FAQs

Look below to find answers to the questions most frequently asked by parents. They are organized into these categories: New Families, Academic Dean, Outdoor Curriculum, Student Life, and the Business Office

NEW FAMILIES

Is there anything I can do in advance to help prepare my student for the CRMS experience?
CRMS is an environment where growth mindset is both required and celebrated. Carol Dweck’s Mindset is an interesting and quick read which could be a springboard for you to discuss mindset with your student.

Where can I stay and eat when I take my child to CRMS or visit the school? What is there to do?
The Carbondale and Redstone Chambers of Commerce have listings of lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities in the Roaring Fork Valley. For a list of lodgings, click here. For restaurants and activities, go to www.carbondale.com.

Can I move my student into his or her dorm prior to Wilderness?
No; all new students are assigned to their dorm rooms when they return to campus after Wilderness.

Where can my student store possessions while he or she is on Wilderness?
Students will store all of their items in the CRMS gym when they arrive. Students can access their items until their departure on Wilderness, when the gym will be locked.

Do all students have to spend Friday night on campus?
Yes, all students - both boarding and day - will stay on campus Friday night.

When is the last time I will have a chance to see my student before he or she departs for Wilderness?
Parents are welcome to eat breakfast in the Bar Fork with their student Saturday morning prior to their student’s departure.

What is my student’s address at CRMS?
You may send mail/packages to Colorado Rocky Mountain School, name of your student, 1493 County Road 106, Carbondale, CO 81623, and the bookstore staff will make sure your student receives it.

What size bed will my student have in the dorm?
All dorms have regular twin size beds; you may purchase posters and a dorm refrigerator if you would like.

How can students buy the items they need?
CRMS provides bus transportation to Glenwood Springs were students can shop at Target; Wal-Mart; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; and other nearby stores.

We forgot a few items my student needs for Wilderness; where should we go?
In Carbondale, Independence Run & Hike has great boots and small items. For the larger items we suggest Summit Canyon Mountaineering and Factory Surplus in Glenwood Springs or Bristlecone Sport in Basalt.

ACADEMIC DEAN

When do I get to see my child’s schedule and what teachers he or she has?
A list of student schedules can be viewed at the registration table, but specific class/teacher sections are finalized after registration for all new students is complete. Students will find a schedule in their box when they return from Wilderness.

What if my child doesn’t get into a class he or she really wants to take?
We make every effort to give students their first or second choice, but this isn’t always possible. In addition to considering schedule compatibility, it is important for us to balance sections and student numbers with course demand. Priority is given to returning students based on the length of their tenure at CRMS.

Is there an opportunity for my child to drop a course and add something else?
Students may drop or add academic courses, with approval, until the second Friday of classes. After that date, courses may be dropped (but not added) only with the Dean’s approval. It is unlikely that such a change would be approved after the third week of classes.

What is the typical academic load for CRMS students?
Freshmen and sophomores take 6 academic classes. Juniors and seniors have 5 academic classes, although many elect to take a 6th course. Students can expect 2-3 hours of homework most nights.

How many credits must students earn to graduate?
Students must earn at least 20 credits to graduate from CRMS. These credits include 4 years of English and 3 years of math through Algebra II. For the remaining 4 departments (history, lab science, modern language, and fine arts), 3 years in 3 departments and 2 years in 1 department are required.

What courses should my child take to ensure his/her college admission?
Admissibility varies, but it is wise to show a deliberate pursuit in several academic areas: Upper-level courses enrich students’ academic lives and speak well of their persistence. Colleges evaluate the rigor of an applicant's academic curriculum in the context of what is offered at their school. CRMS offers several AP courses. While colleges value AP courses, most recognize the fact that independent schools provide a curriculum outside AP that is exceptionally rigorous and valuable. We encourage students to choose challenging courses that demonstrate their strengths and their dedication to academic inquiry.

Do CRMS students have study halls?
All new students are required to attend one study hall per week during 1st quarter. Students will be exempt from study hall after that unless they are on Academic Warning (with a grade average below 70, two grades in the D range, or one failing grade), in which case they will have two study halls per week and a weekly meeting with our Learning Specialist throughout the quarter.

How often should I check the Parent Portal?
This varies from family to family. Gradebooks posted on the Parent Portal (link to: https://info.crms.org/parentportal/ ) give a limited view of a student’s performance. Conversations with your child and his or her teachers and advisor will be much more informative. We encourage parents to look at PCR’s Gradebook about twice each quarter, and we include a “mid-quarter check-in” reminder in the parent e-mail to notify parents that the Gradebooks are updated.

How do we purchase textbooks?
Students will receive a list of the textbooks they need on the syllabus they receive the first day of class. Generally, teachers will expect students to have textbooks by the Monday after school starts. Students should have ample time to visit the bookstore during a free period or lunch. The bookstore will have extended hours on the first Thursday and Friday of classes. Most books can be purchased either new or used. Bookstore purchases are charged to the student's account.

STUDENT LIFE (DAY AND BOARDING STUDENTS)

Who do I contact if I have a question about the school program?
The student’s advisor is the first person to contact regarding any academic or active questions. If the advisor does not have the information, he or she will be able to direct you to the appropriate person.

Is campus open for students to come and go during the day?
Part of what attracts many students to our area is the opportunity to take advantage of the trails in the surrounding area that are ideal for hiking and biking. Since we want students to be active, the campus is open until 7:15 p.m. when all visitors are expected to depart. Students are permitted to leave campus during the day provided that they sign out (outside Bar Fork A) and their departure does not conflict with a school obligation.

Can day-student drivers come and go as they please throughout the day?
Day-student drivers are only permitted to leave campus before their last obligation if they have a note from a parent. The expectation is that the day-student driver will leave campus only after this note has been cleared by the Dean of Students, and the student has signed out (outside Bar Fork A). Once a student’s obligations have been completed, he or she is free to depart campus in a vehicle.

Are students permitted to have cell phones?
Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with your child. Please be sensitive that conversations do not encroach upon evening study halls and other programmatic obligations.

What is the purpose of “Class Meetings”?
Class Meetings are when the students gather according to their grade level. These meetings are part of a curriculum that teaches students life skills and one that emphasizes the connection to community.

Has hazing been an issue at CRMS?
The school takes hazing very seriously and does not tolerate any form of disrespect that physically or emotionally demeans a member of our student body. While extreme cases of hazing would in all likelihood result in a student's immediate separation from the school, hazing has not been an issue at CRMS because this is a small and intimate community where the students reside in dorms with classmates of the same age.

Can day students spend the night on campus?
Yes, day students may pick up the request form from Holden House, fill it out, and turn it in to Dee Gwin by noon on Friday.

Who do I contact if I have a question or concern about dorm life?
The Director of Residential Life can help with any programmatic questions. If the question is better suited for a dorm faculty member or advisor, he or she will be able to direct your question to the appropriate party.

Does anyone wake boarding students up in the morning to get them to breakfast and classes?
Students are solely responsible for attending their obligations. Faculty will not be waking them up in the morning. An alarm clock is a good investment for those who find it difficult to get started in the morning.

When is the best time to call the dorm to speak with my child? When shouldn’t I call?
It is not appropriate to call any time the students have a programmatic obligation. Resist the temptation to call during the 7:45-9:45 p.m. study hall, as this time has been set aside for academic focus. During the academic week, there may be a free period or afternoon when there is time to speak. Weekends might afford the most consistent opportunities.

What are “closed weekends” and why does the school have them?
“Closed weekends” are when the school does not permit boarding students to sign out for the weekend. With the exception of the first weekend back, all “closed weekends” do allow local boarding students to sign out to their parents’ home. We have “closed weekends” because we feel that they promote a sense of community and they encourage attendance in some great outdoor activities.

Can boarding students spend the first weekend at home after Wilderness?
The first weekend is a “closed weekend.” This is an opportunity for the school to create a sense of community and for new students to get to know other people at the school. While we have a number of closed weekends each year, this is the only one where we really ask parents to give us exclusive time with the students.

What is the sign-out policy for weekends?
Students must fill out a “weekend form” and turn it in to their advisor. The parent should give the student’s advisor either verbal or faxed notice stating that weekend permission has been granted. The parent should also give permission for the student to get into a car driven by a teenager, if this is applicable. The form then needs to be signed by a dorm parent and finally turned in to Dee Gwin’s open mailbox by noon on Thursday. She will call all host families to make sure that there will be sufficient adult supervision. However, we highly suggest that the parent call the host family to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the weekend plans.

Can a boarding student return to campus after he/she has signed out for the weekend?
Boarding students are always welcome to return to campus, but if they do so after they have departed for a weekend, then they will be expected to check in with the weekend team and forfeit the remainder of their weekend. The only exception would be if the student is participating in a school activity; in this instance we would expect the student to depart for the weekend after this event has taken place.

What type of supervision takes place during weekends?
Teams of five faculty members are assigned to work weekends. Their duties include frequent roves around campus and checks in the dormitory. In addition to regular dorm checks in the evening, the weekend teams are asked to check in on the students at some time between 1:00-4:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday to account for everyone and to make sure everyone is safe. In addition, the school has a security officer who maintains a presence around campus in the evenings throughout the weekend.

OUTDOOR CURRICULUM

What happens on “solo”?
Students are placed on a one-day solo near the end of the Wilderness experience. This solo is a great opportunity for personal reflection as each student embarks on his or her career at CRMS. Each student is given a small area for the solo, which he/she may not leave, and a system to check in with students is employed. The leader's camp is located in the vicinity of all solo sites.

What happens if there is an emergency out in the field?
Each Wilderness group carries an extensive first-aid kit in the field. CRMS strives for Wilderness leaders to be trained as Wilderness First Responders. At CRMS, there is a set protocol for handling emergencies, and there is always an on-call person on duty back on campus who can handle evacuations if needed. All Wilderness trip leaders carry a satellite phone, which is only used in an emergency. In most cases, our Wilderness groups remain within a half-day hike of a road or trailhead.

Are bears a concern?
In our region, black bears are primarily a concern in what is referred to as the urban-wilderness interface, where houses back up against bear habitat. On Wilderness, great care is taken to keep our camps and cooking areas clean, and special care is used to store our food properly. Dirty camps with garbage are primarily what bears are attracted to in the backcountry.

Does my son or daughter have to participate in a work crew?
Yes. Work crews are a required part of the CRMS program and they change each quarter. If a student participates in team sports throughout the year, he or she must still participate in at least one work crew. CRMS's active program graduation requirements include participation in at least three work crews—one Manual Labor, one Technical, and one Community Service. (Click here for more information regarding the active program graduation requirements). 

What is the purpose of work crews?
Historically, much of the campus was built by student work crews. The founders of CRMS, John and Anne Holden, believed that physical work was essential in the personal development of each and every student. Today, students and faculty maintain the campus buildings and grounds. The ethic that is born of doing physical labor is essential to the experience at CRMS. The focus of the work program is on developing specific skills as well as personal character, valuing physical labor, working collaboratively in small groups, and providing service to both the school and the surrounding community.

What about other sport opportunities?
Because of our location, many sport offerings at CRMS take advantage of our natural surroundings. If students are interested, they can participate on some of the local public school teams. If this happens, it is critical that team commitments do not conflict with CRMS commitments, including full participation in outdoor program trips.

What happens during the winter quarter?
During the third quarter, CRMS switches to our winter schedule, which allows the entire student body the opportunity to participate in snow sports during the week. At CRMS, both instructional and competitive snow sports create opportunities for students to ski (Nordic, alpine, telemark) or snowboard at Spring Gulch, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass ski areas.

Are all outdoor trips required?
Yes, absolutely. Our outdoor trips are an integral part of CRMS. Outdoor trips are considered a very important and valuable co-curricular requirement for all students. In the 2009-10 school year, Fall Trip will run Wednesday, September 30, to Saturday, October 3; Spring Trip will run Saturday, April 24, to Friday, April 30.

BUSINESS OFFICE

What is the incidentals deposit?
The incidentals deposit opens an account to which all bookstore, pharmacy, airport transportation, and school activities (e.g. kayaking, ski pass, etc.) charges are applied. The Incidentals Account must maintain a credit (positive) balance throughout the year. The incidentals deposit ($800 for boarders, $700 for day students) is billed per semester in July and December.

How often do I receive statements?
You will receive separate statements for tuition and the Incidentals Account. These statements are processed and e-mailed (unless a paper copy is requested) at the end of every month.

When is my payment due?
Full payment of tuition and fees is due by July 1. The Incidentals Account balance is due upon receipt of the monthly statement, unless you have a credit balance. An 18% finance charge will be applied to the account for any balance over 30 days past due.

Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes, credit card payments are allowed towards the Incidental Account. If you are interested in paying the tuition account with a credit card, a 3% processing fee is applied.

Can I set up a payment plan?
The school offers two payment plan options for tuition only. The first option available is to pay 60% of the tuition due by July 1 and the remaining 40% by November 1. The second option is a ten-month payment plan commencing May 1st with the last payment due February 1st. Both of these plans carry a 10% tuition loan interest after July 1st. A signed promissory note is required in order to set up a payment plan.

Who do I contact if I have a question regarding billing charges on my statement?
You can reach the Business Office by calling (970) 963-2562 or emailing billing@crms.org. The primary contact person in the Business Office is Marlin Rhodes.

How is allowance handled, when is it disbursed, what amount is recommended?
There are two options for allowance disbursement. The first option is to write predated checks made out to your child; the Business Office will store these checks and cash one a week for your child. Allowance checks are cashed in the Business Office on Thursday and Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The amount of the weekly allowance is up to the discretion of each parent; however, the recommended amount is between $20 and $30. The second option is to set up a checking account for your child at one of our local banks, and your child can cash a check (up to $50) on the same days and times that allowance checks are cashed.

Can money be withdrawn from the Incidentals Account and given to my child?
Emergency cash advances can be given to a student as long as there is a credit (positive) balance in the student’s Incidentals Account and the parent has notified the Business Office with approval to release the funds to the student.