Excellence Reimagined: A Community-Driven Private School for All.
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We’re at a pivotal moment, when education and empowerment can’t wait for someone else to take the lead. It’s time for us, as a community, to take learning into our own hands and shape the future we want for our children.
Our Purpose
At The Legacy School of Denver, every student is invited to become a critical thinker, a compassionate leader, and an innovator who contributes to a stronger, more vibrant world. By blending practical life skills with rigorous academics, we create a welcoming environment that values every individual’s perspective and benefits the WHOLE CHILD. Our agile, student-centered approach ensures that no child is left behind, while also empowering students to soar beyond ordinary expectations.
Why This Matters
In a world changing at lightning speed, we can’t afford to leave our children’s future in the hands of outdated systems. The Legacy School of Denver is our collective chance to build an education model that nurtures critical thinking, real-world skills, and a true sense of purpose. By taking learning into our own hands, we’re ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Why Now?
In times of rapid change, a well-rounded and inclusive education is more urgent than ever. We can’t rely on old models or wait for others to define how our children learn. By coming together, we can create a school that champions integrity, fosters a deep sense of belonging, and equips young minds to excel in every aspect of life.
Our Invitation to You
When you invest in The Legacy School, you’re helping craft a new narrative for education in Denver, one that prepares students not just for tests, but for life. Your support fuels immersive learning experiences, a culture of respect and inclusivity, and the development of future leaders who will drive our community forward. Whether you’re a parent, community member, or business leader, your involvement directly shapes a more equitable and forward-thinking future for all of us.
Join Our Legacy
Your support makes this vision a reality, funding immersive experiences, facilities, and intimate classroom settings where teachers truly know each child. With your contribution, we can reach new heights in education, ensuring our students grow into the kind of leaders Denver needs: resilient, thoughtful, and driven by purpose, legacy, and community. Together, we’ll build a school that inspires students to dream big, work collaboratively, and make lasting contributions to their families and communities.
Donate Today
Your contribution brings us one step closer to opening our doors and welcoming families who believe that real change starts with a well-rounded, forward-thinking education. Give now and be part of this critical moment, together, we won’t stand on the sidelines. We’re taking learning into our own hands to secure a brighter tomorrow for Denver’s next generation.
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The Legacy School of Denver partners with the The Colorado Sisterhood Crusade for 501c3 fiscal sponsorship. The Legacy School of Denver, in partnership with Colorado Sisterhood Crusade, is committed to empowering students and families through education, leadership, and community-driven impact. Rooted in a shared mission of fostering growth, resilience, and opportunity, we provide innovative learning experiences that cultivate academic excellence, personal development, and legacy-building for future generations.
Meet the Board
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lillian b. gary
FOUNDER/CHAIR
Lillian is an experienced educational leader with over a decade of expertise in education and organizational development. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Regis University and has dedicated her career to fostering school culture improvement and strategic transformation. As the Manager of Tiered School Supports for Denver Public Schools, she leads school redesign efforts, equity-focused initiatives, and engagement strategies to drive meaningful change in high-priority schools.
Having worked at both the elementary and middle school levels, Lilly has designed and implemented impactful programs that enhance student engagement, leadership, and school culture. Her work centers on creating meaningful learning experiences that equip students with essential skills while fostering a sense of ownership and community. She has developed frameworks and curriculum that promote the whole child approach while ensuring education remains culturally and generationally relevant.
With a strong background in equity, school transformation, and educational leadership, Lilly specializes in building sustainable systems that bridge education, culture, and leadership. Her work is driven by a commitment to education, innovation, and legacy-building, ensuring that students and schools have the tools and resources needed to thrive.
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david w. adams
CO CHAIR
David currently serves as the Senior Director for School Leadership and Improvement in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland. A dynamic leader and coach, he is committed to developing educators to improve student outcomes. Under his leadership, students have demonstrated significant academic and social-emotional growth.
Notably, during his tenure as principal at a Title I school in Denver, Colorado, students in special populations achieved remarkable gains, outperforming their peers at similar schools while also receiving top district growth for English Language Learners achieving redesignation and proficiency on the Colorado State Assessment. Passionate about student success, Mr. Adams is an innovative and visionary leader who has worked collaboratively with teams to reimagine education.
His commitment to dismantling the status quo and fostering anti-racist learning environments has inspired educators to adopt a growth mindset leading to more culturally responsive classrooms under his leadership.
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nik scott
VICE CHAIR
Nik is a creative and strategic marketing professional with a passion for storytelling and brand building. As the Content Marketing Manager at Pie Insurance, a leading tech startup, she plays a key role in shaping the company’s brand voice and delivering innovative commercial insurance solutions for small businesses.
With over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, Nik has a proven track record of developing and executing successful campaigns across diverse industries, including tech, higher education, and entrepreneurship. She specializes in crafting integrated marketing strategies that drive growth and engagement, combining her expertise in content creation with a keen eye for visual design.
Before joining Pie Insurance, Nik held various marketing roles where she honed her skills in content strategy, video production, and social media management. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Indiana State University and an MBA from the Anderson College of Business at Regis University.
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rich scott jr.
TREASURER
Rich is a dynamic business leader with over 20 years of experience in recruiting, sales, training, and operations. As the Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty, he leads a team of 120 real estate agents, empowering them to increase their earnings, enhance efficiency, and achieve exceptional success.
Known for his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, Rich consistently drives results that exceed expectations. His strengths lie in communication and relationship-building, with a proven track record of fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders at every level.
A proud United States Army veteran, Rich leveraged his 20 years of military experience when he joined Coldwell Banker. As an Army officer, he developed expertise in strategic planning, logistics, and organizational communication, skills that continue to shape his leadership approach today.
Rich holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana State University and an MBA from Webster University.
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amanda mbata
BOARD MEMBER-SUPPORT SERVICES
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), educator, and founder of Beyond Brokenness and owner of Living Waters Counseling and Wellness Center. With a background in education and mental health, Amanda is deeply committed to helping individuals and families overcome relational trauma and achieve emotional wellness.
Before becoming a therapist, Amanda worked as a third-grade teacher and guidance counselor, experiences that solidified her dedication to fostering positive emotional and mental health in educational settings. Currently, as a professor, she combines her clinical expertise with her passion for education, training future social workers to support students and communities with empathy and effective strategies.
Amanda specializes in working with women and couples to heal attachment trauma and build stronger, healthier relationships. She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), utilizing evidence-based approaches to guide clients toward lasting healing.
Amanda is also an advocate for equity in education and mental health. She works to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to the resources they need to thrive. Through Beyond Brokenness, she strives to dismantle barriers to mental health care and promote inclusive practices that create supportive, safe spaces for everyone.
As a school board member, Amanda is committed to promoting equity, emotional wellness, and academic success. She aims to contribute her expertise and passion to ensure that all students have the opportunity to excel in a nurturing, supportive environment.
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maya maybin
BOARD MEMBER-EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
EC-6 Educator | Educational Leader | Founder of Project Bounce Back
Maya Maybin is an experienced EC-6 educator with a passion for empowering students to reach their fullest potential. Holding a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Maya’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Maya began her teaching career in the Houston Independent School District, where she served for five years as an elementary school educator. Throughout her career, she developed a strong foundation in instructional strategies and student engagement. In her quest to further support student success, Maya founded Project Bounce Back, a tutorial program designed to help students identify learning gaps and receive personalized instruction that fosters growth and success. The program empowers students to track their academic progress and close learning gaps, enabling them to perform at grade level and beyond.
Maya's dedication to education stems from her belief in the transformative power of knowledge. She is passionate about equipping students with the skills they need to navigate life and achieve success, both inside and outside the classroom.
Idealogies:
an educational reform movement.
for families
The objective for parents and guardians is to foster a sense of empowerment, connection, and commitment, not only to their student's aspirations but also to the overarching goals of the school community. It is essential that families possess a comprehensive understanding of school expectations and willingly align themselves with the established standards of the school community. Ultimately, the hope that is in partnership and in doing these things we will create schools that are well-rounded environments that facilitate both academic and social growth for every student.
for students
Students ought to be afforded a sense of autonomy and agency, actively participating in decisions that impact their educational experience, encompassing aspects such as curriculum, school standards, and diverse learning opportunities. This approach extends beyond academic realms to incorporate cultural and societal standards, preparing students not only for conventional academic success but also for navigating the complexities of the broader world.
Empowering students involves providing them with unconventional opportunities for leadership, discovery, and creativity, mirroring the dynamic nature of the contemporary world. The educational environment should facilitate personalized learning experiences, allowing students to tailor their education to align with their individual goals. This encompasses not only academic pursuits but also an understanding of societal expectations and cultural nuances.
Within this framework, it is crucial to create a supportive environment where students can learn the art of decision-making, understanding choices, exploring options, and navigating consequences. This includes fostering a culture where making mistakes is viewed as a part of the learning process, offering students the opportunity for second chances.
Schools should serve as platforms for self-advocacy, instilling in students the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and their future aspirations. The overarching goal is to nurture empowered individuals who are well-rounded, equipped to contribute meaningfully to the world they will inherit.
for schools
Schools, as well as districts, should demonstrate a heightened awareness of the unique characteristics and generational dynamics of the students and families within their purview. This extends beyond consideration of social, urban, or community norms to include a thorough understanding of the cultural and generational context that informs effective communication and current service provision. Schools ought to possess the autonomy and dedicated resources necessary to guide their communities in a manner aligned with the demographics and distinctive needs of the population they serve.
Leadership within schools should provide equitable opportunities for parental involvement in various school activities, fostering an environment where parents and guardians feel confident in their ability to communicate and advocate. Recognizing that each school community has its own distinct composition, it is imperative that educational initiatives and support services be tailored to the makeup of the community.
Furthermore, schools should be able to and have resources to offer learning opportunities that transcend standard state norms, equipping students with skills that extend beyond conventional academic benchmarks and contribute to their development into well-rounded individuals prepared for the future. This holistic approach acknowledges the diversity inherent in each educational setting and seeks to address the multifaceted needs of both students and their communities.