Be a Part of the 2024 Venentucci Pumpkin Giveaway!
Free Homeschool Program

Outdoor Weekly Learning (OWL)

A state-funded enrichment program in partnership with the Alpine International Preparatory Academy, where K-12 students in Woodland Park and Colorado Springs can build friendships, explore the outdoors, and learn from passionate educators! 

…or see below for more information!

SMALL GROUP OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLASSES

The Outside Classroom

The Outside Classroom is an opportunity for non-traditional students to get hands-on learning and experience science outdoors for your student’s cohort or pod. Join our experienced education staff and get your hands dirty while learning!

Hands on Learning Outdoors

Outside the Classroom

Education looks different for every student. Our OWL program began in 2023 to provide homeschool and hybrid-learning students with an opportunity to gain hands-on, state-standard-based, experiential learning that enhances what they are learning at home. OWL’s mixed-age, small-group, and multi-week structure also encourages social-emotional growth, interpersonal connection, and a collaborative approach to learning and exploration.

Each trimester has:

  • A different theme! From animals to outdoor recreation, we cover a lot of topics.
    • Regardless of theme, all program days are focused primarily on building outdoor skills, confidence, and STEAM education
  • A field trip
  • Weekly newsletters with pictures and stories from the program
  • A day for families to join in on the fun!

OWL Details for 2025 - 2026

Our OWL program serves a variety of ages and regions! Check the details and logistics below to ensure  dates and locations are the right fit for your young learners:

Regardless of location or age, our OWL program is 9 am – 3 pm for 34 weeks from August – May.

Aspen Valley Ranch site (S Forty Road) in Woodland Park:
K – 5th graders on Tuesdays (starts 8/28/25)
6th – 12th graders on Wednesdays (starts 8/27/25)

Sondermann Park (740 W Caramillo St) in Colorado Springs:
6th – 12th graders on Thursdays (starts 8/26/25)

Meet & Greets!

During the recruitment months for OWL, we have optional meet and greets for parents who are interested in learning more about the program and/or would like to meet our staff. See below for our upcoming meet & greets, and please email anderson@catamountinstitute.org to RSVP.

Meet & Greet 1:
Wednesday, April 9th from 1:30pm – 3:00pm @ the Pikes Peak Library District’s 21c Library (1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs)

Meet & Greet 2:
Saturday, May 10th from 11am – 1pm @ the Pikes Peak Library District’s 21c Library (1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs)

Meet & Greet 3: 
Tuesday, July 15th from 3:30pm – 5:00pm @ Aspen Valley Ranch in Woodland Park (S Forty Road, Woodland Park, CO 80863)

Meet & Greet 4
Tuesday, August 12 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm @ Sondermann Park (740 W. Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907)

What is the Outside Classroom?

The Outside Classroom offers an outdoor science centered class that your child will attend once a week for 6 weeks. During this time they will explore local ecosystems with Catamount Institute’s trained staff members. All lessons will align with the Colorado 2020 Science Standards. Not only will children get a break from screens they will get an opportunity to socialize with new friends in the great outdoors.

What makes outdoor learning so special?

Register today!

Must have a pre-determined group of students. Sign up today!

Apply for Finacial Assitance

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Fill out the registration form then come back to apply for a scholarship here.