About ACE

2023-24

We are thrilled to announce that the Achieving Competitive Excellence(ACE) program is back in action for the 2023-24 AY.  On Monday, November 6, 2023, under the watchful eye of Principal Stephanie Atencio, ACE was introduced to the 5th grade population at Columbia Elementary school, and what an AMAZING day it was! We are honored to partner with Colorado Springs School District 11 and Columbia Elementary school in its quest for academic excellence! 

2021-22

We've got great news! ACE is currently in 2 school districts and positively impacting students in 7 schools. In just 3 short years ACE has scaled from 18 to approximately 1150 students. 

2020-21

We are pleased to announce the ACE project is back for the 2020-21 Academic year! ACE returns to Adams Elementary under the new leadership of principal Michelle Slyter. We are also excited to share that ACE will be implemented into Will Rogers Elementary under the watchful eye of principal Linda Slothower. Our first day back in the schools was September 28, 2020 and what a FANTASTIC day it was. 

2019-20

The data analyzed in the 2019-20 ACE Report suggests that following exposure to the ACE program, students experienced improved focus, concentration and were better able to regulate their emotions. Analysis supports that learning conditions, attitudes,  and academic performance improved following exposure to the ACE program at both Adams Elementary School and North Middle School. The data indicated that upon completion of the ACE program, students could better regulate their emotions, were less disruptive, and more motivated to learn. 

“ACE students operate from the strength of their highest selves, becoming more focused, persistent, and resilient. They are more likely to achieve positive outcomes and engage in positive reappraisal finding meaning and benefit in the adversities of daily life.”

Charmas and Janice Lee

Co-founders, ACE

PAST PERFORMANCE

The ACE Project was introduced to a group of 18 middle school boys at North Middle School in November of 2017 and continued through May of 2018. Students in the ACE program demonstrated a tremendous amount of success. 

By the end of the 2019-20 academic year the impact increased from 18 to 300 students at North Middle School. 

In the fall of 2018 the ACE Project was introduced to 30 of the most challenged students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades at Adams Elementary School. ACE returned for the 2019-20 academic year and was incorporated into the entire 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student body.

By the end of the 2019-20 academic year the impact increased from 30 to 260  students.  

Note the testimonials that follow. 

“What started as a great opportunity for our most challenged students, has clearly become a program for all kids. When more and more research is released around the intense pressures that today’s youth are facing around social media and bullying there is no doubt all kids could benefit from the opportunity to gain greater self-confidence, perseverance, and focus.”

— Nate Hansen, Principal

Adams Elementary School

"I am writing this letter of reference for Charmas Lee. Charmas worked as a structured mentor/teacher for a cohort of African American males at North Middle School. During this time Charmas focused on essential adaptive skills essential to academic and social success in and out of the school setting. His skills are extraordinary and success evident (e.g. the growth on the CMAS assessment of the African American cohort at North Middle School surpassed all other groups including the Gifted and Talented population).

The process Charmas utilizes can be summarized in two words: grit and resiliency. His programming hones in on building essential skills; a process through which students develop a cognitive strategic plan that breaks larger issues into smaller more manageable ones. The focus on grit/resiliency affords his  students the opportunity to internalize both problem solving skills and cognitive flexibility-skills essential to overcoming impediments and success in the 21st century. 

So with the aforementioned testimonial, I can strongly recommend his programming."

— Chris Kilroy, Principal

North Middle School

ACE is a unique collaboration between educators, a human performance specialist, the latest accomplishments in neuroscience, the 5/95 rule of human performance, and the 10 human drives to achieve unrivaled success in the academic arena.  

ACE is designed to teach students how to analyze situations in real-time and make the best decision at the moment. Using a proven coaching model of Think-Say-Do, students are guided through novel decision-making approaches which result in improved behavior, increased attention, and better classroom performance. ACE equips students with adaptive skills essential to social and academic success in and out of the school setting. Students develop a cognitive, strategic plan that breaks larger issues into smaller ones affording them the opportunity to internalize both problem solving skills and cognitive flexibility skills essential to overcoming impediments and success in the 21st century. 

ACE improves emotional intelligence 

ACE improves cognitive performance (focus, concentration, critical thinking)

ACE creates dynamic presence (real time analysis)

ACE improves moment-to-moment awareness (metacognition) 

ACE decreases cortisol minimizing flight or fight

ACE improves the rate of skill acquisition

ACE disrupts systemic cycles of faulty thinking

ACE promotes a positive framework for decision making 

ACE promotes the proper psychological and emotional attitude

ACE increases self-efficacy