-Excalibur Classical Academy to open this September amidst the rising classical education trend; Headmaster Priscilla Rahn, Colorado’s first Korean-American Republican Vice Chair,
aims to “raise American leaders, not factory-style students”
Interest in “Classical Education”—teaching children based on the liberal arts and America’s founding values—is growing across the United States. In line with this trend, a new classical private school has arrived in Centennial, Colorado.
Excalibur Classical Academy’s Headmaster, Priscilla Rahn, a Korean-American who served as Colorado’s first female Republican Vice Chair and a music teacher in the Denver Public Schools (DPS) for over 30 years, has witnessed firsthand the disheartening changes in American public education over time.
She believed that for a bright future, America must restore its core values and find talent through traditional learning methods. Her long-held vision led to the founding of Excalibur Classical Academy, which opens its doors on September 8th.
Unlike modern education that focuses on making specialists, the Renaissance era—the peak of Western civilization—educated people through the liberal arts. This “whole-person” education produced great figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus, and Michelangelo. This heritage of classical liberal arts education continued in American history, shaping founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Excalibur Classical Academy introduces liberal arts education beginning in Kindergarten. Grounded in the Christian values of America’s founding fathers, the school aims to raise ‘Servant Leaders’ who humbly serve their communities rather than rule over them. A Colorado Times reporter sat down with Headmaster Rahn to discuss classical education, which may be unfamiliar to many in the Korean community.
Q: How is classical education different from public education?
A: Current public education tends to prioritize preparing students for functional roles in society. In contrast, classical education aims to raise “the whole person” and leaders. We are different from “alternative schools” where students just choose what they want to learn. We teach many subjects systematically—including the classics, math, Latin, logic, history, science, music, writing, and PE. We evaluate students strictly based on a formal classical program; we simply do not use public school testing methods.
Q: What are the benefits of the classical curriculum?
A: Our teachers are called “mentors.” They are not just educators who provide information; they are role models for students to follow. Unlike in public schools, parents can clearly see which books are used and what values are being taught.
Students read the classics, discuss them with mentors, and write essays reflecting on how to make the best choices in a variety of situations. Homework is also designed to move away from tedious, task-oriented assignments that burden both students and parents. Instead, it aims to foster human connection within the home through liberal arts discussions, keeping families connected.
Q: Why is liberal arts education special?
A: Through grade-specific reading and discussion of the classics, students practice finding superior solutions that transcend specific fields. In mathematics, for example, they do not simply look for a single ‘correct answer’; instead, they seek a universal ‘truth’ that connects everything. They learn how to derive truths that can be applied to any difficult challenge.
Q: Who is best suited for this program? The Korean community may find “classical education” unfamiliar, as it departs from the standardized public school system.
A: Many people are used to “factory-style public education” where you just follow a set path. But classical education is for all students who want to become leaders and make the best choices in life. We teach students “how to think, how to lead, and how to become creative leaders.”
We will start the day with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Our school is grounded in Judeo Christian values. A student doesn’t have to be a Christian, but we want families who share similar values to grow together.
Q: How does a typical Christian private school differ from a classical private school rooted in Judeo Christian values?
A: Most Christian private schools belong to a church and focus heavily on religious doctrines and theology. Our school is different; we are not part of any church, and we don’t focus on religion. Instead, we follow the example of Jesus as a ‘Servant Leader’ who washed his disciples’ feet. We also follow the spirit of America’s founding fathers, who gained wisdom from the classics and the Bible. Our goal is to help our students grow into the next generation of leaders.
Q: To ask a very “Korean” question: how much does classical education actually help with college admissions and future careers?
A: Liberty Common High School in Fort Collins, which is a classical education school, is a prime example. It consistently ranks #1 or #2 in Colorado and sends many students to the Ivy League every year. Students who learn to think for themselves through the liberal arts tend to get high scores on the SAT and ACT, which focus on thinking skills. They also continue to get great grades even after they enter college.
Classical education graduates enter a wide range of fields, pursuing careers as policy experts, entrepreneurs, legal professionals, medical professionals, and engineers. Instead of being confined to just one area of knowledge, they stand out in many different fields. They grow into “generalist leaders” who can lead their respective industries.
When the reporter mentioned that private school tuition can be a big burden for parents, Headmaster Priscilla Rahn shared some great news. “Thanks to a generous donor, every student starting this year has a rare opportunity to receive a classical education free for the first year,” she said.
Headmaster Rahn introduced a special scholarship program for the school’s opening. It provides 100% scholarships to all students enrolling for the 2026-27 school year, regardless of their income level. Currently, the school is accepting new students from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. They plan to add one grade each year, allowing students to continue their education through their high school graduation in 12th grade.
Rahn added, “Starting next year, new Educational Tax Credits linked to the Trump administration’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and other scholarships will be available. We are doing our best to keep the tuition near $0, so we encourage parents interested in classical education not to hesitate to contact us.”
Excalibur Classical Academy, scheduled to open on September 8th, is located in Centennial near Park Meadows Mall. The school is currently undergoing building renovations and the construction of a new outdoor playground.
Address: 7241 S. Fulton St. Centennial, CO, 80112
Phone: (303) 364-8078
Website: www.excaliburclassicalacademy.org
-Reporter Susan Lee
