Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Summary:

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning is an alternative public school in Denver, Colorado that serves 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This predominantly White (77.18%) school consistently outperforms state and district averages in academic assessments, with particularly strong performance in English Language Arts, Math, and Science.

The school's academic excellence is evident in its CMAS proficiency rates, which are significantly higher than state averages, including 61.9% in ELA and 44.4% in Math. Its PSAT and SAT scores also exceed state and district benchmarks. Additionally, Rocky Mountain School has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 17.2 to 18.4 over the past three years, suggesting a more personalized learning environment. However, the school's low percentage of free/reduced lunch recipients, ranging from 2.06% to 3.82%, indicates a student population of relatively high socioeconomic status, which may raise questions about accessibility and inclusiveness.

When compared to nearby schools, Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning stands out as a high-performing institution, particularly in terms of academic achievement. Schools like Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County and STEM School Highlands Ranch also demonstrate strong academic performance, suggesting a competitive educational landscape in the area. While the school's overall academic excellence is impressive, there may be opportunities to further enhance student learning, particularly in areas where proficiency rates are lower, such as CMAS Math. Additionally, exploring ways to increase the diversity of the student population and ensure equitable access to the school's educational opportunities could be an area for consideration.


Detail:

Public, Alternative K-12

 1700 South Holly Street
       Denver, CO  80222-3928


(303) 759-2076

District: Denver 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
264th of 943 Colorado Alternative Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,516 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  17.2 Help
Number of students:  390

Racial breakdown:

White:
77.2%
Hispanic:
12.8%
Two or more races:
7.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  3.6% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning ranks better than 72% of elementary schools in Colorado. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 69.86. (See more...)
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Compare Details Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning ranks better than 75.3% of middle schools in Colorado. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 71.55. (See more...)
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Compare Details Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning ranks better than 66.2% of high schools in Colorado. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 61.88. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning is $12,516.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning:

SchoolDigger ranks Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning 264th of 943 Colorado public elementary schools. (See Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning 120th of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning 118th of 349 Colorado public high schools. (See Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in the ranking list.)



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Rank History for Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 45.26 486th 808 39.9%
2005 44.14 509th 823 38.2%
2006 66.90 296th 829 64.3%
2007 59.91 379th 852 55.5%
2008 56.19 415th 849 51.1%
2009 70.34 261st 872 70.1%
2010 66.07 331st 925 64.2%
2011 69.36 296th 935 68.3%
2012 75.97 205th 935 78.1%
2013 72.45 255th 954 73.3%
2014 66.19 317th 962 67.0%
2015 70.40 240th 938 74.4%
2016 66.91 275th 914 69.9%
2017 73.60 222nd 929 76.1%
2018 74.26 211th 917 77.0%
2019 69.79 261st 965 73.0%
2021 50.91 373rd 710 47.5%
2022 59.43 342nd 921 62.9%
2023 69.30 258th 933 72.3%
2024 69.86 264th 943 72.0%
See the entire list of Colorado Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 49.09 242nd 454 46.7%
2023 49.38 265th 525 49.5%
2024 69.34 141st 539 73.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Rank History for all middle school students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 47.51 176th 336 47.6%
2005 51.90 174th 340 48.8%
2006 51.86 176th 346 49.1%
2007 61.91 136th 360 62.2%
2008 51.19 190th 362 47.5%
2009 69.06 108th 377 71.4%
2010 66.50 133rd 409 67.5%
2011 57.60 188th 422 55.5%
2012 69.58 129th 425 69.6%
2013 69.19 131st 454 71.1%
2014 74.38 103rd 461 77.7%
2015 72.52 82nd 436 81.2%
2016 48.74 179th 400 55.3%
2017 66.81 110th 424 74.1%
2018 80.63 61st 418 85.4%
2019 76.51 83rd 458 81.9%
2021 77.68 65th 369 82.4%
2022 71.03 107th 448 76.1%
2023 76.22 93rd 480 80.6%
2024 71.55 120th 485 75.3%
See the entire list of Colorado Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 73.59 63rd 315 80.0%
2019 75.08 75th 352 78.7%
2021 69.35 60th 254 76.4%
2022 64.53 100th 326 69.3%
2023 87.45 35th 363 90.4%
2024 74.62 73rd 350 79.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.40 50th 317 84.2%
2019 71.93 81st 343 76.4%
2021 74.26 50th 249 79.9%
2022 65.15 97th 328 70.4%
2023 54.78 136th 356 61.8%
2024 55.45 130th 357 63.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 58.15 102nd 283 64.0%
2021 74.78 36th 203 82.3%
2022 49.26 128th 265 51.7%
2023 61.41 92nd 286 67.8%
2024 59.66 101st 273 63.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Rank History for all high school students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 53.15 137th 279 50.9%
2005 64.77 96th 280 65.7%
2006 46.12 168th 286 41.3%
2007 72.13 80th 298 73.2%
2008 72.41 86th 301 71.4%
2009 63.39 116th 310 62.6%
2010 57.25 158th 327 51.7%
2011 55.55 163rd 337 51.6%
2012 74.36 73rd 334 78.1%
2013 69.56 102nd 349 70.8%
2014 65.50 118th 369 68.0%
2015 36.17 166th 292 43.2%
2016 50.57 84th 255 67.1%
2017 28.65 166th 256 35.2%
2018 78.70 69th 388 82.2%
2019 75.88 82nd 411 80.0%
2021 83.60 26th 210 87.6%
2022 81.62 30th 221 86.4%
2023 81.73 58th 349 83.4%
2024 61.88 118th 349 66.2%
See the entire list of Colorado Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for high school White students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 69.10 68th 225 69.8%
2022 91.84 8th 228 96.5%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 











Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Open Quote RMSEL is an incredible school that pioneered Expeditionary Learning. Kids learn actual life skills in addition to academic necessities. Leadership and teachers are first rate and the community is warm and inviting. Our kids have excelled at the school and we have loved being a part of the community for 10+ years. Real life is hard and RMSEL prepares kids for it with passion and creativity. Parents who are involved and understand that challenging your kids is great for building their character will find the experience better than any other possible school. 11/10 I would recommend RMSEL to families who want to work hard to make a positive impact on the world.

RMSEL teachers are incredible. They challenge students to reach their potential and continue to support their learning long beyond the time they had them in their class. With students at the school for over 10 years we have seen teachers come and go and new teachers continue to impress us.

Leaders need to lead and the quality of leadership at RMSEL has continued to increase in the last decade. Our experience in the last decade has been that kids are number one and Chad has done an excellent job of prioritizing them over anything else. My kids love the leaders in the school and they continue to create an environment that challenges students and prepares them for the real world.

With multiple students in need of special help we have been extremely happy with the accommodations of teachers and staff in helping our kids succeed.

RMSEL deals very well with bullying in our experience. Our concerns have been addressed promptly and in a way that promotes growth in our students. Unfortunately there are several parents who do not believe their student could be a bully and do very little to address their issues.

As a parent who runs a business I believe it's important to balance achievement and work ethic. The homework my kids have received has never been cumbersome and has encouraged practice over busy-ness.

I HIGHLY recommend RMSEL for students who want to prepare themselves for real life. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1994 158 30 6 21 1 n/a n/a 0 216
1995 184 49 20 33 4 n/a n/a 0 290
1996 184 49 20 33 4 n/a n/a 0 290
1997 196 43 24 54 5 n/a n/a 0 322
1998 203 46 20 40 4 n/a n/a 0 313
1999 226 38 21 32 2 n/a n/a 0 319
2000 230 34 17 32 2 n/a n/a 0 315
2001 237 35 14 29 2 n/a n/a 0 317
2002 242 18 30 33 0 n/a n/a 0 323
2003 242 18 30 33 0 n/a n/a 0 323
2004 250 24 23 36 0 n/a n/a 0 333
2005 264 19 14 35 2 n/a n/a 0 334
2006 252 23 18 41 1 n/a n/a 0 335
2007 259 21 18 36 2 n/a n/a 0 336
2008 266 25 17 32 3 n/a n/a 0 343
2009 279 22 14 29 3 n/a n/a 0 347
2010 276 23 22 27 3 n/a n/a 0 351
2011 273 15 14 37 2 0 20 0 361
2012 272 12 13 41 2 0 22 0 362
2013 292 12 13 46 1 0 23 0 387
2014 298 7 13 42 1 0 26 0 387
2015 299 10 9 46 0 0 28 0 392
2016 306 8 10 48 0 0 25 0 397
2017 295 11 10 44 0 0 33 0 393
2018 285 10 10 44 0 0 40 0 389
2019 293 9 6 36 0 0 35 0 379
2020 275 8 6 43 0 0 36 0 368
2021 281 12 6 50 0 0 39 0 388
2022 296 11 4 49 0 0 33 0 393
2023 301 8 3 50 0 0 28 0 390

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1994 216 11.0 19.6 0
1995 290 13.0 22.3 0
1996 290 13.0 22.3 0
1997 322 13.0 24.8 0
1998 313 16.0 19.6 0
1999 319 16.0 19.9 0
2000 315 15.9 19.8 0
2001 317 18.2 17.4 0
2002 323 19.7 16.4 0
2003 323 19.7 16.4 0
2004 333 18.0 18.5 0
2005 334 19.6 17.0 0
2006 335 20.4 16.4 0
2007 336 20.2 16.6 0
2008 343 20.6 16.7 n/a
2009 347 22.0 15.8 n/a
2010 351 22.8 15.3 0
2011 361 23.6 15.2 0
2012 362 22.1 16.3 0
2013 387 25.5 15.1 0
2014 387 30.3 12.7 0
2015 392 32.0 12.2 0
2016 397 33.0 12.0 0
2017 393 26.2 14.9 6.6
2018 389 30.5 12.7 5.4
2019 379 24.1 15.7 5.3
2020 368 21.6 17.0 4.3
2021 388 21.0 18.4 2.1
2022 393 22.0 17.8 3.8
2023 390 22.6 17.2 3.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1994 216 11.0 19.6 0
1995 290 13.0 22.3 0
1996 290 13.0 22.3 0
1997 322 13.0 24.8 0
1998 313 16.0 19.6 0
1999 319 16.0 19.9 0
2000 315 15.9 19.8 0
2001 317 18.2 17.4 0
2002 323 19.7 16.4 0
2003 323 19.7 16.4 0
2004 333 18.0 18.5 0
2005 334 19.6 17.0 0
2006 335 20.4 16.4 0
2007 336 20.2 16.6 0
2008 343 20.6 16.7 n/a
2009 347 22.0 15.8 n/a
2010 351 22.8 15.3 0
2011 361 23.6 15.2 0
2012 362 22.1 16.3 0
2013 387 25.5 15.1 0
2014 387 30.3 12.7 0
2015 392 32.0 12.2 0
2016 397 33.0 12.0 0
2017 393 26.2 14.9 6.6
2018 389 30.5 12.7 5.4
2019 379 24.1 15.7 5.3
2020 368 21.6 17.0 4.3
2021 388 21.0 18.4 2.1
2022 393 22.0 17.8 3.8
2023 390 22.6 17.2 3.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,468
2020 $9,569
2021 $8,585
2022 $9,892
2023 $12,516

Data source: Colorado Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 261st of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 258th of 933 Elementary schools
 0.6%
Ranks 83rd of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 93rd of 480 Middle schools
 1.3%
Ranks 82nd of 411 High schoolsRanks 58th of 349 High schools
 3.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)54.242.3
 11.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)54.242.3
 11.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)41.339.9
 1.4%
3rd Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)3653.8
 17.8%
   3rd Grade Math (Denver 1)3653.8
 17.8%
   3rd Grade Math (Colorado)4140.4
 0.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)65.260
 5.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)65.260
 5.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)4843.8
 4.2%
4th Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)60.930
 30.9%
   4th Grade Math (Denver 1)60.930
 30.9%
   4th Grade Math (Colorado)33.632.7
 0.9%
5th Grade Science (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)26.946.2
 19.3%
   5th Grade Science (Denver 1)26.946.2
 19.3%
   5th Grade Science (Colorado)35.933.9
 2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)46.257.7
 11.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)46.257.7
 11.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)48.447.8
 0.6%
5th Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)5046.2
 3.8%
   5th Grade Math (Denver 1)5046.2
 3.8%
   5th Grade Math (Colorado)35.736.5
 0.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)63.864.4
 0.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)63.864.4
 0.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)48.940
 8.9%
   6th Grade Math (Denver 1)48.940
 8.9%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)67.571.7
 4.2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)67.571.7
 4.2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)4132.6
 8.4%
   7th Grade Math (Denver 1)4132.6
 8.4%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)5050
   8th Grade Science (Denver 1)5050
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)52.256.8
 4.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Denver 1)52.256.8
 4.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)47.845.5
 2.3%
   8th Grade Math (Denver 1)47.845.5
 2.3%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)58.760.4
 1.7%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Denver 1)58.760.4
 1.7%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning)47.141.1
 6%
   All Grades Math (Denver 1)47.141.1
 6%
   All Grades Math (Colorado)34.732.9
 1.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students379390
 2.9%
African American98
 11.1%
American Indian00
Asian63
 50%
Hispanic3650
 38.9%
Pacific Islander00
White293301
 2.7%
Two or More Races3528
 20%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients5.3%3.6%
 1.7%


Schools Near Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning









Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning ranks 264th of 943 Colorado alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning are 77% White, 13% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 2% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 390 students attended Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Colorado Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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