Free Homeschool Program
Outdoor Weekly Learning (OWL)
A state-funded enrichment program in partnership with the Alpine International Preparatory Academy, where K-12 students in Woodland Park and Colorado Springs can build friendships, explore the outdoors, and learn from passionate educators!
…or see below for more information!
Hands on Learning Outdoors
Outside the Classroom
Education looks different for every student. Our OWL program began in 2023 to provide homeschool and hybrid-learning students with an opportunity to gain hands-on, state-standard-based, experiential learning that enhances what they are learning at home. OWL’s mixed-age, small-group, and multi-week structure also encourages social-emotional growth, interpersonal connection, and a collaborative approach to learning and exploration.
Each trimester has:
- A different theme! From animals to outdoor recreation, we cover a lot of topics.
- Regardless of theme, all program days are focused primarily on building outdoor skills, confidence, and STEAM education.
- A field trip.
- Weekly newsletters with pictures and stories from the program.
- A day for families to join in on the fun!
OWL Details for 2026 - 2027
Our OWL program serves a variety of ages and regions! Check the details and logistics below to ensure dates and locations are the right fit for your young learners:
Regardless of location or age, our OWL program is 9 am – 3 pm for 34 weeks from August to May.
Aspen Valley Ranch (1150 County Road 231) in Woodland Park:
K – 5th graders on Tuesdays (starts 8/25/26)
6th – 12th graders on Wednesdays (starts 8/26/26)
Sondermann Park (740 W Caramillo St) in Colorado Springs:
K – 2nd graders on Wednesdays (starts 8/26/26)
6th – 12th graders on Thursdays (starts 8/27/26)
Meet & Greets!
During the recruitment months for OWL, we offer optional meet-and-greets for parents who are interested in learning more about the program and/or meeting our staff. See below for our upcoming meet-and-greets.
Please email info@catamountinstitute.org to RSVP.
Woodland Park Program Meet-and-Greets:
Tuesday, March 17th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Aspen Valley Ranch (1150 County Road 231, Woodland Park, CO 80863)
Tuesday, May 5th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Aspen Valley Ranch (1150 County Road 231, Woodland Park, CO 80863) *Please note this date changed due to a scheduling conflict. This has been moved to May 5th.*
Tuesday, August 4th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Aspen Valley Ranch (1150 County Road 231, Woodland Park, CO 80863)
Colorado Springs Program Meet-and-Greets:
Thursday, March 19th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Sondermann Park (740 W. Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907)
Thursday, May 14th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Sondermann Park (740 W. Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907)
Thursday, August 6th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Sondermann Park (740 W. Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907)
