Signature Programs
At Watershed we go beyond the expected. We provide meaningful opportunities for students to dive deeply into academic, social, and cultural learning outside of our regular course work. Uniquely Watershed, our Signature Programs include May Term & Global Study, Outdoor Education, Passages, and Advisory & Community Life.
May Term & Global Study
The Watershed experience includes a month-long course for all students each year that integrates in-depth study of a complex topic with travel across Colorado, the country, and the world.
Experiencing adventure and wonder is integral to Watershed. Our students explore the natural world around them and learn what they are capable of accomplishing when they engage in global study.
Outdoor education
Upper school students begin the school year with an 8-day backpacking trip with their advisory group. They learn valuable lessons in outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental stewardship.
Middle school students begin the school year with a 4-day camping trip, offering an opportunity to connect with advisors and their middle school classmates as a whole. Across grades, students get out into the real world for experiential fieldwork as often as possible. Whether this be a day trip or extended fieldwork to neighboring regions and states, fieldwork is an integral part of a Watershed education.
Passages
A special May Term program for eighth graders since our middle school opened in 2007, Passages prepares students for the transition from middle school to high school and celebrates the symbolic passage from childhood to adolescence. Following the off-campus portion and service component of this May Term (past locations have included Pine Ridge Reservation, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and climbing at Shelf Road), the course culminates in a Passages ceremony, where families are invited to campus to listen to students’ reflections on what they’ve learned.
“Watershed offers the most unique learning experiences I’ve ever come across. Their immersive work ‘in the field’ allows for students to experience real-world applications to what they learn, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The trips—whether one-day or 3 weeks—offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and there are several each year! Watershed’s method of teaching ignites a love of learning in their students that will likely last a lifetime.”
Advisory & Community Life
A strong community foundation is critical to long term success. At Watershed students can be true to themselves and develop strong connections with the people around them. One of the driving forces behind this is our Advisory program. All students are assigned to an advisor when they begin at Watershed - someone who will guide them through the entirety of middle school or upper school. Advisory groups (around 10 students) serve as students’ “home base” group throughout their time at Watershed.
Additionally, community gatherings are a cornerstone of Watershed's culture. As a whole-school tradition, we come together for Community Meeting at least once a week. Guided by our student-led Community Committee, students take the lead in planning and organizing exciting events such as Community Days, school dances, and Spirit Week—bringing fun, connection, and school spirit to life.
clubs & activities
Clubs and activities are driven by our students, who pitch ideas for after school clubs and activities and are in charge of running them every year. For example, this past year marked the debut of Watershed’s Climbing Team! At both the team and individual level, students made it to the regional and state championship! Plus, there’s plenty more to choose from, including Zonta Club, Yearbook Club, D&D, Dance Club, and much more!
