Montrose County School District RE-1J
About Our School
Joyful, shared experiences created to awaken and inspire.

Outer Range is a public outdoor school in Montrose, Colorado, and one of several non-traditional choices within the Montrose County School District. We exist for families who value education that is purposeful, connected to the natural world, and rooted in community.
Our work is grounded in deeper learning—helping students build knowledge, skills, and mindsets that prepare them not only for academic success, but also for meaningful lives. Students learn through authentic experiences: studying science by exploring local ecosystems, practicing communication and collaboration through community projects, and developing problem-solving skills by tackling real challenges alongside peers and mentors.
We emphasize durable skills such as adaptability, creativity, and empathy, knowing these will serve students in any path they choose. Outdoor learning is woven throughout our days, supporting both physical well-being and social-emotional growth. Whether it’s an early learner discovering patterns in nature or a high school student leading a community project, every experience is designed to foster curiosity, reflection, and a sense of responsibility.
At Outer Range, school is not a set of walls or worksheets—it is an ongoing journey of discovery. We believe education is most powerful when it feels alive, connected, and relevant. Here, learning is not just preparation for life—it is life, lived fully and intentionally, every day.