Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in Denver

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) data from Colorado Department of Education.
Student Growth	6/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - CO CMAS - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 Student Growth - CO PSAT/SAT - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education.

Posted: October 14, 2025

Not every crew trip has a toilet so they have to go in wagbags.

Posted: September 15, 2024

They said many misleading things on the website such as that they don't do paper work whereas in real life there is a so much work that it spills about very into homework because we cant complete it in class

Posted: April 14, 2023

I have two children that go to RMSEL as well as my niece and nephew. The four cousins are all VERY different in their academics and socially. They also vary in grades. My two children attended a traditional school in a local school district before attending RMSEL. My kids switched to RMSEL during the pandemic and my oldest was behind even during the pandemic. My youngest did Kindergarten a second year as he has a summer birthday so his first year was Kindergarten. My children are very social and outgoing, but have to work harder at their academics. My niece and nephew are very strong academically and quiet and shy socially. All four of these kids excel at RMSEL. They are encouraged to strengthen different areas and they are celebrated for the items they excel at. My kids, niece and nephew always come home from school feeling challenged but also secure. I have truly enjoyed by 1st grader telling me about his paleontology unit and his expeditions. My 5th grader comes home with homework that is challenging yet he has really started pushing himself academically this year. His teachers have taken the time to acknowledge this and challenge him. My son has asked to go to Academic Support so that he can ask questions and make his work stringer. As a parent, I appreciate the RMSEL staff staying late to support my child after school to get caught up on work, to strengthen his work and I have also been welcomed to come in to A.S. to work with him if wanted. My 5th grader is sailing around Catalina Island next month on his Crew Trip. He has been learning about the Island, its biology, ocean life, ecosystems, etc. I have been learning as he has. My niece is currently studying the Colorado River which is part of our own family history. My sister and I are educators and we truly love RMSEL and recommend it 100%. The Crew Trips, fieldwork, expeditions, community service, social and emotional support is truly extraordinary. I respect that not every child fits into every environment, but our very different children have all fit in so well. We truly appreciate the teachers, administration and staff at RMSEL because they truly want to be there, support my family, educate and so much more. Chad (principal) and the admin all recognize my family and we are welcomed. Absolutely zero complaints about RMSEL and we are so grateful for the opportunities that my family is provided by there! Attend an Open House and make your own choice!

Posted: April 14, 2023

Posted: April 11, 2023

I came to this school in 8th grade because I thought that expeditionary learning would work better for me, and the hands-on and less work heavy curriculum would be a big improvement. It probably would have been. If you look on the website, you'll find that a large part of what they promise is false advertising.

I went to Rocky Heights, and I hated it. But by the second quarter in RMSEL, I probably would have preferred staying in RHMS. What the website says about expeditionary learning IS true, it's just not actually implemented. In RMSEL, you go through a 7.5 hour day consisting of 4 core classes and 2 electives. The core classes all function like a regular school: fill in the blank papers (which the website said they didn't do) reading, articles, etc... The outdoor/hands-on learning is nowhere to be found. Electives are better depending on the teacher and the class, however there are a lot less options than needed.

The workload is really high. In order to go on field trips, you need to have almost everything done. I couldn't keep up throughout the entire year, and they might kick me off the trip because of it. Academic Support is the school's version of detention for if you aren't passing all of your classes; every Wednesday you have to stay for an hour after school to finish stuff. There are 104 kids in 7/8th grade. 83 of them had to stay after school this past month. Instead of considering that there might have been too much work, the principle doubled down, yelled at everyone, and made everyone feel guilty for it.

The teachers act like bullies a lot of the time. They hand out detentions like candy for anyone who isn't quiet, which is almost everyone considering the amount of people with ADHD who gravitated towards this school because it was "more free", but it wasn't. The principle is a bully too. He constantly makes strict rules and minimizes student concern. I once had a debate with him about school start times and how they're too early. He didn't really listen to me at all, stating that phones are ACTUALLY the problem (phones and devices ARE definitely a problem, and they do need to be addressed, but they're not the only problem, and start times are a big issue in schools right now), and that actually these start times (7:40) are better because "I've done good academically".

I hated being in this school. If you want expeditionary learning, find something else, because RMSEL will not provide.

Posted: April 11, 2023

Posted: January 27, 2022

As stated in other reviews, my children were bullied relentlessly and it was never effectively addressed. The principal is absolutely a bully himself. The mass exodus of families and staff in recent years is real. There is no character education and if there was the principal needs it himself. I am an educator and love EL but it is simply not implemented at this school. In addition diversity is not valued and in fact the reason my child was bullied. I wish this school was really what they claim but it is far from it. Bullying included spitting, hitting pushing, choking and racial slurs. I withdrew my children for their own safety.

Posted: January 9, 2022

Our children have attended RMSEL starting last year. This was during the pandemic and RMSEL has done a phenomenal job navigating through the pandemic. My children went to another school and did very well. We wanted something more challenging academically, physically and a school that built the whole child. Both our children earned too grades, but had to do some catch up to be at RMSELs academic level. They received the support (during a pandemic as well) and caught up quickly. Weve never had different teachers other than switching at the end of the year. The specials teachers are also consistent so we have not experienced any teacher turnover. Both children also have made great friends and weve had no bullying issues. One child had a child in class that struggled behaviorally and the administration addressed it. The child never bullied or hurt other children, rather struggled staying on task, following directions and general behavior. Weve been very happy with RMSEL!

Posted: January 9, 2022

Posted: May 12, 2021

RMSEL spends a lot of time on the students sexual identity. While all students should/must be treated with respect and dignity, I dont believe this subject should be a constant focus for seventh grade students.

Posted: May 12, 2021

Posted: January 25, 2021

I've been at RMSEL for 10 years. Reading some of the other reviews, I'm appalled at blatant lies that are stated in some of these reviews that RMSEL was discredited by EL and "lost" its affiliation, which can be disproved by anyone who takes the time to investigate those statements instead of believing something because it's on the internet. RMSEL is still considered a leader in EL practices, but elected to not continue to pay the substantial membership fee charged by EL to be listed as one of their schools. Instead, RMSEL funnels those dollars toward the students, and chooses which EL services to use and pay for. Yes, RMSEL has changed significantly over the last ten years, but it is definitely for the better. When I came to RMSEL, students roamed the hallways freely during class time and were not held accountable academically. There had been a continual change in leadership over the preceding years, and RMSEL was suffering because of it. I wondered if I had made a mistake in coming to RMSEL at that time, but decided to stick it out and see, and couldn't be more pleased with that decision. The biggest problem I've seen is a few parents who were disgruntled because they couldn't bully the administration into submission to their opinions and desires, and then set out to discredit the administrative team. Shameful. I disagree that there has been "massive faculty turnover and veteran parent exodus." RMSEL's high student retention rate is a strong indicator of its success. Class sizes are still at 26 students. Administration and staff worked hard to still provide daily face-to-face instruction to students during the pandemic, with only a very short period of entirely remote learning when community COVID numbers peaked in mid-November, and students were able to return to school in January. They were also creative in finding ways to still provide opportunities for adventure experiences for students when COVID restrictions caused the cancellation of the normal week-long crew trips. I am pleased and proud to be part of the RMSEL crew!

Posted: January 25, 2021

Posted: August 30, 2020

On the surface, the school is great. We have talked to parents who have commended the current administration for turning things around when they took charge. Recently there has been massive faculty turnover and veteran parent exodus which begs the question... Why and what do they know. The class size started at 25 and is steadily increasing while they cut paraprofessional support.

Posted: August 30, 2020

Elementary school aged kid, not sure about Middle and high school

Posted: August 30, 2020

Huge turnover since we have been there. By 3rd grade our child had 7 teachers

Posted: August 30, 2020

Character is part of the school charter.

Posted: August 30, 2020

Our child was bullied in kindergarten. The student was moved into first grade and our child had to endure the same issues in his joint 2/3 year.

Posted: February 11, 2020

We left mid year after endless issues, no accountability, and unchecked bullying. I have no opinion on elementary, this is middle school only.

Posted: February 11, 2020

Posted: August 31, 2019

I was a RMSEL student from kindergarten through 12th grade, and was constantly reminded of the school's character values, and the philosophical tenants of the Outward Bound mode of learning, which we were always challenged to reflect on and act in accordance with.

Posted: August 31, 2019

Leadership at RMSEL has changed since I attended (graduated in 2010) but I have remained in touch with the staff and involved in school activities as alumni, and I have seen positive changes since my time all focused on adherence to state standards and increasing the rigor and applicability of course materials.

Posted: August 31, 2019

During my time at RMSEL there were many points during course work where we were encouraged to independently explore the material with the support of our teachers, and I remember frequent instances of myself and other students producing very different final products based on the different ways we had approached a subject.

Posted: August 31, 2019

During my time at RMSEL I don't recall this being a frequently arising problem, but the few times when it did come up I remember the students and staff engaging in direct conversation with the involved parties and making it a priority to address inappropriate behavior and focus on a solution without a preoccupilation with punishment or reprisals, before moving forward with schoolwork.

Posted: August 31, 2019

I had a fantastic time at RMSEL from kindergarten through high school. The school changed a lot during my time there, but always for the better, and always maintained a strong focus on academic achievement, independent study, and exciting field work that had excellent learning value. The freely structured learning atmosphere was not always a perfect fit for every student, but the institution was always inclusive and supported students in difficulties and differences. I graduated RMSEL confident in my preparedness for the future, and when I arrived in higher education, found that my RMSEL education had served me well for tackling college level mathematics, homework load, and rigorous paper writing.

Posted: August 26, 2019

Issues are addressed immediately. Any negative behavior is dealt with fairly and without delay. The emphasis is on the behavior needing change and not on the kid being bad. I appreciate that.

Posted: August 26, 2019

I really love how the teachers approach homework with the kids. Its well communicated, so that the students and parents are clear about what needs to be done. Also, it is meant to be supportive, not overwhelming, so kids can have time to enjoy their evenings. We have not had an issue with sports and music after school on most weeknights.

Posted: August 26, 2019

My kids are in 2nd and 5th grade this year. They are so happy to go to school and absolutely love their teachers. We couldn't be happier!

Posted: August 26, 2019

Every year my kids are showing great growth in integrity, respect and discipline. RMSEL is constantly working as a whole to prepare the kids to be the best citizens they can be.

Posted: August 26, 2019

Principal Burns is always working to support the students. He's worked hard to secure funding for building improvements, he keeps standards high and will move mountains for the kids. The people that work alongside him are phenomenal as well. His directors are compassionate, hardworking and love the kids.

Posted: August 26, 2019

The teachers, staff and leadership have all worked hand in hand to support our kids in success no matter what learning differences they may deal with.

Posted: August 26, 2019

We love RMSEL. We have been there going on six years and feel very fortunate that our kids get to have this as their school!

Posted: August 26, 2019

RMSEL teachers are incredible. They challenge students to reach their potential and continue to support their learning long beyond the time they had them in their class. With students at the school for over 10 years we have seen teachers come and go and new teachers continue to impress us.

Posted: August 26, 2019

Leaders need to lead and the quality of leadership at RMSEL has continued to increase in the last decade. Our experience in the last decade has been that kids are number one and Chad has done an excellent job of prioritizing them over anything else. My kids love the leaders in the school and they continue to create an environment that challenges students and prepares them for the real world.

Posted: August 26, 2019

With multiple students in need of special help we have been extremely happy with the accommodations of teachers and staff in helping our kids succeed.

Posted: August 26, 2019

RMSEL deals very well with bullying in our experience. Our concerns have been addressed promptly and in a way that promotes growth in our students. Unfortunately there are several parents who do not believe their student could be a bully and do very little to address their issues.

Posted: August 26, 2019

RMSEL is an incredible school that pioneered Expeditionary Learning. Kids learn actual life skills in addition to academic necessities. Leadership and teachers are first rate and the community is warm and inviting. Our kids have excelled at the school and we have loved being a part of the community for 10+ years. Real life is hard and RMSEL prepares kids for it with passion and creativity. Parents who are involved and understand that challenging your kids is great for building their character will find the experience better than any other possible school. 11/10 I would recommend RMSEL to families who want to work hard to make a positive impact on the world.

Posted: August 26, 2019

As a parent who runs a business I believe it's important to balance achievement and work ethic. The homework my kids have received has never been cumbersome and has encouraged practice over busy-ness.

Posted: August 24, 2019

The staff and administration work very hard to create a stimulating learning environment. Students are asked to advocate and self direct their learning. They are pushed to challenge themselves with reflective portfolios every few years. This school is educating kids to be compassionate learners, thinkers and problem solvers that will be ready for the real world. My kids are very happy there.

Posted: August 24, 2019

The kids do homework that directly relates to what they are learning. They don't have a ton of busywork. There is a good mixture of written and computer work at home.

Posted: August 24, 2019

The teachers are so passionate about being at this school. The thought that goes into the development of their curriculum for the year is outstanding. The small class sizes help to ensure your kids get the attention they may need. The teachers are available to you if you have concerns. This years staff, in particular, is outstanding.

Posted: August 23, 2019

The homework is reasonable, relevant, and the children receive a lot of support from the teaching staff to produce quality work.

Posted: August 23, 2019

Our teachers are dedicated, caring professionals that demonstrate genuine concern not only for their student's well being, but also their learning and development. Their commitment is extraordinary.

Posted: August 23, 2019

Character is a core principle of the learning environment at RMSEL and the staff consistently models strong character for the students, as well as asks it of them.

Posted: August 23, 2019

The school leadership is exceptionally dedicated, responsive, and receptive. They work very hard, communicate consistently and effectively, and put in lots of time and energy to make the learning experience as challenging and rewarding as possible for the students.

Posted: August 23, 2019

Yes, and in a more deliberate manner than at other schools our family has attended! There are a variety of opportunities for student support, as well as methods for learning in the classroom.

Posted: August 23, 2019

My children feel 100% safe at RMSEL.

Posted: August 23, 2019

I am so grateful to be part of the RMSEL community, and that my children have the privilege to go to school here. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Posted: August 23, 2019

I have seen first hand how effectivley this school deals with bullying. I do not wish to go into detail, but I will say starting at the top with Chad, this issue is handled swiftly and appropriately with compassion and concern. My child feels safe and cared for in this school.

Posted: August 23, 2019

on a scale of 1-10, I would say this school goes all the way to eleven! From the staff to the teachers to the curriculum to the adventure program to the fitness program to the principal, it exceeds all my expectations. My son loves his school and so do we as parents. My now 4th grader is excited to be there every day and has grown as a learner and a young man in ways I never imagined. I reccommend this school very highly.

Posted: August 23, 2019

Homeowrk really begins in 4th grade. It is an effort to prepare students for middle and high school. What has impressed me most are these 2 things: 1) homweork is not arbitrary. It is purposeful, thought out, applicable and relevant. Nothing random or "busy work" 2) The teachers spend so much time and energy on teaching the kids how to approach and handle homework, They provide them tools and information on how to plan and schedule thier homeowrk and homeowrk time so that it isn't overwhelming for them or interfere with family time. I only wish I would've had this kind of help when I was young!! Invaluable learning!!!

Posted: August 23, 2019

Each teacher has been so amazing! I know that sounds cliche, but it is true. They have all been so in tune with their students needs and passions and so engaging that each child grows and flourishes at thier own pace and in their own way celebrating their own interests. I'm always impressed with how well they differentiate the learning to suit individuals as well as the class as a whole.

Posted: August 23, 2019

This school truly makes this a priority. It is an integral part of the curriculum and day to day learning. It isn;t mouth service, it is actual.

Posted: August 23, 2019

I'm not sure I could praise our "principal" Chad enough. He dives in deep with the kids and takes them all into account with every single decision he makes about the school. I wish all principals were more like him. His tier of concern is very clear. It is always students first, teachers second, staff third, parents fourth. To be honest, I know this might not work for all families, but for students I can't think of a better approach. Another thing I really need to point out is how seriously he takes his job and how important those kids are to him. If there is ever an "issue" he gets involved and helps in all ways possible. I have seen this first hand. He is remarkable.

Posted: August 23, 2019

With smaller class sizes, well trained teachers and EA's and a spectacular curriculum, this school has the ability and space to effectivley differentiate in the classroom. All students get what they need. This doesn't only apply to the top and bottom of the class, bt also the often forgotten middle.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Some are good, but the in teachers (meaning the cronies of the administration) tend to be terrible.

Posted: July 3, 2019

I couldnt disagree more with this! RMSEL was a good school before the current administration took over. Obviously the loss of their EL standing proves this out. He favors specific students and teachers and sweeps bad behavior by his favorites under the rug.

Posted: July 3, 2019

My daughter was bullied for over a year with nothing being done about it, despite us reporting it many times.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Homework was routinely not graded on time or lost. Often many teachers refuse to help kids with homework.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Terrible. It was good when my kids first started there over 10 years ago, but the current administration has slowly removed all the good aspects of the school and it has morphed into something it never was before. Unsupportive, full of cliques and favorites, bad behavior by teachers being excused, and more. Id highly recommend sending your children elsewhere, and I am someone who used to be a huge proponent of RMSEL. Sad situation.

Posted: July 3, 2019

This school environment actually leads to horrible bullying. And when the principle is called on it he sides with whoever he likes the most. Its unbelievable!!!

Posted: July 3, 2019

Absolutely horrible! Since principle Chad has come along he has really taken a wonderful school down a bad path.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Students are given a ton of work with to no support, leaving parents to do the teaching.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Often times our children came home saying teachers would be so frustrated with the class the would refuse to teach.

Posted: July 3, 2019

The upper class man are left to bully the lower class man.

Posted: May 16, 2018

They pretend to develop this, but I saw no real evidence of that happening.

Posted: May 16, 2018

The seem to not understand children. Worst ever!

Posted: May 16, 2018

This school was a terrible experience. My child was unsafe and very unhappy here. He perked up as soon as I moved him out of that place!

Posted: February 22, 2015

yes, Chad, the director is ambitious, but that is not necessarily good for the school. In my opinion he has plans to move within DPS, and has little regard for what impact the changes he makes will have on the community at RMSEL. He has, for instance, radically changed the curriculum, so now the school pretty much teaches to the test. There is now homework throughout all grades, technology throughout all grades, so that Kindergarten is very different than it once was. The school is loosing its hands-on aspect of learning. Is it more hands on than most schools? yes. Is it what it once was, say 5 years ago? Absolutely no, and we haven't been there that long. Students spend lots of time taking pre and post assessments (tests) in a manner unheard of just a few years ago. And this has lead to the loss of many a good teacher. Teacher turnover here has been tremendous the past few years as the changes were implemented. Some parents like the changes. They think this is "academic rigor". Some of us recognize this for what it is, teaching to the standardized test and not true learning. Still, this place is better for our children than many schools with rigid desks .for now.

Posted: January 22, 2014

RMSEL has wonderful teachers who are enthusiastic and dedicated to the students. Chad, the principal, is ambitious and focused on academic performance. The students and families support each other and are interested in challenging themselves academically. The expeditionary learning style works well for students who are self motivated.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO	3 mi
2	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO	8.3 mi
3	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	43 mi
4	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	46.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO		45.8 mi
2	Loveland	Loveland	CO		49.6 mi

Base	Distance
Buckley AFB	8.5 mi.
US Air Force Academy	47.2 mi.

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Denver, CO 80222

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Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Denver, CO 80222

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