When students talk about what they get from Watershed, they talk about real-world experiences that matter — and a supportive culture that helps them grow into who they are. Yes, our students are challenged academically, but what they truly walk away with is something deeper: a sense of identity, independence, purpose, and belonging. And it’s within that sense of belonging that the power of community comes to life.
“I love the community at Watershed. I went to a big school for my first two years of high school and felt invisible. When I came to Watershed, I felt so much more seen. Everyone is cheering you on and supporting you to become a critical thinker and a curious person. It really feels like everyone is friends with everyone.” -Chloe ‘26
Whether you're just starting middle school or preparing for college, you're not just gaining academic skills — you're learning how to learn, who you are, and how to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Middle School: Growing with Purpose
Middle school at Watershed is where students begin to discover not only what they’re good at, but who they are becoming. It’s a time of big changes — and we honor that. Our students are challenged academically in a community that is intentionally supportive, close-knit, and emotionally safe. We know early adolescence is when identity begins to take shape, which is why we create space for students to reflect, take risks, make mistakes, and grow.
Through hands-on projects, real-world connections, and a curriculum that goes far beyond textbooks, students develop both academic and life skills — curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and confidence.
Engaging in Academically Rigorous, Hands-On Learning
Middle schoolers at Watershed are immersed in an academically rigorous program that lays the foundation for college preparatory work in high school. But learning here doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our curriculum is active and inquiry-driven — students deepen understanding through science labs, fieldwork, studio art, and design projects that connect learning to real life. This dynamic approach cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lasting love of learning. By the time they transition to high school, students not only meet academic challenges with confidence — they understand themselves as learners and as members of a broader world.
“My favorite part about Watershed is the classes. I actually have fun in classes, like in my Design Build class, we made a Little Free Library for the community. For May Term, we had a whole class about Colorado history and then got to experience it by going to Crow Canyon for a week.” -Edward ‘31
Building Confidence Through Belonging and Independence
Middle school is also a time when students discover who they are within a community. At Watershed, belonging isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation for everything else.
It begins with a four-day camping trip at the beginning of the school year for Orientation that builds trust, connection, and confidence. As students progress, they take on increasing responsibility — academically, socially, and emotionally — through overnight expeditions, collaborative projects, and our signature May Term courses, which integrate academic learning with immersive travel.
Each experience is designed to stretch students in meaningful ways, while wrapping them in the support they need to grow. They step into greater independence with a deep sense of belonging — knowing they are seen, supported, and valued.
“Watershed does lots of travel, is a tight-knit community, and encourages kindness, knowledge, ownership, curiosity, and more. Also, with small classes, we all get the attention and help we need.” - Ella ‘31
Upper School: Owning the Journey
By high school, Watershed students take the reins even more. They are empowered to shape their own educational path — to ask big questions, pursue deep learning, and develop the skills that will help them thrive in college and in life. Through rigorous coursework, real-world partnerships, and immersive field experiences, students engage in academic work that matters — not only to them, but to their communities.
“Watershed inspires me to think critically about the choices I make and the projects I create. Coming from a more conventional school, I felt like there were no real-world connections behind the things we did in my classes. When I transferred to Watershed, I was really happy to find purpose in the work I was doing.” – Sam ‘26
Watershed students collaborate with scientists, artists, and policy makers on real-world issues. They’ve gathered climate data for environmental groups, proposed policy ideas at public forums, and even designed public art installations. These aren’t just school projects — they’re opportunities to make a real impact.
“Doing the voter registration drive ahead of the election last year at CU was my favorite community activism activity. I got to engage with people in my community and make a difference, all while working on my communication skills.” – Owen ‘28
Agency, Leadership, and Belonging
At Watershed, students don’t just attend school — they help shape it. Upper schoolers design independent studies, seek out internships, and choose project-based courses aligned with their interests. They deliver “ShedTalks” to share work they’re most proud of from each semester while sharpening their public speaking skills and serve on student committees that influence academics, culture, and governance.
“I’ve gotten to exercise academic agency at Watershed through the design of my own Independent Study. Most recently, I designed my course project around sustainable fashion. I loved getting to apply my lifelong hobby of sewing to a world challenge like climate change.”
- Tesla ‘26
Every student also belongs to an advisory group that stays together throughout middle and upper school. Advisory is a place for connection, reflection, laughter, and support — a consistent circle within the larger community. The year kicks off with an 8-day backcountry orientation trip, where students and advisors build trust, develop outdoor skills, and strengthen traits like empathy and collaboration. These shared experiences create bonds that carry through the entire high school journey.
Global Learning, Real-World Relevance
Our May Term program is a signature part of the Watershed experience; it’s a unique, month-long course that integrates in-depth study of a complex topic with overnight travel across the country and the world, integrating academic learning with immersive travel and global exploration. In middle school, May Term courses immerse students in domestic fieldwork across the U.S., while upper school students take part in international study courses that bring global issues to life.
Resent May Term courses have taken students to Iceland for scientific research, Guatemala for full Spanish immersion, Vietnam and Peru for in-depth explorations of history and culture, Kenya to study sustainable development & community empowerment, and more. These experiences build global awareness, deepen academic inquiry, and inspire lifelong curiosity.
“I’ve been on six May Terms so far during my Watershed career, and I would say that the way I’ve been impacted the most is my level of cultural competency. Traveling across the world allows us to confront the realities of the world we live in. Learning to respectfully navigate other countries and cultures improves our overall ability to connect with others.” -Ayden ‘26
Preparing for What’s Next
Watershed students graduate not just prepared for college — but ready to thrive.
They’ve developed strong research, communication, and collaboration skills. They know how to ask meaningful questions and pursue thoughtful answers. They prioritize depth over quantity. And they understand how to navigate complexity with curiosity, purpose, and confidence.
Our college counseling program is highly personalized. Students work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who gets to know them as whole people — not just applicants. From crafting essay narratives to navigating deadlines, students are guided through a process that feels empowering, not overwhelming.
“Watershed’s college counseling program has helped me a lot because it makes the whole process feel less overwhelming. We get a ton of one-on-one time with our counselor [Jen Curtis], and she really gets to know us as people, not just as students. She helps me figure out what kind of schools might be the best fit, gives me feedback on essays, and keeps me on track with deadlines so I don’t feel lost. It honestly feels like I have someone in my corner the whole way through, which makes the college process way less stressful and a lot more exciting.”
— Leo ’26
So... What Do You Get from Watershed?
You get challenge — with support. You get freedom — with guidance. You get a place where your ideas matter. You get to be yourself — and become your best self.
You get real learning, real relationships, and real experiences that stay with you long after graduation.
At Watershed, you don’t just get ready for what’s next.
You get ready for a life of meaning, purpose, and impact.
