This spring, students in PreKindergarten through 5th grade participated in Colorado Expedition (COEX)—a signature CSS experience designed to provide developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning rooted in Colorado’s rich cultural and natural history.
COEX follows a thoughtfully designed progression that aligns with students’ growth and cognitive development, immersing them in academic themes in ways that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper learning. Each grade level explores a theme tied to early cultures and history in Colorado, reinforcing classroom studies through meaningful, real-world connections.
This Year's COEX Themes:
- PreKindergarten: Exploring the CSS Neighborhood
- Kindergarten: Colorado Ranching and Wildlife, including a visit to the Wolf and Wildlife Center
- 1st Grade: Conservation and Preservation, with visits to the Raptor Center, Bear Creek Park, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- 2nd Grade: Mining in Colorado, featuring trips to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry and field activities in Victor and Cripple Creek
- 3rd Grade: Westward Expansion, with visits to John Martin Reservoir, Boggsville Historic Site, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, and the Koshare Museum and Historic Site
- 4th Grade: History of the San Luis Valley, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls, and the Fort Garland Museum
- 5th Grade: Ancestral Puebloans, with in-depth explorations of Mesa Verde National Park and Aztec Ruins National Park
COEX encourages students to ask questions, make observations, and investigate their surroundings—all while learning through exploration and play. These place-based experiences are often enhanced through overnight adventures that help students build independence and resilience.
From Kindergarteners spending the night in their classroom for the first time to 4th and 5th graders embarking on multi-night adventures away from home, each milestone fosters confidence, self-reliance, and age-appropriate growth in independence and resilience.
Over time, COEX helps students develop:
-
Practical self-care and responsibility skills
-
A lasting respect for the natural world
-
Empathy and collaboration with peers
Rooted in experiential education, COEX not only connects students to Colorado’s heritage but also supports their journey toward becoming thoughtful, capable, and curious individuals prepared for a dynamic world.
