Colorado Timberline Academy

454 Academy Drive

Durango, CO 81301

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 08, 2022

Colorado Timberline Academy is a fantastic school for teens who are not achieving at a regular High School. My son attended CTA for almost three years . During that time, he made great progress in his academic, and social /emotional development. The teachers are competent, respectful, and very creative. Class sizes are small and each student receives much individual attention. My son just graduated in May, 2022 and all the graduates thanked the wonderful Principal , Dan and all his staff. During my son’s time at Colorado Timberline Academy, he learned to ski, rock climb, camp and fish. His Spanish teacher even took her class to Mexico for a month. On a personal level, each student was responsible for keeping their cabin clean and organized. My son had participated in public school, online programs, and home school. My husband and I agree that bringing our son to Colorado Timberline Academy was the single best decision that we ever made for his academic and social development. All the teachers share their talents with their students. Ian, the school counselor is a social worker and an avid rock climber. Megs, Elliot, Pete, and Natalie ski and take the students mountain biking. The new academic advisor is planning to use resources from the local community college to help the students at CTA. P. Tierney School psychologist PhD , LCPC.
Submitted by student on February 01, 2018

This is my second year at this school and I must say it is a lot worse than last year and that definitely says something. Besides a select 2-3 teachers here, most do not care as much as they would like you too think and are extremely immature especially when they are kind of "parenting" you while you live here. It is however easier to pass classes if you struggled in a public school setting of which I believe is because of the smaller classes which means more attention from the teachers and there aren't ways to be left behind. Favoritism is huge at this school even if you try hard and due your chores around campus without a problem and I have been told I get shit from teachers because of where I'm from on numerous occasions. Overall this place is definitely not for everyone and is not for the majority of people here especially me and I definitely will not come here my senior year and am working on becoming a day student just to get out of here for as long as i can
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2017

My son just finished his Jr year, on the Honor Roll and so proud of his accomplishments. This was his most successful year of his life, all due to the dedicated staff, life skills opportunities, and small classes with awesome teachers. For those that can't find success in public schools, CTA is an extraordinary opportunity. He can't wait to go back for his Sr. year. Darcy S.
Submitted by student on April 27, 2015

I started attending CTA this January and I love it! The teachers really care about you and will do anything to help you succeed. Whether it's giving you advice, a shoulder to cry on or working with you in study hall on their free time on classwork or studying for a test. I was nervous starting mid year but that was absolutely not a problem everyone was welcoming and I fit in instantly. I plan on graduating from CTA and can't see myself anywhere else. The outdoor sports program is outstanding! I have tried things I never would've probably without coming here. I did not have a great academic history and since attending I have been an honor roll student all of my attendance at CTA. The bloc system keeps everything fresh taking a new class every 4-5 weeks and provides a new start in sequence classes, and with taking only 3 classes at a time it makes it easier to stay on top of all of your work. With the bloc system you can also finish classes and achieve credits in a very timely manner, I finished an entire year of biology in three months. By far the best decision I have ever made.
Submitted by student on March 02, 2015

I've never been to a school where the teachers and staff care as much about my success as this one. The thought of inevitably leaving this school brings me to tears as I have enjoyed being here so much. The outdoor programs are awesome and you are almost guaranteed to do well if you put forth a bit of effort. The teachers will do anything to see you succeed and take time to get to know you personally, it's a really close-knit community. I've created the most incredible friendships and unforgettable memories here. 100/10 :)
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2014

This is a wonderful school for children that "don't fit into" a traditional school system. It provides small classes with qualified younger teachers who the kids generally relate to. The program focuses not only academics but on taking responsibility for one's own life through outdoor activities, opportunities to earn money, and a point system for rewarding responsible behavior. My child has matured so much. He is discovering himself and now has great self-esteem. When he entered this school he was depressed and lacked motivation due to having dyslexia and going through a terrible custody battle. Now, he has many friends and has life-long skills that should serve him well in the future. This school is not for everybody, but if you think you or your child would enjoy living outside of town in cabins and rafting, mountain biking, skiing, climbing, etc. in an outstanding location then consider this school.
Submitted by student on October 01, 2013

I have a degree from a prestigious university, an amazing job and a wonderful group of friends. Colorado Timberline Academy provided me with a strong foundation on which to build a pretty good life for myself. Without CTA, I probably would not have graduated high school.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

Colorado Timberline Academy (CTA) is an outstanding school. This will be my daughters third year at this school. She will graduate in the spring of 2014. Because of CTA, her self esteem is amazing and she is definately ready to tackle the next phase...college. CTA has been instrumental in the development of her education, independence and confidence. I would give this school a definate 5 STAR RATING!!!! Thank you CTA for what you have given my daugher!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

This is a great school! My child has excelled under the guidance of the well qualified staff and learning conducive environment. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2013

2012 visit to Colorado Timberline Academy-CTA, simple, beautiful, welcoming: Our son did not fit in socially/academically in our hometown & needed change. CTA welcomed him, but he had to commit to the school community. Within weeks, we saw change. He liked learning, developed confidence, was more independent, had friends, bonded with staff & loved outdoors. Since attending CTA, he has matured, has a sense of responsibility & respect for self & others while developing his own ideas & opinions. CTA fosters well-rounded, self-reliant young adults who are tolerant & work well within teams. As with any other school, CTA is not for everyone but has proven the best learning environment for our son. Low student-teacher ratio, supportive environment, block program, self-paced, discussion based, hands-on programs meet his needs. Dedicated administrators/teachers are creative in aiding students learning differences. CTA also fosters life skills (e.g. leadership, chores, consequences, service, practical skills). Our son is willingly graduating from CTA in 2014 with honors & plans to attend college. He is self-reliant & confident. CTA was invaluable in guiding our son in the right direction.
Submitted by student on July 20, 2013

with a few exceptions they had a completely awful staff. and the students there were even worse. no one their cared about their education. all they did was make fun of or yell at teachers during classes. so if you actually want to learn its impossible because the teacher is always busy. and because all the kids who were their did not want to be there. they started bullying and harrassing the littler kids. and the staff does not care. they watch when shit like this happens. when i was there there was multiple fights and teachers just let it happen.
Submitted by student on April 16, 2013

i am a current student and will graduate this year (2013) i strongly advise that students and parents perform much research before choosing to attend this school. This school is not for everyone. i feel that teachers get burnt out very quickly therefore "check out" early in the school year. Of course there are a lot of fewer students in each classroom do not get the help as described on the school website. This school can better improve by becoming accredited, hiring more qualified staff and properly distributing leadership among teachers. i love the outside program, however i feel that much of the programs described on the website are false such as drama and honors credit.
Submitted by student on January 14, 2009

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Submitted by student on May 07, 2007

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