Nestled beneath the iconic rock formations of Garden of the Gods Park, School at the RANCH is a 32-week hands-on educational enrichment program for homeschoolers grades K-6. Following in the footsteps of the Chambers family who opened one of the area’s first school at Rock Ledge Ranch in 1888, we foster a love of learning by focusing on nature, culture, and history.

School at the RANCH is state-funded, tuition-free enrichment instruction for homeschoolers. This is an immersive outdoor program that uses the rich resources of Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site and Garden of the Gods Park to Raise students’ Awareness of Nature, Culture, and History. Each week’s lessons are designed to engage the student’s curiosity about a specific theme and cultivate wonder for the world around them. The lessons are taught almost exclusively outdoors, using art, literature, games, and hands-on scientific exploration. Students’ mental and physical endurance will be challenged and developed as we explore the miles of trails within the Ranch and the Garden. Original historic buildings give a unique character to our program as students learn about individuals who have called the Pikes Peak Region home, including native peoples, homesteaders, health-seekers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, blacksmiths, men, women, rich, and poor. Students will get to experience the timeline of the actual people who lived and worked here on this very special piece of property. Our Ranch supports a historic garden and barnyard, allowing students to learn about sustainable farming and ranching practices. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is pleased to partner with Alpine International Preparatory Academy to offer this rigorous outdoor enrichment program to homeschoolers.