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The founders recognized a need in the community for an alternative public middle school that focused on teacher-student interaction, collaboration, and problem-solving, while using technology for research and production, in a supportive environment. Mountain Middle School’s (MMS) charter was granted through the Charter School Institute, and it currently serves students in grades four through eight, from Durango and surrounding areas.
Mountain Middle School’s structure and programming is adapted from the highly successful High Tech High model, which emphasizes project-based learning. MMS has been well-received in the community, with increasing enrollment numbers each year and a waiting list for enrollment.
Smartphones have become a significant part of children’s lives, leading to concerns about their impact on mental health, social skills, and attention spans. The book “The Anxious Generation” highlights how constant connectivity and exposure to social media can increase anxiety and depression among young people. Mountain Middle School was featured as an exemplar institution in the book and mentioned on PBS News in 2024 for its innovative approach to addressing these issues. The school has implemented policies that limit smartphone use and promotes face-to-face interactions, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities, helping students develop healthier relationships with technology.
The 4th and 5th grade ELA team at Mountain Middle School was recently featured on the Ready, Set, READ podcast by the Charter School Institute, discussing our Culture of Love for Reading. Inspired by Donalyn Miller’s works, we implement the 40 Book Challenge, allowing students to choose their own books and engage in reading conferences. Our approach includes mini-lessons, anchor text read-alouds, and Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies to enhance engagement and differentiate instruction. We also support students literate in their first language, fostering inclusivity and cultivating lifelong readers.
Mountain Middle School Featured on Cambridge Forum’s “Anxious i-Generation” Podcast 🎙️Mountain Middle School recently took center stage in the Cambridge Forum’s podcast episode, Anxious i-Generation,inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s (@jonathanhaidt) NYT bestseller The Anxious Generation. The episode featured Shane Voss, Mountain Middle School’s Executive Director and Colorado’s 2024 Charter School Leader of the Year, alongside a panel of renowned experts, including Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up with Your Phone, Dr. Camilo Ortiz, creator of Independence Therapy, and Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids. Together, they discussed the profound impact of smartphones and social media on adolescents and highlighted Mountain Middle School’s innovative approach to promoting balance and independence in education.
Support Mountain Middle School and Donate NowView our up to the minute solar power usage through the Shaw Solar Sunny Portal
If you’d like to see for yourself what makes Mountain Middle School so special, please call or email us to schedule a tour during our enrollment window.
The Mountain Middle School Board of Directors usually meets on the third Wednesday of every month, at Mountain Middle School in our Board Room and on the virtual link posted below.
My twins were part of the first middle school class to go all the way through Mountain. Their Mountain experience provided a tremendous middle school experience filled with project-based learning, incredible teachers, and a supportive environment. They entered high school with a well developed tool kit of public speaking, student-teacher partnership, self-initiative. They continue to return to Mountain regularly to marvel at its’ growth and celebrate its successes.
Parent
Mountain Middle School fosters a learning community between all age groups. Our girls have learned a great deal about themselves by being asked to work cooperatively with teachers, peers, and community members. Our daughter has been challenged (in good ways) by appropriate academic and social levels to suit her abilities. We are thankful for the time and concern given to tailor her individual learning plan.
Mountain Middle School measures growth of individual students with values displayed like GRIT, INTEGRITY, and PERSEVERANCE. We appreciate the school’s desire to develop well-rounded citizens as well as capable students.
Parent
My children have thrived as part of the Mountain community. The hands-on approach of project based learning has so many real-world benefits over and above the academic standards it incorporates. Mountain students are encouraged to be academic risk takers in a safe and supportive environment. I also love the daily focus on the Habits of Heart and Mind (effort, integrity, respect and refinement) and believe Mountain is focused on my children being the best that they can be, in all areas of their development.
Parent
Mountain Middle School has created an educational experience for our daughters that not only focuses on innovative project-based curriculum, but on the student as a whole. We have found this to be very important as it nourishes the whole person and enhances learning by allowing them to navigate their middle school experience with confidence. We love how MMS and the teachers push them to succeed in a group dynamic as well as through independent learning. The standards are high at MMS and it is a supportive community where the education is integrated into every moment of the day. We were elated when the girls got into MMS and it has been a great experience as a parent to see our daughters thrive in this positive environment.
Parent
