EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
A fundamental aspect of Telluride Mountain School’s curriculum is the
Experiential Education program. Deeply embedded in the foundation of the school,
this distinctive program is a unique balance between classroom work and field-based
curricula and a cornerstone in building students’ sense of the greater world.
This dynamic program is a synthesis of three major components:
outdoor adventure, cultural and natural immersion and service learning.
Experiential learning at TMS is one of the most favored practices of the school.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS
Fall outdoor experiential programs emphasize teamwork and a connection with our unique local region.
Students become competent, experienced and respectful outdoor enthusiasts, while developing leadership skills,
resilience, perseverance, self-confidence and lifelong friendships. Outdoor Education trips vary between grades. Lower School students can expect to spend two to four days exploring our local region, hiking, camping and paddling. Upper School students can expect to spend four to five days backpacking, kayaking, canyoneering and exploring Utah and Southwestern Colorado.
WINTER OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS
Winter programs are designed around snow, winter ecology, avalanche education and include a
full-season, on-mountain ski and snowboard Ski P.E. program that accommodates all
skill levels, from the recreational skier/snowboarder to the aspiring competitor.
SPRING EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS
Spring Experiential programs are the capstone experience for year-long classroom learning and real life immersion.
Students gain practical knowledge of classroom curricula while traveling with peers to domestic
and international destinations. Each year, trips are unique and foster enriching new learning
experiences. Lower School students typically spend up to one week traveling domestically to
destinations such the Pacific Northwest, New Mexico, Southern Colorado and Utah.
Upper School students will spend two weeks traveling nationally and internationally to destinations such as
the Deep South, Costa Rica, Europe, Cuba, Spain and South East Asia.
