PPOS students in grades 4 – 8 look forward to enrichment options for the 2026-27 school year…
Author: Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is School Director at Pagosa Peak Open School, the first District-authorized charter school in Archuleta County. Prior to her appointment as School Director, Emily filled various roles at PPOS including Project-Based Learning advisor, instructional coach, and assistant director.
BRINGING ‘LUCY’ TO LIFE: 3-D Printing the Past… at Pagosa Peak Open School
Second-grader Remi passes around the 3-D printed skull of “Lucy”, the famous Australopithecus afarensis fossil discovered in Ethiopia….
Pagosa Peak Open School Middle-schoolers Win the Trophy in Reading Competition
After months of intensive reading and preparation, the PPOS “Middle of the Road Readers” outscored 10 teams from across Southwest Colorado…
Pagosa Peak Open School Supports Winter!
This project will be celebrated during the school’s Winter Expo at 5pm on Thursday, February 5, which is open to the public…
‘Pagosa Strings Orchestra’ Debut Concert Strikes a Chord for Arts Education
“I was so nervous before we started,” PPOS student Anderson said. “But it went really well!…”
Pagosa Community Invited to Celebrate New ‘Playground for the People’ This Friday, Sept. 26
The design is unique: including multiple levels and hills, embankment slides, boulders, a sand pit and a “cliff rider”…
Ribbon Cutting Event Planned for New Community Playground at Pagosa Peak Open School
The school is also expanding its after-school programming, with a drama club run by PPOS Advisor Alison Beach, and an orchestra club organized by Stillwater Music Company…
Pagosa Peak Open School Teacher Wins National Lifelong Learning Award
“Project-based Learning is transforming classrooms, schools and districts across the country thanks to the commitment and dedication of passionate educators…”
Pagosa Charter School Students Shine at ‘Battle of the Books’
“We worked together and encouraged each other,” third-grader Cora Jean said. “Instead of having one person know all the answers, we helped each other…”
Update on Pagosa Peak Open School’s ‘Community Playground’ Project
Pagosa Springs is only six months away from having a brand new, uptown community playground…
EDUCATION: ‘Restorative Practices’ at Pagosa Peak Open School
“I see Restorative Practices in action throughout the school… in opening and closing circles; in communications between students, advisors, and parents…”
Pagosa Charter School Kindergarteners Visit New Radar System
“My weather instrument measures air pressure,” said Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) kindergartner Silas…
History Comes Alive at Pagosa Charter School
How do perspectives on history shape a story? Why is it important to view history through multiple lenses?
Pagosa Charter School Takes Learning into the Community
“Life was a lot different back then. It was hard because you had The Great Depression…”
Pagosa Peak Open School Prepares for Changes in 2024-2025
I am grateful and excited to say our staff is returning; some in new positions, all with their talents, experience and passion for our students and work at PPOS…
PPOS Middle-Schoolers Join Community Conversations on Native American Boarding Schools
“The first Indian boarding school was close to Durango,” said one fifth-grader, referring to an Indian Boarding School constructed in Hesperus…
Charter School Students Investigate the San Juan Mountains
“There is a higher risk of avalanche if there are three layers to the snow: a large, clumpy layer, a smaller clumpy layer, and then a powdery top layer…”
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Peak Open School Presents Annual ‘Snow Show’ at PSCA
It was the school’s third year of presenting the “Snow Show” — and the first year the school presented at the Pagosa Center for the Arts…
Charter School Students Mediate Conflicts, Build Community
“It’s fun helping kids; and nice to know how to communicate and help others,” said eighth-grader Amelie, who is in her third year as a Restorative Practice Student Board member…