Frequently Asked Questions

Is your school accredited?

Yes! Colorado Timberline Academy is fully accredited with Cognia. Click Here for more information.

Do you accept students after the school year has begun?

Yes! A school crisis or the need for a fresh start does not necessarily follow the school calendar. The flexibility of the Bloc System at Colorado Timberline Academy allows a student to enter the program at almost anytime during the school year. Also, the Bloc System allows for a smooth transition by eliminating the stress of playing catch up and keep up as is the case when transitioning to a traditional program.

Do you have a stated drug and alcohol policy?

Yes! No student may posses or consume alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beers or other drugs (non-prescribed or illegal) on campus or off. This rule is in effect at all times when a student is enrolled at CTA. Colorado Timberline Academy is very proactive in regard to drug and alcohol issues. On a weekly basis, randomly selected students are tested for drug usage. Also, if we have any reason to suspect that alcohol has been brought on campus or that students have been drinking, staff will not hesitate to breathalyze any student suspected of violating the drug and alcohol policy.

What are the consequences for a violation of the drug and alcohol policy?

FIRST OFFENSE: The student will be restricted to campus for one month and further required to perform one month of dinner duty. In addition, the student will be tested on a mandatory basis each week for the reemainder of the school year.

SECOND OFFENSE: The student will be suspended for two weeks if found in possession or upon laboratory verification of the test results.

THIRD OFFENSE: The student will be expelled if found in possession or upon laboratory verification of the test results. The severity of the third offense will determine the punishment.

• Drug and alcohol offenses are treated identically.

• If a student is expelled for the above reasons and successfully completes a program to address the issue of drug or alcohol usage, CTA will consider the possibility of re-enrollment.

Are students permitted to leave campus?

Yes! Students who are meeting all academic and community responsibilities may sign out to leave campus if they have no school scheduled obligations and have permission from their parent or legal guardian. Please keep in mind that CTA is located approximately 12 miles north of town and transportation must be arranged and available.

What percentage of your graduating seniors go on to college?

In most years, 90% of the graduating seniors go on to attend college.

What is the ratio of boys to girls?

In most years, we have seen a ratio of 4 boys to every girl enrolled.

Is there any counseling available for students?

Yes. Each student has a faculty advisor who is responsible for the academic and community well being of his or her advisees. If there is a greater need for counseling, arrangements can be made for a student to meet more frequently with a professional in Durango.

May students make and receive phone calls?

Yes. Students may make and receive calls at any time except during classes or during quiet hours (7:30pm – 8:30pm).

How do you deal with spending money for students?

We recommend a weekly allowance of $10 to $20 per week and funds are distributed to students at the beginning of each weekend. Students may also pursue a paid position washing dishes for our kitchen and are paid twice a month.

Do you accept students who are taking medications?

Yes. All prescribed medications are to be given to the Director for distribution according to the prescription instructions. Students are not permitted to have any medications in their possession at any time. This includes over-the-counter medications.

Do you provide tutoring or remedial help?

Yes. Tutorial Math and English courses are available for students who need support or remediation in these areas. Peer tutoring along with the help of the teacher proctoring the evening study hall is also available. Our small classes with an average of 5 or 6 students per class also allow for frequent one-on-one instruction.

Are students required to participate in outdoor activities and trips?

Yes. The trips and outdoor activities are part of our curriculum. Consequently, all school trips (Wakan, Fall Trip and Spring Trip) are required. In addition, three afternoons per week the students are required to be involved in our outdoors program. Choices of activities include rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, fly fishing, ball sports, skiing & snowboarding, and dance among others.

How does the Bloc System differ from a traditional program?

Rather than students taking five, six or more courses for a semester or for the entire year, students at CTA take three classes per Bloc. With the Bloc System the school year has been divided into seven time periods (Blocs) of four or five weeks in length. Each school year is usually made up of 5 four-week Blocs and 2 five-week Blocs. Each Bloc is a separate unit and there is no cumulative effect to the marking from one Bloc to the next. Also, when students change from one Bloc to the next, to bring freshness to their program, our scheduling almost inevitably results in at least one or more classes being completely different from those of the previous Bloc. In this way students do not feel as if they are doing the same thing every day of the school year.

Where does Colorado Timberline Academy fit among the choices for alternative school programs?

Colorado Timberline Academy is positioned between traditional boarding schools for mainstream, high achieving students and programs of a more restrictive nature such as a therapeutic, emotional growth or rehab program.

Are students permitted to smoke or use tobacco products?

No! The use and /or possession of any tobacco product is not permitted at any time by any student while enrolled at Colorado Timberline Academy, including those students above the age of eighteen.

Are students required to earn privileges?

No. Students begin the year with privileges and freedoms available. Our expectation is that students will deal with privileges and freedoms in a responsible fashion. See Point System for further explanation.

Is Durango served by any major airlines?

Yes. United Airlines and America West both serve Durango. Both airlines usually have five arrivals and departures throughout each day. Southwest airlines serves Albuquerque, NM which is approx. a four-hour drive from Durango.

What kind of living facilities are available for students?

There are two small dormitories on campus, one for the girls (five single rooms) and one for the boys (six single rooms). Each dorm is supervised by a dorm parent. Younger students are usually housed in the dorms. The remainder of the students are housed in small, two-person log cabins.

From where do your students come?

Everywhere! We've had students from the following states and foreign countries: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Mexico, and The Gambia.

Do you have a summer program?

No. CTA does not provide summer school. There is, however, a summer camp, The Durango Mountain Camp, which is primarily for students diagnosed with dyslexia. Colorado Timberline Academy rents facilities to the camp but is otherwise not involved in the operation of the camp.