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AXIS International Academy

United States, Fort Collins

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish
Fees $2,603 - 13,500
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 2018
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Strengths Languages, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

AXIS International Academy is a public dual-language immersion charter in Fort Collins, serving kindergarten through grade 6, with a tuition-based preschool for ages 3 to 5. The school teaches in English with daily partner-language instruction in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or French through a 50/50 immersion model. The Bespoke Curriculum, rooted in Core Knowledge and aligned to Colorado Academic Standards, weaves Singapore Math (Math In Focus) and world content across literacy, writing, literature, social studies, science, math, art, and music. Preschool and pre-kindergarten receive daily language instruction in the partner language alongside Core Knowledge. The program emphasizes cross-cultural competence and multilingualism, and uses MTSS and Yale's RULER to support academic progress and social-emotional learning. AXIS Enrich provides after-school arts, sports, and STEM activities onsite, with offerings like French club, chess, and drawing. Founded in 2018, AXIS aims to empower students to become globally aware, responsible citizens and leaders in their communities.

3939 Automation Way, Fort Collins, CO 80525

The Essentials

AXIS International Academy has 300 pupils, instruction in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish.

Location
2700 S. Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525 (inside the Clearwater building)

Stages
PK-6, with a tuition-based preschool for ages 3-5

Type
Public dual language immersion charter school
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
AXIS is a CLOSED CAMPUS. Students are not permitted to leave campus during school hours. A before-school care program (AlphaBest) is available starting at 7:00 am, and after-school care and enrichment programs are offered on site.

Uniform Requirement
AXIS has a simple uniform dress code for all K-5 and home school students. Students wear a red, white, gray, or navy polo (long or short sleeve) and navy or khaki bottoms (pants, skirts, skorts, jumpers, or uniform dresses). Uniforms may be purchased anywhere and do not need to have the AXIS logo.

Food Options
AXIS provides a breakfast program; participating students should arrive by 7:40 am. Breakfast is available in the morning, and hot lunch is offered; breakfast and lunch menus are published on the school site.

Governance and Ownership
AXIS International Academy is a non-profit corporation governed by its Board of Directors. The Colorado Charter School Institute is the authorizing body that supervises AXIS as a charter school.
Fees

Annual tuition at AXIS International Academy ranges from USD 2,603 to USD 13,500 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- No application fee is required for the initial preschool application (the online initial application is free).
- Upon acceptance, an annual preschool registration fee and an enrollment deposit are required to secure a preschool seat for 2026–2027: Annual Registration Fee USD 100; Enrollment Deposit USD 675. These initial charges are part of the preschool enrollment payment requirements.

Tuition fees by year group (full detail per month and per year)

- Preschool / Prekindergarten (Full‑day PreK; covers 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM on scheduled school days):
- Monthly tuition: USD 1,350.
- Annual tuition (August – May): USD 13,500.
- Preschool tuition with Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) funding applied (estimates for 2026–2027):
- Full Day PreK with 15 hours/week UPK applied: Monthly USD 736.39; Annual USD 7,363.90.
- Full Day PreK with 30 hours/week UPK applied: Monthly USD 260.32; Annual USD 2,603.20.
- Kindergarten through Grade 5 (K–5): Tuition for K–5 is public and tuition‑free (AXIS is a charter elementary school). An annual student fee applies for full‑time elementary students: USD 130 per year. The annual student fee covers yearly student supplies, field trips, and a partner‑language T‑shirt.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Preschool tuition is divided evenly across the 10‑month school year (August through May). Tuition is billed monthly and due on the 1st of each month. Statements are generated on the 24th or 25th of the prior month (for example, October tuition is billed on September 25 and due October 1).
- Preschool and before/after care are billed separately: before and after care fees are additional to monthly preschool tuition and are billed in arrears for services rendered. Families who use before/after care receive a separate monthly billing statement for those services.
- Late payment policy: after a three‑day grace period following the 1st of the month, late tuition payments incur a USD 25 late fee. Continued failure to make payments can result in loss of attendance privileges for before/after care and/or regular school days.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered. AXIS operates as a day school (preschool and K–5 elementary); boarding or residential programs are not applicable.

Other costs and typical extras

- Preschool additional charges: before‑school care and after‑school care are available for an additional fee (schedules and rates are provided through the school's care program or the external provider). CCAP may be used for before/after care costs, but CCAP is not accepted for monthly preschool tuition.
- Annual Student Fee (K–5): USD 130 for full‑time elementary students; this fee covers supplies, field trips, and the partner‑language T‑shirt. Payment options for this fee include eCheck or credit card via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal; eChecks have no processing fee and credit cards incur a 4% convenience fee. Cash and check are accepted at the front office.
- Preschool registration and deposit: for 2026–2027 the registration fee is USD 100 and the enrollment deposit is USD 675 (these are assessed as initial enrollment payments). Preschool billing statements show deposits and how they are applied to families' accounts.
- School merchandise and uniform items are available through the AXIS student store (examples of posted prices): T‑shirts about USD 20; youth hoodies/pullovers about USD 29–32. The annual student fee includes one partner‑language T‑shirt; additional merchandise is an extra cost.
- External before/after care provider (AlphaBEST) operates fees and registration separately; AlphaBEST charges its own non‑refundable registration fee when enrolling in their program.
- School meals: free breakfast and lunch are offered to preschool and prekindergarten students who choose to participate; lunch ordering is required through the stated ordering platform.

Refund information

- General student fees are nonrefundable. Families withdrawing from the school are required to complete the withdrawal packet; billing statements and outstanding balances must be settled as part of withdrawal procedures. Deposits secure enrollment seats and deposits and registration fees are treated as initial enrollment charges shown on family billing statements.
- External provider fees (for example AlphaBEST registration) follow the external provider's refund policy; AlphaBEST's published policy notes a non‑refundable registration fee.

Fee payment options

- Preschool tuition and preschool‑related billing are processed through the Kangarootime billing platform (families must install the Kangarootime app to view invoices, manage payments, and check in/out preschool students). ACH/electronic checking (ACH/eCheck) is strongly recommended for preschool tuition to avoid card‑processing fees. Credit card payments are accepted via Kangarootime but a service fee applies to card transactions. Autopay can be set up; autopay must be established at least three days before the 1st of the month to take effect for that month. Contact the business manager to arrange payment via dependent‑care accounts.
- Annual student fees (K–5) are payable through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by eCheck (no fee) or credit card (4% convenience fee); cash and check payments are accepted in person at the front office.
- Before/after care and Enrich program fees are billed and collected separately (either through the external provider AlphaBEST or through the Kangarootime/Explorer Care billing flow) and follow those systems' payment processes and service fees.
Academics

AXIS International Academy teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school uses a 50/50 language immersion model with English and a partner language (Spanish, Chinese, or French) under the Utah Model. The curriculum integrates Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence with world content and is aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards, including Singapore Math (Math In Focus) and other core content areas. Core Knowledge spans preschool through 8th grade across literacy, writing, literature, social studies, science, math, art and music. Literacy and language arts use standards-based progress reports; partner language growth is assessed each trimester with AXIS Proficiency Targets based on ACTFL. Preschool and pre-kindergarten include daily language instruction in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or French alongside Core Knowledge.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school places emphasis on social-emotional development as part of its mission, including Social-Emotional & Cognitive Skills. It explicitly highlights social-emotional development in its mission and programming, and trimester progress reports include Social Emotional Learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Student Services Coordinator manages all student services, including coordinated special education services and accommodations. Parents of students with a current IEP consult with AXIS administration to determine the suitability of AXIS's program to the student's needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides language immersion in Spanish, French, and Chinese. Language support is available in Spanish, Chinese, and French.

Mental Wellbeing
Social-emotional development is a core element of the mission (Social-Emotional & Cognitive Skills). The health program includes a School Health Office with a School Nurse (RN) and a School Health and Office Assistant who provide health services such as first aid, medication administration, and health record maintenance.

Safeguarding
AXIS maintains a Grievance Policy to promote healthy communication and prompt resolution of concerns. FERPA rights and school-record procedures are outlined, and information is shared with families in accessible formats; Title I involvement is supported with multilingual staff and information provided in parents' preferred languages. The Health Office also supports safeguarding through health services.
Parent Experience

History
AXIS International Academy and Preschool was founded in 2018 by two local parents who valued learning a second (or third) language for their children, their community, and the world. AXIS is an acronym of priorities: A for Academic Excellence, X for Cross-Cultural Competence, I for Immersion in World Languages, and S for Social-emotional and Cognitive Skills Development. The mission is to empower children to lead choice-filled lives and be thriving citizens of character in their local and global community. Co-founders Kari Anne Calarco and Jenny Whitaker launched AXIS; Jenny Whitaker is Head of School.

Community
AXIS International Academy is a public dual-language immersion charter school serving kindergarten through 6th grade, with a tuition-based preschool for ages 3-5. Students can learn Spanish, French, or Chinese at AXIS. The school is among the most diverse local schools, and AXIS Explorers have a multicultural, international experience right here in Fort Collins.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a public dual-language immersion charter school serving kindergarten through 6th grade, with a tuition-based preschool for ages 3-5. The elementary site is located at 2700 S. Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525, inside the Mill City Church building. Students learn in English with daily partner-language instruction, partnering with French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish as part of a 50/50 immersion model. The AXIS Preschool follows Core Knowledge Preschool content and provides daily partner-language immersion as well as before- and after-care options. The program emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and multilingualism as core aspects of its mission.

Sports Facilities
AXIS Enrich is an after-school program that broadens student experiences, with external organizations providing classes in science, movement, music, art, martial arts and more, and many classes taking place onsite at AXIS. The Spring 2026 Enrich roster includes Amazing Athletes, Artisan You Pottery, Chessmates, CSU Youth Sports (OFFSITE), Family Balance Yoga, Joue en Francais (French Club), Mighty Kicks Soccer, Play-Well TEKnologies, Science Matters, Tippi Toes, WEBBY Dance, Young Rembrandts, and Wild Roots, among others. Classes run after school, typically 3:15–4:15pm for K–5th grade and 3:15–4:00pm for Preschool, with some activities offered offsite as noted. Enrollment materials confirm that AXIS Enrich activities are hosted on-site and require waivers.

Academic Facilities
Students learn in English and their chosen partner language daily, via a 50/50 immersion model in French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish. The curriculum combines Core Knowledge with Singapore Math and is aligned to Colorado Academic Standards. The school employs a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to guide instruction and monitor progress, and uses Yale's RULER program to support social-emotional learning. These elements reflect a structured, standards-based approach to instruction within a bilingual framework.

Extra Curricular Facilities
AXIS Enrich offers onsite after-school art, music, sports, maker, and STEM programming provided by local professionals. The enrichment lineup for Spring 2026 includes activities such as Amazing Athletes, Artisan You Pottery, Chessmates, Mighty Kicks Soccer, Play-Well TEKnologies, Science Matters, Young Rembrandts Drawing Club, WEBBY Dance, Tippi Toes Dance, Wild Roots Arts & Crafting Club, and more, with several options available to preschool through 5th grade. Some offerings, like CSU Youth Sports, are offsite, while others are hosted on AXIS grounds. Enrollment is managed through vendor registrations, and activities run after the regular school day.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AXIS International Academy is a public dual language immersion charter school serving students in kindergarten through 6th grade. A tuition-based preschool is offered for ages 3 to 5. Students learn Spanish, French, and Chinese through immersion, and the school emphasizes academic excellence as part of its mission. The AXIS mission highlights cross-cultural competence, multilingualism, and social-emotional and cognitive development.

Cultural & Language
The school provides immersion in world languages—Spanish, French, and Chinese—for students. The mission emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and multilingualism as core outcomes. AXIS Explorers have a multicultural, international experience, reflecting a diverse community in Fort Collins. Immersion in world language is a central pillar of the AXIS educational approach.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English and the partner language selected by families: Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese. The school serves PK–6 (Preschool through 6th grade) in a language-immersion model. Language support is available in Spanish, Chinese, and French.

Bilingual Teaching
AXIS International Academy provides bilingual language immersion for students in PK–6. Instruction is 50/50 between English and a partner language. Partner languages include Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, taught daily across core subjects. The preschool program also uses bilingual instruction with a partner language.

Immersion Programs
AXIS uses a two-language immersion model with English and a partner language (Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese). Instruction across core subjects is delivered in both languages, with daily input in the partner language. The program emphasizes immersion in world languages as part of its mission, and Core Knowledge and Singapore Math curricula are delivered in two languages.
Admissions

Admissions
Open enrollment begins December 1 each year for the upcoming school year and continues on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. An Initial Student Application (ISA) is submitted online at AXIScolorado.org; paper copies are available by emailing admissions@AXIScolorado.org, calling the school, or stopping by the front office. ISAs are collected year round and expire at the end of the academic year; a new ISA must be completed each school year to remain on waitlists. If the number of ISAs exceeds available spots in a grade level or partner language by November 30, a lottery will be held on the second Tuesday of December for those spots, and families will be notified in the first week of December if a lottery will be held. The lottery is computerized and conducted in public, beginning with the highest grade level and proceeding to the lowest; exemptions from the lottery include siblings, AXIS staff and founding families, and returning students. After a student is accepted, AXIS will contact the family the same day; if the family cannot be reached within 72 hours, enrollment is forfeited and the child is placed at the bottom of the wait list. Additional enrollment paperwork is required after acceptance. Four open-enrollment waitlists are maintained: staff/founding family, sibling, enrollment, and future Kindergarten. Waitlists do not reset each year; to remain on a waitlist year to year, a new ISA must be submitted during open enrollment. The December 15 Intent to Return deadline applies to currently enrolled students.

Scholarships
AXIS offers scholarships and financial supports to attend AXIS through the Board of Directors Social Justice Committee for costs such as general student fees, uniform costs, transportation, or other expenses; families experiencing financial hardship who do not qualify for free and reduced lunch may also be eligible. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch are not required to pay fees. No child is denied enrollment because of low partner-language proficiency; a partner language screening assessment (not mandatory) may be offered for 3rd–5th grade, and families are encouraged to attend classroom visits. AXIS meets with families after acceptance and before enrollment to help explain the immersion model and the language program, including optional activities such as observations and discussions about readiness.

Waitlist
There are four waitlists: staff/founding family, sibling, enrollment, and future Kindergarten. If a lottery occurs and a child is not selected, they are randomly placed on a waitlist based on the lottery number. When spots open up, students are selected from these lists in this order: 1) Staff/Founding Family Wait List (20% of slots) 2) Sibling Wait List 3) Enrollment Wait List 4) Future Kindergarten Wait List. Waitlists do not reset each year; to remain on the waitlist year to year, a new ISA must be submitted during open enrollment. For kindergarten, an early kindergarten lottery may be held for slots up to two years and seven months before the start date, with up to 20% of slots reserved for staff/founding families and 10% for families new to the community or uninformed about the opportunity. The lottery notification occurs on the second Tuesday of December; acceptance notifications occur on the second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of December; acceptance decisions are due within 72 hours of notification. These policies apply to ongoing application waitlists and rolling admission based on spots available.
School Events
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