The Salida School District includes the southern half of Chaffee County and western Fremont County, a total of approximately 500 square miles. The district is served by one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school. All schools are located within the city of Salida.
Support Our Schools, Salida, a non-profit organization, was created to support the educational programs of the Salida Public Schools. The Foundation provides funds for educational programs and activities which have been under-funded by the normal operating budget. These funds are used to promote student achievement and skill development, to develop staff excellence, and to expand community involvement.
The SALIDA SCHOOL SYSTEM states its mission as that of working together with family and community so that all students are properly prepared to succeed in life. This involves providing quality instruction and a progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment. Excellent academic and activity programs are provided to the district’s students to meet these stated goals. In addition to standards-based, college preparatory academic programs at all levels, the high school offers an excellent career and technical program. These programs are offered to high ability learners and second language learners. The school district also provides an alternative program for those whose needs are not met by traditional methods and programs.
The School district is fully accredited by the State of Colorado and grades 9-12 are accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association. A comprehensive academic and activity program is offered with emphasis on the basics in grades K-8, and “cutting edge”‘ programs are offered in the high school using state of the art technology. Quality programs exist in the areas of special needs children, Chapter I, General Education, Vocational Education and Work-Study.
Students from R-32-J consistently score above the state and the national average on the standardized tests including the ACT and SAT. Half or more of the high school graduates go on to college or technical schools. The district has received national recognition from the School Match Corporation as one of the schools among the seven percent of school districts nationwide to offer the type and quality of education parents want for their children.
Chaffee County Montessori School (CCMS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit school that was founded in 2007 to provide Montessori education to students from 3-10 years of age. Based on the 100-year-old principles of the Montessori method, the stated mission of CCMS is to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for learning; to promote peaceful interactions; and to ignite and nurture the human spirit in every child. The curriculum content parallels that of traditional teaching programs however the method differs. Instructors teach an integrated curriculum to a multi-aged classroom. Practical applications of the sciences and other disciplines are born out in courses that focus on gardening, cooking, and sewing. Students also have access to activities such as those involving climbing structures and are presented with creative experiences in art, music, and dramatic play. CCMS is located at 1040 I Street in Salida, CO. For more information call (719) 539-4887.
Head Start – 516 Teller Street, Salida, CO 81201 — is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, are given healthy meals and snacks, and are provided with a safe setting in which to enjoy playing indoors and outdoors.
Head Start helps children succeed. There are multiple programs in Chaffee County. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and four years. Cut-off for ages is September 1. Applications with proof of child’s age and family income must be received and verified no later than mid-August.
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) SALIDA, the largest rural community college in the U.S., has been delivering challenging, high quality associate degree, leadership, medical, expressive arts, environmental, and workforce training to 12,000 square miles of Western Colorado since 1967. CMC now offers Bachelor’s Degree programs in addition to its traditional two-year transfer and vocational degrees and certificates of occupational proficiency in 20 different occupational specialties. Each year, CMC serves the training and educational needs of more than 20,000 students throughout the Rocky Mountain region. CMC plans on adding more four-year degrees in the future as it continues to offer quality education at affordable rates.
BGCCC enhances and expands educational opportunities for elementary and middle school students. Part of a national affiliation with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its mission is to enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens. Programs are offered in five core areas by youth development professionals: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness, and recreation. The local chapter operates facilities in Salida and Buena Vista that host over 130 kids per day in a safe and secure environment providing the kind of programs that prepare the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Doors are open five days a week, 50 weeks per year.
Pre K classroom at the Children’s Discovery Ranch and serves children ages 2-3,3-4,4-5 years during the school year, then 4-7 years during the summer.
We offer two classrooms: Caterpillar Room - 2.5 years old (potty-trained) to 3 years old Butterfly Room - 4 to 5 years old
Established in 2015, SMCS serves grades K-8*.
Day Care Providers: Link for an updated listing of child care providers who are certified in CPR and First Aid.
K-12 Independent Christian School