National Jewish Health - Morgridge Academy

The Morgridge Academy is a free day school on the National Jewish Health (NJH) Campus. Students learn to manage their diseases and succeed academically, ideally returning to their neighborhood schools within three to four years. Students are placed in small classrooms staffed with teachers who have the training and time to focus on each child. Each day, students receive two nutritious meals and physical education.

What is it?

The Morgridge Academy is a free day school on the National Jewish Health (NJH) Campus. Students learn to manage their diseases and succeed academically, ideally returning to their neighborhood schools within three to four years. Students are placed in small classrooms staffed with teachers who have the training and time to focus on each child. Each day, students receive two nutritious meals and physical education.

Who is it for?

Kindergarten through eighth-grade Denver-area students with chronic illnesses, including asthma, severe allergies, immune deficiencies such as HIV, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and cardiac disorders.

Why do they do it?

The Morgridge Academy evolved out of NJH’s educational efforts in the early 20th century, when tuberculosis patients often stayed in the hospital for months.

Impact

More than 2,000 students have attended the school since its inception in 1977. Because students learn to manage their illnesses, they show significant health improvements. On average, students experience a 40 percent drop in emergency department visits over three years.

Contact: Eileen Danahy
Director, National Corporate/Foundation Support
Telephone: 303-728-6540
E-mail: danahye@njhealth.org