Education

The SALIDA SCHOOL SYSTEM states its mission as that of working together with family and community so that all students are properly prepared to succeed in life. This involves providing quality instruction and a progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment. Excellent academic and activity programs are provided to the district’s students to meet these stated goals. In addition to standards-based, college preparatory academic programs at all levels, the high school offers an excellent career and technical program. These programs are offered to high ability learners and second language learners. The school district also provides an alternative program for those whose needs are not met by traditional methods and programs.

The School district is fully accredited by the State of Colorado and grades 9-12 are accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association. A comprehensive academic and activity program is offered with emphasis on the basics in grades K-8, and “cutting edge”‘ programs are offered in the high school using state of the art technology. Quality programs exist in the areas of special needs children, Chapter I, General Education, Vocational Education and Work-Study.

Students from R-32-J consistently score above the state and the national average on the standardized tests including the ACT and SAT. Half or more of the high school graduates go on to college or technical schools. The district has received national recognition from the School Match Corporation as one of the schools among the seven percent of school districts nationwide to offer the type and quality of education parents want for their children.

Chaffee County Montessori School (CCMS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit school that was founded in 2007 to provide Montessori education to students from 3-10 years of age. Based on the 100-year-old principles of the Montessori method, the stated mission of CCMS is to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for learning; to promote peaceful interactions; and to ignite and nurture the human spirit in every child. The curriculum content parallels that of traditional teaching programs however the method differs. Instructors teach an integrated curriculum to a multi-aged classroom. Practical applications of the sciences and other disciplines are born out in courses that focus on gardening, cooking, and sewing. Students also have access to activities such as those involving climbing structures and are presented with creative experiences in art, music, and dramatic play. CCMS is located at 1040 I Street in Salida, CO. For more information call (719) 539-4887.

TLC – Salida Christian School, 509 F Street / PO Box 923, Salida, CO 81201.  As of 2006, this school is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational facility that provides Christian education to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Initially, however, the school was started in 1981 as Son Shine Inn (SSI) Preschool and Daycare with 7 children in attendance. Over the years it grew to 78 children in attendance per year. The school values patriotism and character-building as part of the educational process. The mission of SCS is to provide an excellent academic education for students in a caring Christian environment. The school is open year-round and is licensed to care for children from 2 ½ -12 years of age. Preschool is offered four days a week and introduces the children to art, science, bible, music and movement, field trips and social experiences. A K-4 program (pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds) is provided for children whose parents desire a more rigorous preparation for kindergarten.

SCS elementary students are housed in the basement of Temple Baptist Church, Salida, however this church is not affiliated with Salida Christian School. For more information call (719) 539-1693 or email [email protected].

Head Start – 516 Teller Street, Salida, CO 81201 — is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, are given healthy meals and snacks, and are provided with a safe setting in which to enjoy playing indoors and outdoors.

Head Start helps children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and four years. Cut-off for ages is September 1. Applications with proof of child’s age and family income must be received and verified no later than mid-August. For more information call the Salida Head Start Center at (719) 539-5360.

KID’S CAMPUS – A licensed child care facility that provides appropriate activities for children ages 5-11 in a supervised, safe, and child-centered environment during non-school hours. This program serves the needs of working parents during teacher work days, holidays, and during the summer. Scholarships are available for eligible families. For registration information call (719) 221-2095.