The Telluride R-1 School District is consistently recognized by the state for its excellence and progressive learning environment and was recently noted for superior standardized test scores, far above the Colorado state average. The district, which serves more than 585 students and boasts a staff of more than 80 full- and part-time professionals, is comprised of an elementary school and a middle/high school. Both schools recently underwent sizable renovations and additions.

Telluride Mountain School is an independent school for preschool through 12th grade. In 2006, the school was accredited by the Colorado Association of Independent Schools, and has approximately 100 students and 20 teachers and staff members.

Preschool and Daycare programs are numerous in the region, all with great reputations.

Outdoor Programs for kids are abundant. During the school year, programs like Ski P.E. are available, while in the summer, Telluride Academy is an adventure camp that offers everything from rock climbing and backpacking to theater and rocket building. It is the largest outdoor enrichment and adventure program in Western Colorado with over 100 camp programs offered. The Pinhead Institute, a Smithsonian Affiliate is a STEM education organization spreading the love of science and technology. Pinhead educates and inspires children and adults in the greater Telluride region through classes, camps, in-school and community programs and prized internships.

The Gondola, which climbs and descends the front face of the ski resort, is free. No money changes hands when boarding with a bike, skis, even a dog, for the 13-minute trip between the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village (although if riding to ski or snowboard, a lift ticket is required). Locals use the Gondola to get to work, children use it to get to school and skiers use it to access the slopes. The Gondola, completed by the ski company in November 1996 in order to diminish traffic and vehicular pollution, is a one-of-a-kind transportation link owned and operated by the Mountain Village Metropolitan District. Traveling from Station Telluride, at the south end of Oak Street, the Gondola makes three stops: the first is Station St. Sophia, the ridgeline atop the ski area; next is the Mountain Village Center; and last is the multi-level parking structure in Mountain Village, also the location of the grocery store, post office and Mountain Village government offices. The Gondola has pet and handicap-accessible cabins.

The Galloping Goose is Telluride’s bus transit service. Named for Telluride’s ingenious gasoline-engine “rail bus” system used between the 1930s and 1950s, the Goose offers a free town loop as well as shuttles to Lawson Hill, Down Valley and Norwood. In Mountain Village, a free shuttle makes a loop between the Mountain Village Center and the Meadows businesses/residential neighborhood.

Telluride Express Specializing in transportation to and from the Gunnison-Telluride Airport and the Montrose Airport to the Towns of Telluride/Mountain Village, Grand Junction, Crested Butte and outlying areas. Also offer shared ride airport shuttles and private charters for individuals and groups for the Gunnison-Telluride Airports and Telluride area.

Telluride Regional Airport is one of the highest airports in the country and flying into and out of it is a unique treat. The setting, with breathtaking 360-degree views, is unparalleled as is the convenience of being within a six-mile drive from Telluride and Mountain Village. Several charter companies offer private and convenient flights, as well as fractional ownership opportunities. Charters into Telluride include Mountain Aviation, Incredijet, NetJets, Fresh Air, Marquis Jet and Telluride Air Taxi.

Montrose Regional Airport is 60 miles from Telluride and boasts flights with airlines such as American Airlines, United, Delta and Allegiant Air. Nonstop service to and from Denver, Chicago, Newark, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Regional Airports also include Cortez, Durango and Grand Junction.