Overview
Watershed students never sit in class and wonder:
"When will I use this in real life?" At Watershed, students learn by going off campus, working with experts, and creating solutions to real-world problems.
Learning with Purpose
Instead of memorizing answers for standardized tests, Watershed students might learn economics by starting a small business or master algebra by solving an engineering problem. Watershed students learn with a purpose. Along the way, they’re part of a close-knit community that allows them to be who they are. It’s no wonder they love coming to school every day.
watershed at a glance
Founded in 2004
114 students, grades 6-12
1:7 teacher-to-student ratio
Fully accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS)
100% of graduates are accepted to college or university
Students spend 40-45 nights a year off campus, including backcountry adventures, school trips to national sites like Silicon Valley, and international destinations like Peru and Cambodia.
The campus is walkable from public transit and includes a gym, design lab, art studio, and outdoor classroom.
Active memberships:
NAIS - National Association of Independent Schools
ACIS - Association of Colorado Independent Schools
BACIS - Boulder Area Consortium of Independent Schools
Courses
Core courses are interdisciplinary, hands-on, and project-based
Math classes are offered at every level through Calculus
Science instruction (including lab-based chemistry, biology, geology, and physics) is included in every Expedition course, at every grade level
Multiple levels of Spanish instruction which includes intensive instruction and homestay in Guatemala
Electives include studio art, photography, music, filmmaking, design, engineering, climbing, athletics, dance, and entrepreneurship
Watershed students experience more intellectual and emotional engagement than either public school or private school averages (High School Survey of Student Engagement, Middle Grades Survey of Student Engagement)
