AcademicsUnlocking Potential Through Nature-Based Education
4:1 Student to Faculty RatioPersonalized Attention and Innovative Goal-based System
At Colorado Timberline Academy, our 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of six to eight enable personalized attention and strong teacher-student relationships. Instead of traditional credits, students meet seven academic goals, demonstrating proficiency through tests, papers, or portfolios. Graduation requirements include a major research paper and a Philosophy of Life project.
Each academic block ends with a one-on-one evaluation to provide feedback and encourage student reflection. Transfer students can advance based on prior proficiency, and faculty advisors help plan personalized schedules for successful graduation and college preparation.
Outdoor Programs and Wilderness Excursions
Explore our dynamic outdoor programs and adventure trips, designed to challenge and inspire. These experiences are tailored to build resilience and promote personal growth, providing opportunities for students to push their limits and develop valuable life skills.
Engaging and Dynamic Learning Environment
Our engaging learning environment fosters curiosity and inspires a deep, lasting passion for education. We cultivate an atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery, guiding students to develop a lifelong love of learning.
Nature-Based Education for Holistic Development
Engage with our nature-based education approach, which supports holistic development and strengthens students' connection to the natural world. Our programs are designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of nature while promoting overall growth.
ExperiencesOutdoor Pursuit: Enhancing Personal Skills through Nature
The Outdoor Pursuit program at Colorado Timberline Academy offers students the opportunity to choose an outdoor activity during each block, allowing them to complement their daily academic classes with hands-on experiences in nature. Through this program, students develop personal skills, foster resilience, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Personal Skills
In addition to their three daily academic classes, students engage in a Personal Skill of their choice each bloc. These seasonal offerings are designed to develop outdoor education and fitness skills, benefiting both academic performance and overall well-being. Our location near the San Juan Mountains and the desert southwest provides diverse outdoor opportunities.
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Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Fly fishing
Cross-country skiing
Students also have access to the Durango Recreation Center for swimming, basketball, racquetball, weightlifting, and cardio fitness.
Ski blocK
As part of our outdoor pursuits program, each student is given a seasonal ski pass. During the fourth block, we adjust the schedule to shorten three class days, providing dedicated time for skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Ski Resort. This allows students to fully enjoy and benefit from the winter sports experience.
Trips & AdventuresExplore the World with CTA's Off-Campus Adventures
Alongside our outdoor pursuits program, Colorado Timberline Academy incorporates several off-campus trips throughout the school year. These excursions offer students valuable opportunities to explore new environments, engage in hands-on learning, and experience diverse cultural and natural settings that complement their classroom education.
The Rite of PassageWakan
Each September, the entire CTA community kicks off the school year with a week-long backpacking adventure in the Weminuche Wilderness. Known as “Wakan,” this challenging five-day trek through the San Juan Mountains offers an opportunity to rekindle old friendships, forge new ones, and build a strong sense of community among staff and students.
Time in the desertFall Trip
After the first four-week bloc ends in early October, staff and students prepare for the “Fall Trip,” a second backpacking adventure that explores the renowned landscape of southeastern Utah. This unique desert region, commonly referred to as the “Colorado Plateau,” is conveniently located near our campus and offers students a chance to appreciate and understand the fragile desert environment.
Where Personal Skills FlourishSpring Trip
After winter break and as warmer weather arrives, we embark on the “Spring Trip,” an extension of the “Personal Skills” program. This trip features a range of activities, including backpacking in Havasu Canyon, Arizona; rafting the San Juan River, Utah; rock climbing in Joshua Tree, California; mountain biking in southeastern Utah; backcountry skiing in the Tetons, Wyoming; and fly-fishing along the Green River, Utah.