Colorado Rocky Mountain School - Review #3

The atmosphere that CRMS has is one that values outdoor education as much as indoor education. We get outside in the wilderness more than any other school that I know of.

Meeting my friends that I hope to know for the rest of my life. I was a shy insecure little boy before I came to CRMS. Every day after school, I would retreat to my house and never see anyone outside of my family until the next school day. Throwing myself into a boarding school atmosphere forced me to surrender my cave and engage with the world. Because of the mandatory investment in the world around me, I was fortunate enough to meet the people that I know call the best I've ever known.

I don't regret much. My brother was a senior when I entered as a freshman. He had one piece of advice for me: spend as little time in your room as possible. I took that to heart, and it was probably the best advice that anyone has ever given me. I managed to avoid isolation, push myself past my comfort zone, meet new people, and grow as a person because of it.

There is nothing I could say that I love most about CRMS. There are too many factors that I have fallen in love with and let become a part of me. I love the place, the people, the memories I share with them, all of it. I have never been happier than in a place than I have at CRMS, and I am forever grateful.

Take the advice that my brother once gave me. This place is amazing, don't hide from it. Invest, explore, be engaged in the world around you. You won't regret it.

I really admire the relationship between teachers and students at CRMS. everybody goes by a first name basis, and I often don't view my teachers as adults separate from my self, but colleagues and even friends. They do their best to give us the most enjoyable experience, and they go out of their way to help us find success.

The only generic sports we have are cross country running and soccer. Skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and kayaking were never sports I would have imagined any high-school to offer, but CRMS does it all, and I love this place because of it. We require that everybody partake in one sport throughout the year, with opportunities to change every quarter.

Recently, our drama department joined forces with a local theatre group to preform the most impressive school play I have ever seen: The Wizard of Oz. The munchkins were younger kids brought in from an elementary school. It was an outstanding collaboration with the community.

Any student with a vision can make something happen. We have something called a Comrade Club, which is political education and forums for those who want to sharpen their skills and understanding of political events.

Dorm life can be difficult at times. (I wish the walls were thicker), but at the end of the day, you grow to love the people you share a couch with. The program promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives us snacks in the evening to keep us going through study hall.

I was surprised by the quality of the school food when I arrived at CRMS. The variety of lunches and dinners is always something to explore. The seating is perfect for cold days with circular tables (perfect for conversation), and the outdoor picnic tables are a highly admired place to eat when the weather warms.

During my college search, I often tried to look with a school similar to the town of Carbondale Colorado. None compared to a small town that managed to have such a livelihood, variety of restaurants, and forms of entertainment. It is the perfect small mountain town.

I like how the small number of students allows for an easily formed tightly knit community. CRMS is a school where I can walk down the path and know the name of every person that walks by me. I feel like I have a personal connection with everybody here. It makes me feel safe, like the whole campus is my home (because I know the names of everybody that would be in my home).