Our locations

Nature’s classrooms in Colorado and Costa Rica

From the slopes to the sea, our program locations all have three things in common:

Breathtaking scenery that helps kids unplug and stay present

Unique scientific, economic, and social ecosystems that offer new perspective

Nature-made challenges that test limits and inspire growth

A relief map of Colorado
A relief map of Colorado

Colorado: Adventure in the San Juan peaks

The spectacular San Juan Mountains are a high and rugged range in the Rockies of Southwest Colorado. They provide the perfect backdrop, classroom, and playground for our 5-week Powder Term and 2-week Summit & Service adventures.

Our Campus

The Black Diamond Lodge

Located one mile south of Purgatory Resort, our cozy and welcoming lodge offers a perfect blend of comfort and proximity to outdoor adventures.

The town of Durango is only a 25-minute drive away, with local amenities such as the Durango Hot Springs and the Durango Community Recreation Center. It’s also the home of our community service partners for our Summit & Service program.

Black Diamond Lodge dorm room
Foosball table in the Black Diamond Lodge
The parking area of Black Diamond Lodge
A dorm room in Black Diamond Lodge
The dining hall at Black Diamond Lodge
The den at Back Diamond Lodge
2 kids in ski helmets and goggles
Discover Term students posing on a boulder
Discover Term students with fruity drinks in a hot spring
A skier making a jump
A Discover Term student playing in the snow
Colorado Programming

Mountain-led transformation

From academics to sports and adventure, our Colorado programming takes advantage of the unique ecosystems and opportunities offered by this majestic landscape.
  • Mountain biking in the San Juan National Forest, including renowned bike parks, long cross-country trails, and challenging “hike your bike” routes
  • Hiking and climbing with local experts
  • Rafting on the Animas River with Durango Whitewater Rafting
  • Skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort, with lessons tailored to any level
  • Cross-discipline learning with Project Avalanche, which explores topics like how to survive an avalanche and how ski resorts can save more skiers
  • Community service with local organizations, such as Durango Trails
Explore Programs

For mountain-bound teens

Our programs are built for everyone, from seasoned skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers, to complete beginners. All we require is a sense of adventure and a willingness to commit.
Explore our Colorado programs to learn more about Discover Term mountain adventures.

6th-9th Grade

Academic Term Adventure

  • 5 weeks
  • Personalized learning
  • Physical, academic, and self mastery
Explore Powder Term

9th-12th Grade

Summer Service Adventure

  • 2 weeks
  • Hands-on community service
  • Lasting connections and deep purpose
Explore Summit & Service
A relief map of Costa Rica
A relief map of Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Pura Vida on the Pacific Coast

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is home to tranquil, secluded beaches and rich biodiversity — both in the water and at the rainforest’s edge. Known for a long surf break, the Nicoya Peninsula and village of Nosara play host to our 5-week Surf Term and 2-week Surf & Service adventures.

Our Campus

Casa Dos Mares

Located in the lush jungle wonderland surrounding Nosara, our pure and simple community casa invites students to live at a slower pace.
Casa Dos Mares is a breezy, open-air lodge that keeps students connected to nature. Featuring dorm-style living, the location fosters a perfect balance of independence and peer bonding.

The lodge is a 6-minute walk on the NCA jungle trail from the beaches, shops and restaurants of Playa Guiones, and a 3-minute walk to the sand where we surf daily.

The outside of Casa Dos Mares
Casa Dos Mares indoor lounge area
Casa Dos Mares outdoor lounge area
Casa Dos Mares dining room
Casa Dos Mares patio
A Surf Term student sits on her surfboard in the water
Discover Term students practice yoga and mindfulness in Costa Rica
A Discover Term student rides a wave in Costa Rica
A Surf Term student waxes her surfboard
4 Discover Term attendees stretch their arms up on the beach of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Programming

Stretching limits, surfside

Our Costa Rica programming fosters growth via full immersion in the tranquil beauty and environmentally responsible culture of Nosara.
  • Surf sessions with expert instructors from Safari Surf School
  • Supervised local activities like visiting the local wildlife refuge
  • Daily lunch and dinner focused on authentic, healthy Costa Rican cuisine
  • Community service with local organizations like Costas Verdes and the Nosara Civic Association
  • Cross-discipline learning with Project Rainforest and Project Reef, which explore topics like how much rainforest we need, who pays for conservation, and more
  • Conversational Spanish lessons
Explore Programs

For sea-loving students

Our surf programs are built for any level of experience, from veteran surfers to complete beginners. All we require is an existing ability to swim, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to commit.
Explore our Costa Rica programs to learn more about Discover Term surfside adventures.

6th-9th Grade

Academic Term Adventure

  • 5 weeks
  • Personalized learning
  • Physical, academic, and self mastery
Explore Surf Term

9th-12th Grade

Summer Service Adventure

  • 2 weeks
  • Hands-on community service
  • Lasting connections and deep purpose
Explore Surf & Service