TRAVERSE ACADEMY

Traverse Academy, opened in October 2023, is the first district-owned therapeutic day treatment school in the country. Located in Cherry Creek School District, it serves students in grades 4 through 12 experiencing acute mental health crises. The school combines rigorous academic programming with comprehensive mental health care, providing a safe, supportive, and fully customized environment at no cost to students or families. Traverse Academy’s mission is to help students build the skills they need to return successfully to their home school communities while addressing urgent mental health needs.

THE INSPIRATION

In 2019, Cherry Creek Schools faced an unprecedented tragedy: seven student suicides in a single semester. Despite investing in full-time mental health professionals, the district realized that traditional resources were not enough. Day treatment programs—critical bridges between inpatient care and traditional school—had sharply declined in Colorado, leaving students without appropriate support. Traverse Academy was born out of the need for a new approach, one that merges a school and mental health clinic into a single, supportive environment. Every aspect of the design prioritizes student well-being, from home base classrooms with soft lighting and flexible seating to outdoor spaces for recreation and reflection. Safety features are integrated seamlessly so that the facility feels welcoming rather than institutional.

THE IMPACT

In its first year, Traverse Academy supported roughly 50 students facing challenges including depression, anxiety, suicidality, and schizophrenia. Every student completed the program, and follow-up with families confirmed measurable progress and deep gratitude. The school offers a step down program that can provide up to nine hours of therapy weekly, academic instruction, recreational and creative opportunities, and individualized support from educators and licensed clinicians. Recognized nationally as a model for school-based mental health care, Traverse Academy has already influenced other districts and earned the A4LE Kelley Tanner Innovation Award. Beyond survival, the school helps students regain confidence, develop resilience, and build a path forward.

LEARN MORE:

• Designing a Day Treatment Center that Functions as a School – MOA
• Design strategies to mitigate risk of self-harm – MOA
• Bridging the Gap – AIA ’23 Presentation
• CPR – New School in Aurora combines education and mental health treatment for struggling students
• CU ANSCHUTZ – New school emerges amid youth mental health crisis
• CHALKBEAT CO – Pioneering facility for students in mental health crisis to open soon
• CBS NEWS – To address lack of youth mental health services, one school district tries a radical new solution
• CAHED FALL CONFERENCE – Behavioral Health Design & Construction Traverse Academy featured 23:30 – 44:20.

REFERENCE:

Our team referenced the following guidelines during the planning and design process of Traverse Academy.

• Behavioral Health Design Guide
• FGI Guidelines for design and construction of outpatient facilities
• New York State Office of Mental Health – Patient Safety Standards Guidelines