Admissions

Carbondale Community School is a public charter school of the Roaring Fork School District. As a charter school, we are funded by the State and individual donations, charge no tuition, are non-discriminatory in admissions, and provide an alternative within the public school framework.

While our spots are limited, we give equitable opportunity through a lottery system to all who apply. The lottery for the 2026-2027 school year is April 8, 2026. Applications are due April 3, 2026 . To apply , please complete the application linked HERE.

If you are applying for the lottery, please sign up for a tour of CCS. We will be starting our Wednesday tours in February. CLICK HERE to sign up for a tour.

To be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment, students must be at least 5 years old on or before August 15th of the enrollment year.

To learn more about the CCS admissions process, please view the information below. If you have questions, email the Front Desk.

We are in the process of updating our enrollment policy and will upload the new policy by the end of January.

elementary kids outside of school with backpacks on

Letter to Prospective Families
2026 Deadlines

Letter to Prospective Families

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your interest in the Carbondale Community School. We know that you are in the important process of learning about the educational choices that are available for your children. We appreciate the opportunity to tell you the story of the Community School and to let you know how we are different.

Since our doors first opened, Carbondale Community School has held steadfast to the vision of a school where Roaring Fork youth have numerous opportunities to take responsibility for their education and to develop creativity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and innovative mindsets.

Carbondale Community School is a K-8 Roaring Fork School District public charter school. Like other public schools, charter schools are open to all students, receive funding from the state, charge no tuition, and adhere to federal and state education laws.

Enrollment in charter schools is available to all students, including students with disabilities. Information about disabilities will not be requested until a student has been admitted and enrolled in a charter school. For questions regarding the admission and enrollment of students with disabilities in charter schools, you may contact the Roaring Fork School District or Carbondale Community School at 970-963-9647.

What sets our school apart?

We offer our students a diversity of experiences, catering to the "whole child." Components integral to our learning program include a focus on foundational academics as well as the social and emotional development of the child, outdoor education and hands-on learning experiences, and an emphasis on the arts and community-based leadership opportunities. We view each student as one-of-a-kind, and our teachers allow the individual child's potential and passion to guide their learning experiences.

What is the best learning environment for my special child?

As you try to answer this all-important question, we invite you to learn more about our school and to schedule a tour. Please visit our website or call Carbondale Community School. To apply to Carbondale Community School, please read our admissions procedure below. We look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,
Becky Oliver
Principal, Carbondale Community School

2026 Deadlines

School Fees

An explanation of the costs associated with attending CCS

Learn More

CCS Enrollment
Policy

The official process we use to enroll students.

We are currently in the process of updating our policy. The NEW policy will be posted by the end of January. The current policy is posted below.

Learn More

RFSD Enrollment
Policy

The District regulations that govern student enrollment

Learn More

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Carbondale Community School does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, gender, national, religious or ethnic origins in its admissions, policies, financial assistance or in any other of the school's programs.

Enrollment in Carbondale Community School is available to all students, including students with disabilities, and information about disabilities will not be requested until a student has been admitted and enrolled. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the admission and enrollment of students with disabilities in Carbondale Community School, you may contact Roaring Fork School District or Carbondale Community School at 970-963-9647.

School Fees

CCS Enrollment Policy

RFSD Enrollment Policy

Non-Discrimination Policy

CCS Enrollment
Policy

RFSD Enrollment
Policy