followed by MHA’s annual Prayer Walk. Parents, students, and staff joined together, walking the campus and pausing at key locations to pray, asking God to bless the school year, guide each classroom, and be present in every corner of campus.

Afterward, the middle school students headed to Bear Lake for outdoor activities and fellowship, while the upper school students remained on campus for icebreaker games. Lower school students spent the day building connections in their classrooms through hands-on activities and time with their teachers.

“I’m excited to be back hanging out with my friends,” shared Judd, a sixth-grade student. “I’m looking forward to math class as it’s my favorite subject.”

The Senior Class of 2026, the largest continuous class in recent MHA history, began their “last first day” with both excitement and reflection, knowing this year will be filled with milestones leading up to graduation.

Families also expressed gratitude for MHA’s strong sense of community. One parent remarked, “We love it here. We’ve been telling everyone about it. We wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”

Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, reflected on the start of the year: “The first day of school is always filled with so much energy. It’s a blessing to watch our students return ready to learn, connect, and grow in their faith. This year’s enrollment reflects the strength of our school community and the dedication of our families, teachers, and staff.”

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.