Summary
Organization name
The Juniper School
other names
TJS, Durango Schools of Choice
2014
Tax id (EIN)
47-2788914
Category
Education
Address
225 Sawyer DriveDurango, CO 81303
La Plata County, CO, US
Imagine a school where curiosity guides curriculum… a school that nurtures academic excellence and social-emotional intelligence… a school committed to celebrating and inspiring individuality, mindfulness and compassion in the children of our community.
We are proud to tell you: we are that school! We are… Juniper.
Now a K - 8 Elemiddle School!
Testimonials
“We work more together than we do apart.” – Juniper student
“We learn how to take care of us.”– Juniper student
“Juniper is blazing a path of educational reform and enlightenment. It has awarded me the freedom to stretch my teaching wings; try slightly unorthodox teaching methods; push social and academic boundaries that ‘traditional’ schools thrive on; and truly meet each child’s academic needs without feeling over-extended. More importantly, TJS has created a climate and culture where all people, teachers, families, and students alike feel valued for what they have rather than being judged by what they lack.” – H. Venaglia, board member and former Juniper teacher
“We practice mindfulness every day to keep calm and it relieves any stress from home or at school”– Juniper student
“I used to not like school, now I do, you can always talk to your teachers here.”– Juniper student
“The Juniper School has been such a huge blessing for our family. All three of our kids have benefited from attending this unique school. Juniper school has a whole child approach that values not only academic learning, but also character development, life skills, and community involvement, all of which are extremely important in our ever changing world.” – Elanor Meeker, Juniper Parent
“I can take mindful time for myself.”– Juniper student
“What makes Juniper unique and special is that when kids are frustrated or arguing with the teacher they can take a break. A break can be go to the safe spot, sensory room, or like take a walk.” - Juniper student
Mission
Mission
Our community grows the whole child by celebrating and inspiring:
Individuality
Academic rigor
Mindfulness
Curiosity
Compassion for self, others, and the environment
Vision
To cultivate creative, critical thinkers and compassionate hearts for a better tomorrow.
Background Statement
The Juniper School was founded in 2017 by local educators and parents eager to create an academic experience that grows with each individual students’ goals and needs. We welcome students of all backgrounds and learning styles, celebrating any ability as a strength to be discovered and focused. Our goal is to empower each student with the social-emotional tools and confidence necessary to communicate effectively, solve problems, and flourish into caring citizens.
Juniper nurtures the whole child, with a vision to cultivate creative, critical thinkers and compassionate hearts for a better tomorrow. Students practice mindfulness and community connection, using restorative practices that build compassion and problem solving skills.
Rooted in a culture of academic rigor, we support students in meeting and exceeding Colorado academic standards with individualized, dynamic learning experiences. We blend Montessori-inspired methods with proven curriculums like San Francisco Math and Expeditionary Learning to engage learners in delving deeply into topics and experiencing cross-curricular connections. Our students are curious, self-motivated learners, discovering different cultures, ideas, languages and worldviews, and themselves.
We work hard to make sure our students spend time each day moving and exploring, with an hour or more of recess, outdoor garden and classroom experiences, and activities focused on learning about and discovering the natural world. In depth daily art and physical education classes allow students to experience their own powerful bodies and creative minds.
Juniper students thrive when faced with challenges, like the tree that our mission embodies. We believe these educational values support their development into tomorrow’s game changers, generating positive change in our community and the world at large. Come grow with us!
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Organization Data
Durango, CO 81303