Riverside Education Centers

Cactus Bloom Community School opened in fall 2024 as the first Grand Valley microschool of Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado, a free public charter network. We started with preschool through third grade and are adding grades until we reach sixth grade. As an intentionally small school led by teacher leaders, we have a limited number of seats, and enrollment runs through an intent-to-enroll process and lottery. Our Primary classroom serves children ages 3 to 6, including Kindergarten, through practical life, academic work and social and emotional experience. Our Elementary classroom follows an individually paced Montessori curriculum built on hands-on work. Our student services team supports learners with IEPs and 504 plans, multilingual learners, gifted and talented students, and students on READ plans. Special education services are delivered in the least restrictive environment, either in the classroom or in another setting as each IEP determines.

Caprock Academy is a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school dedicated to providing a classical education that fosters both intellectual and moral development. Serving a diverse range of students, including those with unique learning needs, Caprock Academy emphasizes the importance of character alongside academic achievement. The school's mission is to empower all students to reach their highest potential through a rigorous curriculum grounded in the principles of the Trivium"”Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. This structured approach not only cultivates critical thinking and effective communication but also instills integrity, perseverance, and personal responsibility in each student. At Caprock Academy, early education is characterized by purposeful learning that encourages curiosity and joyful discovery. The phonics-based reading instruction equips students with essential skills for decoding language, promoting fluent reading and comprehension as part of their lifelong love for literature. The integration of visual and performing arts into the curriculum nurtures creativity and self-expression, allowing students to discover their voices while developing confidence. What sets Caprock Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention for each learner. Strong partnerships with families enhance the educational experience, fostering a supportive community that prioritizes collaboration in nurturing each child's growth. Through dedicated mentorship from compassionate educators who serve as role models, students are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped to lead lives of purpose and service within their communities.

Child Find is Mesa County Valley School District 51's free evaluation and referral program for children ages 3 through 5 in the Grand Junction area. The program exists to determine whether a child has a developmental delay or disability that qualifies them for special education and related services before they start kindergarten. Families who are concerned their child is not meeting developmental milestones can request a screening through the district, which coordinates evaluation and, where eligible, connects the child with early-childhood special education services.