Morgridge Academy

Former Student Testimonials

Breana's Story

I came to Morgridge Academy because growing up I had really bad eczema and allergies. I was allergic to a ton of stuff like eggs, seafood, all nuts, and a lot more, so I had to really watch what I was eating. I was in the hospital a lot for food tests and advice for my eczema and how to control it. My mom spent tons of money on creams and took a lot of time to help me out. My skin was super bad. It would crack, bleed, itch, and hurt extremely badly. I would  cry because of how painful it was. I had a hard time focusing when  I was younger because I used to constantly itch. Morgridge has helped me so much. Because of Morgridge, I know how to maintain my eczema and what to do to keep it that way. I know that everything I eat at Morgridge has only stuff that I can eat. I can trust Morgridge becuase they make meals that fit kids needs. Morgridge has helped me and my family a lot from teaching me how to maintain my eczema to being able to watch out for my alleriges.

They also have a ride service where the ride picks you up and drops you off to school. I live pretty far from school, so this ride service has helped me a ton and I really appreicate it. I have been very successful since I've been at Morgridge. I have gotten straight A's and I have been learning Korean that the school has been providing for me.

We do music programs where we invite all parents to the gym and put on a show for them. I really enjoyed the backstage experience. Everyone in their classrooms and so many people in the bathrooms are getting ready. Then after the program they would have food, snacks, and drinks ready for you. Everyone would congratulate you on how good you did. It was really enjoyable and built a lot of memories with your friends and families. Morgridge is an amazing school and I have loved my time here. I am currently an 8th grader and this will be my last year, but it has been a ton of fun.

Erick's Story

Hi, my name is Erick and this is my story being at Morgridge Academy. The reason I go here is because of my asthma. I've been going here for 8 years.

I have met so many great people in my years going here. It's good that I go here because of blood pressure and the nurses help me with it by monitoring it so I stay healthy. The teachers help me with my ADHD by giving me things to help me concentrate on work like fidgets. So, thank you to all the teachers and that's my story being at Morgridge Academy.

Daniel's Story

During my time at Morgridge Academy, I learned how to manage my asthma. As part of our morning routine, students would check in with the nurses. Every student had their own medical routine to complete, before starting our day, with the supervision of a nurse. This instilled habits in me that are true to this day. With the help of the nurses and the educated staff, I was able to build a healthy physical relationship with myself. I learned how to be conscious about my body, how my surroundings could impact my immediate ability to breath, and the long-term benefits of taking preventive actions.These teachings were built on Morgridge's unique physical education and resources. From having swimming classes twice a week to our yearly camping trip, there was always a moment for real-world learning. As a former student, now a parent to a child with asthma, I can confidently say that Morgridge Academy provides an environment that is committed to the whole development of a child. 

Catarina's Story

Catarina arrived at Morgridge Academy in a wheelchair. Her mother hoped the school’s special care and education style would help Catarina work through the self-esteem issues that sometimes caused her to be difficult in class.

They placed her in the lowest-ability classes in seventh grade – a level that her mom admitted might even be too high.

The Morgridge Academy staff began to do what they do with each student – they worked with Catarina individually to find out what she needed in order to succeed.

Because of Morgridge Academy’s small class sizes, Catarina’s teacher was able to spend time with her individually each day, and staff from National Jewish Health’s rehabilitation department supported Catarina’s intensive physical therapy needs.

Catarina also benefited from other Morgridge Academy services. As a single mom who struggles with her finances, Catarina’s mother was thrilled to know her child was receiving healthy meals twice a day.

Today, Catarina is a different girl. She graduated from the second highest ability group in her eighth grade class, learned to walk – first with hand crutches and then independently, and could swim 20 laps in the Morgridge Academy’s Magazine Gymnasium pool in 20 minutes without taking a break. She has joined Denver’s top charter high school where she’ll continue her pursuit of a career in biochemistry. 

Tiauna's Story

I came from an underprivileged home; I grew up in a household with just my mother and me. I was very sick with asthma, and was hospitalized a lot. When I got sick, my mother was always there for me. She sometimes lost a job because of my illness. One day, someone told her about the Morgridge Academy on the campus of National Jewish Health. My mom signed me up.  

I was a student in the Morgridge Academy from 1992 until 2000, kindergarten through seventh grade. They helped me learn to manage my asthma, and during that time I saw several doctors from National Jewish Health.

The teachers at Morgridge Academy kept me focused on academics. They always talked about higher education—my family did, too—and now I am a student at Community College of Aurora.

What would have happened to me without the Morgridge Academy? I probably would have spent a lot more time in hospitals. While some of my friends are in in college, some aren't. I have friends who now have kids of their own. Some of them—even people with asthma—smoke cigarettes and weed. Some of them are working. I will graduate in May, 2009 with an Associates Degree in Business.

The Morgridge Academy changed my life.