Lifting little minds to new heights
Helen Andresen supporting her granddaughter Ally at one of her many volleyball tournaments.
In the heart of southeast Denver, sits the imaginative campus of Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age Summer Camp (Iliff). A unique classroom awaits its young learners, grounded in legacy and lifted by dreams, a fabulous playground for children.
Every year, 15 wide-eyed kindergarteners step down the ramp of a real DC-7 fuselage (called Charlie 21), diplomas in hand. Behind this memorable tradition is Helen Andresen, the school’s owner, business manager and lifelong advocate for education.
In 1978, Helen and husband Chas Andresen took over the school that was founded in 1963 with just six students. Continued over the decades, Iliff has expanded through creative additions like a commercial kitchen, additional classroom spaces, toddler programs and outdoor play areas, including a boat on a sandy beach and a mining camp-themed tunnel yard.
“Our programs engage children through immersive hands-on experiences rather than scripted curriculum,” said Helen. “The classrooms are arranged in centers, giving children the opportunity to make choices, come up with ideas and be creative.”
Helen always loved teaching and pursued her bachelor of science degree from CU Boulder, and it was there she met her Chas. The two of them loved all that Colorado offered and chose to make it their home.
It was not long before Helen’s journey as a mother of two steered her into the field of early childhood education. Curious about her own children’s development and inspired by the power of foundational learning, was the impetus for Helen to launch a preschool. Since then, she has spent more than 60 years shaping young minds, supporting families and turning curiosity into confidence. She still runs Iliff today.
In 2020, after losing her husband of 50 years, Helen made another intentional life change, moving from Centennial to Castle Pines. She wanted to be closer to her daughter’s family in the Esperanza neighborhood.
Her only granddaughter, Ally, said her Yia Yia is amazing and her biggest cheerleader. “From cheering me on at every volleyball tournament to traveling and exploring new countries together, my grandma has shown me that the best memories come from showing up with love, energy and lots of laughter.”
Whether walking the trails of local parks with her Biewer Terrier, Charli, or soaking in the beauty of the community, Helen loves all things “life.” At age 78, she has no plans to slow down. Helen said, “My days are filled with hiking, scuba, travel and cherished family game nights.”
When asked about her proudest moments, she does not hesitate. “The arrival of my children and granddaughter,” she said with excitement. “They have gifted me with a generous helping of joy.”
Iliff preschoolers taking class outside by the DC-7 airplane, called Charlie 21.
Helen Andresen loves her pets as her babies, too.
By Karen Leigh; photos courtesy of Amy Hundley
