The Ponderosa Institute

Vision

We envision a world where every student—like the resilient seed of a ponderosa pine—catches fire with purpose, roots deeply in their truth, and rises tall to reimagine what’s possible, becoming fierce stewards of change in their communities and beyond.

Mission

At Ponderosa Institute, we ignite the untapped potential of high school students by immersing them in cohort-based experiences rooted in nature, service learning, and community. Through an intensive summer program and sustained mentorship embedded within our school, we empower each learner to reconnect with purpose, master essential academics, and rise as confident stewards of personal and social change—ready to graduate on time and lead boldly in their communities and beyond.

Strategic Goals

1. Student Success and Growth

Ensure every student meets or exceeds academic, college, and career readiness benchmarks through personalized, culturally connected learning pathways.
90%+ of students will complete Individualized Learning Plans annually and demonstrate growth across core competencies.

2. Deep Family and Community Partnership

Embed families and community partners into school governance, learning design, mentorship, and service learning projects.
90%+ family participation in ILP conferences, exhibitions, and school governance activities annually.

3. Equity, Access, and Sustainability

Design every system — academic, operational, and cultural — to ensure equitable access, multilingual engagement, and long-term financial and community sustainability.
Annual equity audits and family satisfaction surveys with transparent public reporting and responsive action planning.

Our Values:
The Pinecone Five

Our Program

The Ponderosa Institute is a five season program that starts in the spring of one school year and ends in the spring of the next school year.

Meet The Founders

Lindsey Cade

Lindsey has dedicated her career to innovative educational institutions, like Outward Bound, KIPP, and Amplify Education. She found meaning and hope working in Title 1 schools and has never looked back. After over a decade in the classroom, she has recently stepped into administration.

Zac Larsen

Zac is a third-generation Colorado teacher who swore he’d never teach. He rolled burritos, made sushi, and crafted wine, until the classroom called. Best decision he ever made. After seven years teaching science, he now leads Discovery, a class that helps at-risk youth build resilience, self-awareness, and social skills. Outside of school, he’s usually outdoors with his wife, kids, and dogs.

Eddie Chavez

Eddie is a first-generation Colorado educator who found his purpose working with students navigating second chances. At Denver Justice High School, he supports teens in Getting back on Track, planning graduation and believing in their own potential. He's a passionate traveler, and a serious foodie...ask him for his go to burger spots!

Financial Transperancy

How Ponderosa uses public dollars and community support to fuel student success.

At Ponderosa Institute, we believe in being transparent about how we fund our work. As a public school program, we steward taxpayer dollars carefully and supplement that funding with generous community partnerships. Here's a breakdown of how it all works: