High Rockies Community School (HRCS) is an innovative, tuition-free K–8 micro charter school launching in the 2025–2026 academic year. Nestled at 10,000 feet in the scenic town of Fairplay, Colorado, within the South Park region, HRCS is designed to meet the unique educational needs of rural mountain communities. Our mission is to cultivate compassionate, highly skilled, lifelong learners who value individuality, embrace diversity, and are inspired to enact positive change in the world.
Our educational philosophy is grounded in six guiding principles: outdoor education, community engagement, student-led learning, thematic multidisciplinary units, parents as partners, and democracy in action. These principles foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students thrive both academically and personally.
What sets HRCS apart is our micro-school model, which limits enrollment to no more than 60 students per site. This approach ensures personalized attention and strong community bonds. As we grow, additional sites will be established to serve our other diverse communities while maintaining our commitment to small-scale, community-focused education. Our classrooms are organized into multi-age grade bands spanning K–8, promoting peer learning and collaboration across age groups.
Our campus is located at Sacramento Creek Ranch (SCR), in partnership with the Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT). Here, students engage daily with the natural world—exploring hiking trails, studying beaver dam ecosystems, observing high-altitude wildlife and vegetation, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Mosquito Range. At HRCS, the land itself becomes a living classroom, enriching the educational experience beyond traditional walls.
The town of Fairplay is integral to our school’s identity. Through weekly community events and service projects, students actively contribute to and learn from their community, fostering a sense of responsibility and civic engagement. This integration of community involvement prepares students to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive citizens.
Before our official opening, HRCS operated as a homeschool enrichment program, providing a cooperative learning environment for 15 students in grades K–6. This pilot program allowed us to refine our vision and witness the transformative impact of our educational model. Recognizing the diverse needs of families, we continue to offer a Homeschool Enrichment Program that complements home-based education with our unique resources and community.
We invite you to learn more about our programs, enroll your child, or support our mission by visiting our website. Together, we can nurture a generation of compassionate, curious, and capable lifelong learners who think critically, act responsibly, value diversity, and are empowered to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.