Jamestown, CO

Boulder Journey School is a nationally recognized early childhood education center with a constructivist approach to learning. The school emphasizes project-based learning and documentation, with highly qualified teachers holding advanced degrees in early childhood education. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on exploration. The facility features extensive outdoor learning environments, art studios, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and engage in continuous professional development. The school partners with the University of Colorado Denver for teacher education and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular documentation and communication.

Mountain Shadows Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for children from infancy through elementary years. The school features AMI-certified teachers and carefully prepared environments that encourage independence, concentration, and natural development. Their infant program focuses on creating a nurturing, home-like atmosphere with individualized care, while the toddler and primary programs introduce practical life activities, sensorial materials, and early academic foundations. The school emphasizes peace education, environmental awareness, and community building. Facilities include beautiful outdoor classrooms, gardens, and purpose-built Montessori materials. The center maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized learning plans for each child.

Thorne Nature Experience Preschool offers a unique nature-based early childhood program that connects children to the natural world through daily outdoor exploration. The program follows an emergent curriculum inspired by children's interests and seasonal changes, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and outdoor skills. Children spend the majority of their day outdoors in all weather conditions, developing resilience, observation skills, and scientific thinking. The school employs experienced naturalist educators with backgrounds in early childhood education and environmental science. Safety protocols include comprehensive risk-benefit assessments and small group sizes. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, problem-solving, and building deep connections with the natural environment through hands-on experiences in forests, fields, and creeks.