Meet Bianca Balderrama: The Student Services Superhero at Escuela de Guadalupe
When families first discover Escuela de Guadalupe’s middle school, they’re often struck by the academics, the Spanish/English environment, and the way students are known and loved. What they don’t always see right away is one of the most powerful supports built into the experience: Student Services. At Escuela, Bianca Balderrama serves as the Student Services […]
In Miss Julia Cogan’s Classroom, Faith Meets Daily Life and Curiosity Takes Root
If you step into Miss Julia Cogan’s classroom in the morning, you’ll notice something right away: the calm. Before the day truly begins, she takes about 10 minutes to walk students through what’s ahead – what they’ll learn, what they’ll need, what will change, what won’t. It’s simple and practical, and it does something powerful: […]
Miss Miriam O’Connor: Nineteen Years of Hugs, High Expectations, and Heart
If you watch the Thursday morning carpool line at Denver bilingual school Escuela de Guadalupe, you’ll spot Miriam O’Connor right away. She’s the one opening doors with a ready smile as kids practically launch out of their seats to wrap her in a hug. Parents lean in for a quick word—an update, a reassurance, a […]
“They Can Do Hard Things.” Stefanie Esparza’s Bilingual Kindergarten Class
When Ms. Stefanie Esparza talks about Escuela de Guadalupe, she isn’t just describing a workplace—she’s tracing the arc of her family’s life. More than two decades ago, Stefanie first walked through Escuela’s doors as a mother. Her husband, Arturo, had just completed his student teaching here and joined the faculty. Their four children would follow: […]
What Teacher Retention Says About Escuela de Guadalupe
When prospective families tour Escuela de Guadalupe, one question comes up again and again: Do your teachers stay? It’s an important question. For many parents, teacher retention is a window into school culture. Do teachers feel supported? Is the school mission more than words on a wall? At Escuela, the answer speaks for itself. More […]
Future Denver Teachers Come Full Circle at Escuela de Guadalupe
At Escuela de Guadalupe, the impact of a dual-language, faith-based education doesn’t end at graduation—it builds a foundation that carries students forward into lives of service, purpose, and community. This year, we were proud to welcome back two remarkable alumnae, Alejandra Chavira and Adrianna Garcia, who are completing their teaching practicums at Escuela as part […]
ACE Teacher Sean Cleary: Saying Yes to Service, Learning & Community at Escuela
Sean Cleary is the kind of teacher who makes you believe that maybe, just maybe, middle school is the best place in the world. It’s not because teaching sixth through eighth grade is easy. Far from it—Sean teaches sixth and seventh grade social studies, religion in English to all three middle school grades, and life […]
Escuela de Guadalupe Appoints Dr. Nicky Freeburg as New President
Denver, CO – [April 16, 2025] – The Board of Trustees of Escuela de Guadalupe is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicky Freeburg as the school’s new President. Dr. Freeburg brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, bilingual instruction, and community engagement, aligning seamlessly with Escuela de Guadalupe’s mission to provide an […]
Denver Middle School Teacher Mitchel Williams
Mitchel Williams thinks he’s found the right fit. His journey has taken him through public schools in Oklahoma and Denver, spanning multiple subjects, grade levels, and teaching environments. Now, as a Denver middle school math and technology teacher at Escuela de Guadalupe, Mitchel feels like he’s finally found a place where he can plant roots […]
Denver Science Teacher Finds a Home at Escuela
Linda Mallory’s journey to becoming a beloved math and science teacher at Escuela de Guadalupe was anything but linear. From growing up in small towns across South Dakota, to traveling the world with her Army husband, to motherhood, her path has been shaped by resilience, passion, and a deep love for teaching. Today, she serves […]