San Juan Nature Academy for Homeschoolers
Nature-Based Homeschool Enrichment for Southwest Colorado
Looking for an inspiring alternative to traditional classrooms? SJMA’s Homeschool Enrichment Program offers a unique blend of outdoor science education, wilderness skills, and play-based learning—all rooted in the stunning landscapes of Southwest Colorado.
Designed for homeschool families seeking structured, standards-aligned learning in the outdoors, our program fosters critical thinking, resilience, leadership, and teamwork through hands-on exploration and discovery. Students build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the natural world, and develop confidence through meaningful time in nature.
SJMA offers homeschool programs in both the Durango area and the North Region (Montrose/Ridgway/Ouray) area.
San Juan Nature Academy Overview
What Makes Our Program Different?
Outdoor-First Learning
We spend every day outside—no matter the weather. From exploring winter ecosystems on snowshoes to investigating tarantula migrations in the fall, nature is both our classroom and our teacher.
Hands-On Science & Environmental Education
Students explore earth science, ecology, and environmental stewardship through place-based investigations tied to state standards.
Outdoor Skills & Independence
Through lessons in topics ranging from fire-building to orienteering, students gain practical wilderness skills while building confidence and resilience.
Small Groups, Big Connection
Our 6:1 student-to-educator ratio ensures personalized learning and fosters close-knit group dynamics across age ranges.
A Balanced Approach to Learning
Each day combines:
- Structured academics grounded in environmental science
- Guided play and creative challenges
- Unstructured exploration to spark curiosity and independence
Who It’s For
- Homeschool families seeking a nature-based enrichment program
- Children who thrive with movement, inquiry, and real-world learning
- Families not currently enrolled in another funded homeschool enrichment program (eligibility rules apply)
More Information
Check out our Homeschool Parent Handbook which includes important info about gear, policies, and communication.
DURANGO Program for K – 6th Graders
Designed for elementary-aged homeschoolers, our Durango K–6 program blends outdoor science, wilderness skills, play, and place-based learning into one full day each week. Students build confidence, curiosity, and connection as they explore Southwest Colorado’s public lands with experienced educators and a consistent community of peers.
Highlights
Place-Based Learning at the Durango Nature Center: Our program is rooted in regular exploration of the Durango Nature Center, where students return to the same landscapes throughout the seasons. By revisiting familiar trails, habitats, and ecosystems, students build lasting relationships with the natural world and develop a deeper understanding of how it changes over time.
Outdoor Skills Passport: Students build practical outdoor skills over time through our Skills Passport system. From navigation to plant identification, this structured approach helps students develop confidence, competence, and a sense of accomplishment in the outdoors.
Community & Connection: Since starting this program in 2023, we have cultivated a strong, supportive community of Durango homeschool families. Through our program, students build friendships, collaborate across age groups, and grow together. These shared experiences help students develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
Exploration of Diverse Ecosystems: Our partnerships with both public and private landowners across the region allow us to take our students to a wide array of locations, from mountain peaks, to river valleys, local farms, and more. These experiences allow students to learn directly from the land, building a rich, firsthand understanding of local ecology.
Program Details
Ages: K–6th Graders
Schedule: Weekly on Wednesdays from 8:00 am -3:30 pm during the school year
Locations: Programming based at the Durango Nature Center and rotating field sites on public lands in Southwest Colorado.
Transportation: Transportation from Durango to program locations is available to families
Staff: Led by licensed educators with years of outdoor and environmental education experience. Read more about our education team here.
Cost: Free for homeschool students unless they are receiving state funds for other programs. Transportation fee of $80/semester.
Registration
Before enrolling, we encourage you to reach out with questions or to check eligibility (especially if you are already enrolled or plan to enroll in another homeschool enrichment program).
If you are interested or have questions, please contact our Education Specialist, Sage Cramer, at scramer@sjma.org
DURANGO Program for 7th – 12th Graders
Built for older students, our Durango 7–12 program offers a deeper outdoor learning experience centered on science, stewardship, leadership, and real-world skill building. Students meet regularly throughout each semester, then put what they have learned into practice during a week-long intensive in both the fall and spring, including multi-day camping experiences that challenge them to apply their skills in the field..
Highlights
- Weekly outdoor learning designed specifically for middle and high school students
- Strong emphasis on independence, leadership, and group responsibility
- Field-based science, stewardship, and outdoor skills
- Two semester-ending intensives that give students the chance to put their learning to the test through immersive, multi-day experiences
Program Details
Ages: 7th – 12th Graders
Schedule: Weekly on Tuesday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm during the semester, with the program culminating in a week-long intensive each fall and spring.
Locations: Programming is based in Durango and on surrounding public lands, with intensive locations varying by season and trip plan.
Transportation: Transportation from Durango to program locations is available for families.
Staff: Led by licensed educators with years of outdoor and environmental education experience. Read more about our education team here.
Cost: Free for homeschool students unless they are receiving state funds for other programs. Transportation fee of $80/semester.
Registration
Registration is now open! Before enrolling, we encourage you to reach out with questions or to check eligibility (especially if you are already enrolled or plan to enroll in another homeschool enrichment program).
If you are interested or have questions, please contact our Education Specialist, Sage Cramer, at scramer@sjma.org
North Region Program for 4th – 12th Graders
Our North Region program brings San Juan Nature Academy’s outdoor homeschool model to families in the Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray area. Students learn through hands-on science, outdoor skills, and place-based exploration while building connection to the landscapes and communities of the northern San Juans.
Highlights
- Mirrors the curriculum and teaching approach used in Durango
- Fully outdoor, field-based learning
- Small first-year cohort to keep the program intentional and strong
- Built specifically for North Region families and local landscapes
Program Details
Ages: 4th – 12th Graders
Schedule: Weekly on Thursdays with field sites centered around the Ouray, Ridgway, and Montrose area.
Locations: Programming is based including Top of the Pines and Dennis Weaver Park in Ridgway. At launch, families should expect parent drop-off at the meeting location while transportation is still being developed.
Transportation: Stay tuned for more information.
Staff: Led by licensed educators, John Malloy MS, and Morgan Frederick (Licensed k-6), with years of outdoor and environmental education experience
Cost: Free for homeschool students unless they are receiving state funds for other programs. Transportation fee of $80/semester.
Registration
Stay tuned for more information. If you are interested or have questions, please contact our North Region Program Manager, John Malloy, at jmalloy@sjma.org
