Homeschool is a big step...but it doesn't feel quite so big when you have someone to help guide you!
WHAT ARE OTHER OPTIONS IN THE VALLEY?
Liberty Classical Academy in Rifle
Cornerstone Christian School in Basalt
Veritas Press Classical Online School
Marble Charter School in Marble
WHERE TO START HOMESCHOOLING: CO LAW
Below are a few websites with more details, but the gist is this: You need to send a letter of intent to the school district letting them know that you plan to homeschool. You then have three options:
1) You can homeschool your children with no academic oversight if you are a certified teacher.
2) You can homeschool your children with no teaching certification IF your children participate in state-standardized testing at their local public school.
3) You can homeschool your children with an umbrella/private school as your academic overseer--different umbrella and private schools have different requirements that you will need to abide by.
Colorado Department of Education - Homeschool
Christian Home Educators of Colorado
METHODS OF HOMESCHOOL
There are many different types of homeschooling and many different philosophies. A good place to start on your homeschool journey is to decide what method you would like to follow. This document has an overview of the most common. Once you have picked a homeschool philosophy, it will greatly narrow down your search for methods and curriculum that aligns with that philosophy.
UMBRELLA/PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Liberty Classical Academy in Rifle has a hands-off approach yet gives parents support when needed. LCA also offers additional services for students in high school, such as transcript preparation, college application help, and career services.
Roaring Fork Academy will file the paperwork for you required by the state.
Poudre River School is a great option for parents that are looking for an easy system to keep track of their student's credits. Primarily online reporting combined with in-person help makes Poudre River School, based in Colorado, a convenient way to make sure your students have the credits they need to graduate.
HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES IN THE ROARING FORKS VALLEY
CURRICULUM RESOURCES
The Orchard Church has a small curriculum library that is free to the public to browse or check out for an entire year to use. The library is open during the church's normal business hours.
The Homeschool Library of Grand Junction has a large selection of curriculum that you can check out for as long as you need it. The hours are a little restricted, but their librarian is a wealth of knowledge in and of herself.
COLORADO HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Learn how you can take advantage of your own tax dollars for your student's extra-curricular activities. Once you are registered with the program, you can also find many certified providers and teachers of a variety of disciplines in the Valley at the CHE website here.
FIELD TRIPS WITH LIBERTY CLASSICAL ACADEMY
FREE KID/FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN THE VALLEY
OTHER HOMESCHOOL GROUPS IN THE VALLEY
SPORTS
Public School Sports - Homeschool students are able to play any sport offered by public schools in the area. You will need to keep an eye on the athletic pages of the school websites to learn about registration requirements and times. Here are a few of the area schools Athletic Websites:
Glenwood Springs Middle School
Roaring Fork High School (Carbondale)
Mountain West Football - A great way to introduce your kids to youth tackle football.
Colorado Extreme Hockey - One of the hockey options in the Valley--a great and free way for your kids to try out this fun sport or learn to skate.
Batter Up Baseball - A fun and informative baseball camp where your student can learn new skills and practice old ones in preparation for the baseball season.
Little League Baseball and Softball
Rec Center Basketball - Most youth (younger than middle school) basketball programs in the Valley are coordinated by the Rec Centers in the various towns. Below are the links to some of the rec centers. Girls Youth basketball starts in late fall (Oct-Nov) and Boys Youth Basketball starts in January. Older basketball players generally play through the public schools.
Glenwood Recreation Center - Glenwood Rec also has a climbing wall, an indoor pool, ice rink, fitness center, and more
Carbondale Recreation Center - The Carbondale Rec Center has a climbing wall, gymnasium, and workout facilities as well as outdoor pickleball and tennis courts. Their outdoor pool is currently being renovated and is scheduled for completion in 2026
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Cedar Ridge Ranch offers Western Riding Lessons and Farm Tours
Sopris Alpaca Farm teaches kids about Alpaca farming and allows guests to hand feed their alpacas
Rifle Fish Farm
Carbondale Rodeo - A fun family experience! This rodeo includes all of the crowd favorite events as well as mutton bustin' and calf scramble for the kids. There is a limit to how many kids can participate, so be sure to get there early to sign up. Prices have gone up slightly in the last few years, but it is still well worth the entry fee.
HIKING/CAMPING
Free National Park Pass for 4th Grade Students
SPELUNKING & ROCK CLIMBING
Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park - Though there is an entry fee, there is more to Glenwood Caverns and Adventure park than just roller coasters. There are several cave tours available, including one with walls that glow under black light.
Rifle Falls & Caves - Rifle Mountain Park has an incredibly easy to hike to waterfall and then longer but still easy hike up and around the waterfall. The hike goes by many little caves that you can let kids explore without worry.
Colorado Mountain College has a very nice rock wall with bouldering and top rope climbing that anyone can take advantage of for a small day fee. Shoes and harnesses are also available to rent.
Both the Carbondale Recreation Center & the Glenwood Recreation Center have indoor rock walls as well.
COOKING
Sundae's Artisan Ice Cream offers student tours and classes where you can take your own pint of ice cream home!
ARTS AND CRAFTS
The Handmakery - located in Carbondale, CO, the Handmakery offers classes and events featuring a wide variety of hands on crafts for kids.
MUSIC IN THE VALLEY
Symphony in the Valley - Enjoy live musical performances or encourage your students to join the symphony themselves-all ages are welcome.
Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park - Ride the Gondola to the top of the mountain after 4pm for only $5 and enjoy a free concert! Each ticket purchased for the Gondola for Music on the Mountain supports a local non-profit.
Aspen Music Festival and School - Enjoy free family concerts for all ages or take lessons from renowned musicians. AMFS doesn't only teach in Aspen, though they are headquartered there--many of their lessons take place at local public schools (after school hours) and are open to homeschoolers at the same rate as public school students.
COLORADO EDUCATIONAL GEMS YOU SHOULD VISIT
COMMUNITY CALENDARS
LIBRARY EVENT CALENDARS
This section of our website is constantly being updated-please excuse the construction!
If you have a website or contact information that you believe would be a valuable resource
for students in alternative education, please email morgan@homeschoolinthevalley.com
IS HOMESCHOOL RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) has a wonderful resource that talks about the ins and outs of homeschooling and what you should consider before diving in.
CHEC (Christian Home Educators of Colorado) also has a practical guide to start homeschooling. Their website has information about homeschooling itself as well as a guide on how to get started in Colorado.
