Colorado Timberline Academy

454 Academy Drive
Durango, CO 81301
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Colorado Timberline Academy Photo #1 - Fall Trip in the Slot Canyons
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Colorado Timberline Academy Photo #1 - Fall Trip in the Slot Canyons
Colorado Timberline Academy is a co-ed, secondary boarding/day school dedicated to changing the lives of students who are seeking deeper connection with their peers, teachers, and environment to improve or enhance their academic performance.
Our campus lies within the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado within a days reach of alpine and desert wilderness. Outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and backpacking are central to our culture.
Through our diverse curriculum and outdoor programs, we foster freedom with responsibility, creativity, and respect for self, each other, and the environment.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 40 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $41,500
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $28,000
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 6 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Colorado Timberline Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 290 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Colorado Timberline Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12, PG
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1975
1906
Campus Size
53 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
40 students
310 students
% Students of Color
5%
25%
% International Students
5%
20%
% Students Boarding
95%
70%
Average ACT score
22
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
6 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
60%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$41,500
$64,460
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$28,000
$35,900
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
90%
60%
Director of Admissions
Spencer McClendon

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
4
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Yearbook Staff

Arts and Music Programs:
Ceramics, Film Photography

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Backcountry Skiing

School Notes

    Colorado Timberline Academy offers a close-knit community with educational and outdoor-oriented excellence:
  • A strong academic program for grades 9-12 and post-graduate
  • A maximum enrollment of 45 students
  • An average class size of eight students
  • An outdoor pursuits program that involves every student in an outdoor activity of their choosing: skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, backpacking, rock climbing, and more.
  • Three school-wide wilderness trips a year
  • An outstanding record of college admissions
  • An excellent selection of electives: art, drama, and more
  • A structured day that builds good school habits and learning skills
COLORADO TIMBERLINE ACADEMY BEST SERVES AND IS DEDICATED TO HELPING:
  • Creative, highly capable, and non-conforming students who "march to the beat of a different drummer."
  • Students who thrive participating in outdoor experiences unique to our Colorado mountain setting which are built into our curriculum.
  • Students who respond to an intimate, family atmosphere with small classes and meaningful relationships with teachers and peers.
  • Students who could find greater motivation from a non-traditional program.
  • Families who need the flexibility of our block system and rolling admissions to make a change mid-stream through the year.
  • Students whose academic progress has been interrupted and need to get back on track.
  • Students looking for a supportive environment due to family and social difficulties but whose needs do not require a therapeutic program.
  • Students who would benefit from more individualized attention and daily structure.
  • Families whose careers have made it difficult for their children to have a "home-base."International students who would thrive in a smaller community in order to immerse themselves in American culture.
  • Colorado Timberline Academy accreditations: Cognia
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Colorado Timberline Academy cost?
Colorado Timberline Academy's tuition is approximately $41,500 for boarding students and $28,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Colorado Timberline Academy?
The acceptance rate of Colorado Timberline Academy is 90%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does Colorado Timberline Academy offer?
Colorado Timberline Academy offers 11 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cycling, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Colorado Timberline Academy's ranking?
Colorado Timberline Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students) and Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for Colorado Timberline Academy?
The application deadline for Colorado Timberline Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2017
5.00
Fort Lewis College
Colorado Timberline Academy is very non-traditional because of the size of the school. You have to be comfortable with living in very close quarters with a limited amount of people for the duration of your. . .

Class of 1991
5.00
Oberlin College (BA); Syracuse University (EMPA, Ph.D.)
I fell through the cracks at my excellent, but large and competitive, public school in Westchester. At Colorado Timberline Academy, with its unique block system, tiny classes (3 to 6), and intimate atmosphere (we called. . .

Class of 2016
5.00
full sail university
This school is unique because it revolves around skiing. I really enjoyed going to this school because there is such a different school curriculum than any other school.. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 40 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $41,500
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $28,000
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 6 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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