There are many hidden gems in the Fort Collins area, but if you live here you already knew that. Trails and natural areas can be found just off the beaten path, as well as new restaurants and coffee shops that have yet to make a name for themselves. Even when it comes to education, there are quality schools that you may not be familiar with yet. One such hidden gem in the reputable landscape of Poudre School District is Mountain Sage Community School.
Founded by local parents and educators and opened in 2013, Mountain Sage Community School is a K-8 charter public school that offers Waldorf-inspired, arts-integrated education, fully incorporating sustainable living practices into student learning. Each student is empowered to cultivate meaningful connections to their intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and creative capacities in healthy, safe and beautiful learning environments. This highly sought-after school provides a rigorous, whole-child educational program that results in student curiosity and enthusiasm. Striving to cultivate a community of intelligent, compassionate, creative individuals is a tall order, but Mountain Sage is up to the challenge.
Despite the fact that the founding philosophy and pedagogy of Waldorf Education have existed for nearly a century, only in the last twenty years has this incredible and unique form of education become more widely known-- moving beyond the private school model and into the realm of charter public schools, as in the case Mountain Sage Community School.
Waldorf is an educational philosophy based on developmentally appropriate, rigorous academics delivered through an arts-integrated curriculum that has a proven ability to reach and inspire all types of learners. This approach weaves together many components to effectively to meet state standards as well as with the needs of the Fort Collins community. There are ten components that define the most significant areas of Mountain Sage Community School’s education program. These components consist of immersion world language classes, experiential learning, developmentally appropriate practices, and teacher and class continuity, to name a few. To learn more about some of the key components of the Mountain Sage program, click here.
Here’s what one happy MSCS parent had to say:
“We couldn't be happier with our school of choice. A school that teaches according to the development of the child. I can truly appreciate the science of the developing brain being the foundation of the Waldorf curriculum. I have two children in attendance at Mountain Sage who have never once said they didn't want to go to school. One of my children has a tough time learning and struggles with some learning challenges, he asks to go to school a half hour early on a daily basis. The teachers have become a part of our family as my children will remain with the same teacher throughout their elementary years. This continuum of teaching allows for the teachers to really get to know and understand my children and become a real pillar in their lives. We feel so lucky to have found this gem of a school in Fort Collins!”
Looking into Mountain Sage Community School as an option for your K-8 student is more valuable than ever now that enrollment deadlines for the 2018-2019 school year are upon us. Shining a light on this unique K-8 charter public school is one way to ensure that all families living in our little Northern Colorado paradise truly understand what educational options exist.
Mountain Sage Community School’s enrollment lottery for the 2018-19 school year will take place on January 26th. Complete your online Intent to Enroll form today to be entered into the enrollment lottery. For detailed information on the enrollment process for Mountain Sage Community School, please visit this link.
The school welcomes you to join a school tour or attend an upcoming open house, for an inside look. School tours are for parents/guardians and allow participants to learn more through an informative presentation, spend time observing in different classrooms (K-8), and connect with administrative staff. Family-friendly open houses allow you to see the school and have your questions answered by faculty. For a complete schedule of school tours and open house events, click here.
To unearth something new, beautiful, and miraculous is one of the joys of living. Mountain Sage Community School is a hidden gem amongst the beauty that is Northern Colorado, just waiting to be discovered by you. Discover Mountain Sage here.
