Outdoor Education at Flagstaff Academy
At Flagstaff Academy, we believe that our students learn more when they are aware of their environment and surroundings, both at school with our unique Geodesic Greenhouse Classroom and teaching garden, as well as with our many offsite outdoor education opportunities.
Many of our staff have expertise as avid outdoor enthusiasts, expeditionary guides, and instructors. Outdoor education provides amazing opportunities for scientific exploration, confidence-building, and cultural bonding. Flagstaff Academy offers outdoor education opportunities through our partnership with Colorado State University, the Colorado Mountain Club for hiking, slacklining, and rock climbing field trips and experiences.
Middle School Trip to CSU Mountain Campus
Pingree Park and Sky Ranch
Each year, our Middle School students take a trip to Pingree Park, Colorado State University's field station, and Sky Ranch. Students learn the principles of field ecology, stream ecology, astronomy, wilderness hiking and survival (including Leave No Trace principles) and engage in confidence building activities on Pingree Park's rope course. The trip is taken in early fall when the Colorado mountains are peaking with fall colors and seasonal change. Not only does this annual trip serve as an amazing educational experience, rich in science and exploration, but the experience is valuable in building a cohesive school culture early in the school year.
5th Grade Outdoor Education
Our 5th Grade classes also take an overnight trip in the fall. While the locations have varied over the years, students hike, participate in team building and field observation, and explore their natural environment. Locations for 5th Grade trips have included Cal-Wood Educational camp, YMCA of the Rockies-Estes Park, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.