OUTDOOR HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Bluff Lake Outdoor Homeschool Enrichment (OHE) combines place-based natural science with experiential learning and community-building.
For the 2026-2027 year, we are expanding the program to K-8th grade students.
The OHE program is conducted outdoors August-May (weather permitting) at Bluff Lake Nature Center. It is designed to supplement your homeschool curriculum with social development and problem-solving, conceptual understandings of ecology, and practical applications of outdoor skills in our unique setting. A variety of activities, experiments, challenges, service projects, explorations, and just plain fun help students build nature knowledge, self-awareness, and outdoor skills and confidence.
Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens February 27th at 7:00 am.
“My children are learning how to interact with different personalities, learning conflict resolution, and how to develop friendships.”
“I appreciate the level of respect and communication my child receives from their teachers.”
2026-2027 School Year
LOCATION:
Bluff Lake Nature Center
11255 E. MLK Jr Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
COST:
This program is tuition-free for students who select it as their state-funded enrichment program.
If your student is already utilizing state funds for another program, you are eligible to participate at a cost of $4,500/year per student. There is a $100 discount for siblings. Need-based scholarships are available - apply here.
STUDENT TO STAFF RATIO:
Our student to staff ratio for all groups is 8:1.
K-5th grade groups have a maximum of 16 students with 2 staff members. The middle school group (6th-8th) has a maximum of 8 students with 1 staff member.
ATTENDANCE:
Please note that state-funded enrichment programs are required to provide at least 90 hours of instruction time per semester. By enrolling your student in this program, you acknowledge that you will make an effort to attend every class.
PROGRAM GROUPS:
Weekly, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Mondays: Kindergarten-1st
Wednesdays: 4th-5th, 6th-8th
Thursdays: 2nd-3rd
** Our new middle school (6th-8th) group will focus on more in-depth problem-based learning and independent study. The group has a 8 student maximum capacity. **
YEARLY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
35-week program from August, 24th, 2026 to May, 21st, 2027.
Fall Semester: August 24th-December 17th
Themes (K-5th): Community-building, sensory exploration, local ecosystems and systems
Fall Break: November 23rd - 27th
Winter Break: December 21st - January 1st
Spring Semester: January 4th - May 21st
Themes (K-5th): Weather and seasonality, outdoor skills and survival, group projects and research
Spring Break March 29th - April 2nd
HOLIDAY POSTPONEMENTS:
Monday sessions that fall on a holiday will be moved to Tuesday.
Sample Daily Schedule
9:00 am: Drop Off
9:15 am: Morning Meeting
9:45 am: Morning Activity #1
10:30 am: Snack & Exploration Time
11:00 am: Morning Activity #2
12:00 pm: Lunch & Exploration Time
12:45 pm: Afternoon Activity #1
1:30 pm: Snack & Exploration Time
2:00 pm: Afternoon Activity #2
3:00 pm: Pick Up
Students will learn the following concepts:
Social and Community Development
Mindfulness practices
Community decision-making
Teambuilding games
Service-learning projects
Social problem-solving
Outdoor Skills and Experience
Land stewardship
Leave No Trace practices
Risk management
Clothing and shelters
Navigation and travel techniques
Place-Based Environmental Science
Flora and fauna
Local ecosystems
Ecological concepts
Earth sciences
Natural cycles and systems
