Traverse Academy

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.