Meet Annie Hiatt | Head of School

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Hiatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Classical education seeks to cultivate not merely young scholars, but good citizens. Our hope is that, through the study of great literature, rich history, robust mathematics and sciences, and a thorough exposure to the fine arts, the young men and women who graduate from our school will be prepared to become productive members of society, devoted mothers and fathers, thoughtful voters, and engaged members of their communities.

We seek to support our students as they learn to live good and virtuous lives, not only during their years at school, but throughout the course of their lives. We pursue this important work because we believe the world will be a better place when its citizens are educated in the Western tradition and equipped with the wisdom, character, and virtue necessary to lead flourishing lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe one of the qualities that sets me apart is my ability to discern the underlying nature of problems and quickly arrive at solutions. Paired with an extreme sense of ownership (thank you, Jocko!) and a constant effort toward humility, this has allowed me to support both the professional and financial health of my school.

We also dedicate a significant amount of time to cultivating a culture of growth mindset and excellence, then come alongside our staff and students on their journey.

What I want the world to know about my school is that we are building a school that takes care of its teachers, believes that parents should remain the primary educators of their children, and recognizes that children are resilient and capable of great things.

A common misconception about classical education is that it is a partisan or religious endeavor. On the contrary, classical education provides an opportunity for all students to engage with the great ideas, enduring questions, and foundational texts that have shaped our civilization. It invites students into a conversation that spans centuries, challenges them to wrestle with complex questions, and prepares them to participate thoughtfully in their families, communities, and civic institutions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Northern Colorado has an abundance of fantastic places to visit! Depending on how much time we had, we might browse the shops in Estes Park and finish with dinner at Jim & Bird, a restaurant named for a couple whose story is well worth knowing. The brave might even stay the night at the notorious Stanley Hotel.

If the weather cooperates, a drive through the mountains is a must. Trail Ridge Road offers some of the most spectacular views in the state, often placing you on top of the world and often face-to-face with elk, marmots, and the occasional moose.

Hopping around to some of the microbreweries in Loveland and Fort Collins (Berthoud Brewing is a particular favorite) is a common pastime. If beer is not your preference, Sweet Heart Winery has beautifully curated grounds where you can enjoy a charcuterie board and a flight of wine.

It’s not hard to find a place to enjoy live music on a Friday or Saturday afternoon following a hike in Lory State Park or around Horsetooth Reservoir. With a bit of advanced planning, you might even be fortunate enough to catch the Fort Collins Symphony performing after an early dinner at one of Old Town Fort Collins’ many excellent restaurants. If you choose Blue Agave, you’ll likely find yourself talking about the marinated tomatoes on their house fish tacos for days afterward.

If the visit happens to coincide with one of our summer festivals, all the better. From sculpture walks and art shows to outdoor concerts and farmers markets, Northern Colorado seems to find every excuse possible to gather people together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I never intended to pursue a career in education. While searching for a school for my daughter, I discovered Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado. As a single parent, working on the same schedule as my daughter was appealing, and I was fortunate to be hired as an administrative employee by our then Head of School, Trent Kramer.

Under Trent’s mentorship, I came to love the work we were doing. As I learned more about the philosophy that underlies a classical education, I became increasingly convinced of its value and importance. Through his guidance, encouragement, and confidence in my abilities, I was given opportunities to grow as a leader within the school. I had the opportunity to teach 7th grade math and 12th grade economics, exposing me to the true joy that is teaching.

It was ultimately because of his support and endorsement that I was able to step into the role of Head of School when he relocated out of state.

Website: https://nc.ascentcolorado.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nc.ascentcolorado/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nc.ascentcolorado/

Image Credits
Many of these images are thanks to Colorado Born Images.