Colorado Timberline Academy is a co-ed, secondary boarding/day school dedicated to changing the lives of students who are seeking deeper connection with their peers, teachers, and environment to improve or enhance their academic performance.
Our campus lies within the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado within a days reach of alpine and desert wilderness. Outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and backpacking are central to our culture.
Through our diverse curriculum and outdoor programs, we foster freedom with responsibility, creativity, and respect for self, each other, and the environment.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $47,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $28,000
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 6 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Colorado Timberline Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 275 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1975
1907
Campus Size
53 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
40 students
320 students
% Students of Color
10%
27%
% International Students
5%
20%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
95%
67%
Average ACT score
22
(Out of 36)
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Average Class Size
6 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
60%
72%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$47,500
$69,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$28,000
$38,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
90%
64%
Director of Admissions
Dreher Robertson
Course Listings
List of Courses Offered
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
12
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
4
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Arts and Music Programs:
CeramicsFilm Photography
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Backcountry Skiing
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
90%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
-
Colorado Timberline Academy offers a close-knit community with educational and outdoor-oriented excellence:
- A strong academic program for grades 9-12 and post-graduate
- A maximum enrollment of 45 students
- An average class size of eight students
- An outdoor pursuits program that involves every student in an outdoor activity of their choosing: skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, backpacking, rock climbing, and more.
- Three school-wide wilderness trips a year
- An outstanding record of college admissions
- An excellent selection of electives: art, drama, and more
- A structured day that builds good school habits and learning skills
- Creative, highly capable, and non-conforming students who "march to the beat of a different drummer."
- Students who thrive participating in outdoor experiences unique to our Colorado mountain setting which are built into our curriculum.
- Students who respond to an intimate, family atmosphere with small classes and meaningful relationships with teachers and peers.
- Students who could find greater motivation from a non-traditional program.
- Families who need the flexibility of our block system and rolling admissions to make a change mid-stream through the year.
- Students whose academic progress has been interrupted and need to get back on track.
- Students looking for a supportive environment due to family and social difficulties but whose needs do not require a therapeutic program.
- Students who would benefit from more individualized attention and daily structure.
- Families whose careers have made it difficult for their children to have a "home-base."International students who would thrive in a smaller community in order to immerse themselves in American culture.
- Colorado Timberline Academy accreditations: Cognia
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Emily S., Class of 2018 -
- Jake M., Class of 2021 -
- Alex M., Class of 2010, Senior Manager at a Tech Firm -
- Greg M., Class of 1991 -
- Jen B., Class of 1994 -
- Holly M., Class of 1992 -
- School Motto: Transforming Education Through Nature
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Colorado Timberline Academy cost?
Colorado Timberline Academy's tuition is approximately $47,500 for boarding students and $28,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Colorado Timberline Academy?
The acceptance rate of Colorado Timberline Academy is 90%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Colorado Timberline Academy?
Colorado Timberline Academy famous alumni include: Emily S., Class of 2018, Jake M., Class of 2021, Alex M., Class of 2010, Senior Manager at a Tech Firm, Greg M., Class of 1991, Jen B., Class of 1994 and Holly M., Class of 1992.
What sports does Colorado Timberline Academy offer?
Colorado Timberline Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cycling, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Colorado Timberline Academy's ranking?
Colorado Timberline Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students) and Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for Colorado Timberline Academy?
The application deadline for Colorado Timberline Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Colorado Timberline Academy Alumni #1
Class of 1980
5.0011/21/2025
Colorado State University, Des Moines University
Class of 1980
5.0011/21/2025
Colorado State University, Des Moines University
ADHD wasn't even a diagnosis when I went to high school and I certainly have it. The individualized education at CTA not only got me to pass, but to excel. I learned coping skills there. . .
Colorado Timberline Academy is very non-traditional because of the size of the school. You have to be comfortable with living in very close quarters with a limited amount of people for the duration of your. . .
Colorado Timberline Academy Alumni #3
Class of 1991
5.001/16/2018
Oberlin College (BA); Syracuse University (EMPA, Ph.D.)
Class of 1991
5.001/16/2018
Oberlin College (BA); Syracuse University (EMPA, Ph.D.)
I fell through the cracks at my excellent, but large and competitive, public school in Westchester. At Colorado Timberline Academy, with its unique block system, tiny classes (3 to 6), and intimate atmosphere (we called. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
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People that viewed Colorado Timberline Academy also viewed these schools: Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Besant Hill School, Lake Tahoe Preparatory School and Dunn School.
The nearest boarding school to Colorado Timberline Academy is Colorado Rocky Mountain School (139.0 miles away)
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