Mission / Vision / Values

Colorado Rocky Mountain School's unique educational mission comes from combining John Dewey's belief that "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." We prepare our students for a lifetime of learning and growth through a challenging college-preparatory academic program, an afternoon program that connects our students with healthy and engaging sports and work crews, and an Outward Bound-inspired outdoor-trip program. This is a unique combination within the independent school landscape and provides authentic learning experiences that contribute to the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of each individual.

Current scientific and educational research supports the impact that a dynamic program such as CRMS's can have on a young adult. Recent brain research emphasizes the importance of being in small classes where faculty know the students well and the positive impact of being physically active (to learn more visit www.brainrules.org). Experiential education studies indicate that students who are connected with their environment develop into more adaptable, well-rounded adults (to learn more visit www.richardlouv.com).

Colorado Rocky Mountain School encourages our students to become passionate, confident human beings who approach the world with intention, intelligence, and compassion. With sustained, collaborative effort by institution and student alike, CRMS has been turning out exemplary citizens for more than 55 years. The hard work has been worth the reward.

Mission: Colorado Rocky Mountain School cultivates a learning environment in which students discover their potential to excel as individuals, contribute to their communities, and participate thoughtfully in the world we share.

Vision: Inspired by the mountains, deserts, and rivers of the West, Colorado Rocky Mountain School fosters a lifelong commitment to intellectual rigor, sustainable living, meaningful work, aesthetic appreciation, and civic involvement. CRMS’s college-preparatory curriculum maximizes each student’s growth by providing the opportunities, expectations, and support that lead to accomplishment and instill a sense of purpose. Close and meaningful interaction with faculty reveals to students the values required for success in college and in life.

Values: Colorado Rocky Mountain School instills in its boarding and day students the desire to live a purposeful and vital life from a foundation of idealism, compassion, reflection, and growth. Underlying all aspects of the CRMS experience are three essential values that guide our actions and decisions:

• Respect: We expect all members of the CRMS community to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, and seek an empathetic understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.

• Responsibility: We expect all members of the CRMS community to fully account for their actions, strive for the greater good and inspire the same in their peers, and act with intention in the world around them.

• Excellence: We expect all members of the CRMS community to aspire to the highest standards of academic, personal, and community life and to persevere through adversity to achieve their goals.

As a result of our efforts, all Colorado Rocky Mountain School graduates will:

• Be academically prepared to attend and succeed at a college of their choice
• Contribute productively to their communities
• Engage in healthy, active lifestyles
• Be skillful participants in and responsible stewards of the natural environment
• Develop sustainable life skills that will enable them to reach their full potential