How AVS Works

Our Philosophy

Alpine Valley School follows the Sudbury model of education, which trusts in the natural curiosity of children while holding them to high standards of responsibility. There is a wealth of information available on the Sudbury model; here is a good place to start.

Learning at Alpine Valley

The best, most effective learning occurs when a person is learning something they want, for their own reasons. Therefore, learning at AVS is self-initiated, an integral part of students' daily lives in a busy, mixed-age community. Here, students pursue their interests in a variety of ways: play, conversation, classes, leadership positions and internships.  They learn who they are, what they want, and how to achieve their goals. They develop the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing, Information Age society.

School Government

The best way to prepare students to become informed, responsible citizens is to immerse them in a functioning democracy. At Alpine Valley,  students participate in all aspects of school management, with a voice and vote equal to that of the adults.

At Alpine Valley School, students take charge of their lives and become role models and leaders. Two major aspects of school government at AVS are

• School Meeting. The school’s day-to-day business, including rules, expenditures, and hiring, is the responsibility of the weekly School Meeting. Each student and staff member has one vote.
• The Judicial Committee. An impartial group of three students and one staff member, the JC handles rule violations and discipline. This involves thorough investigations and due process.

Community & Tradition

With an emphasis on individual attention, democracy and age-mixing, Alpine Valley feels more like a family or small town than a school. AVS students grow up with multiple role models, and the chance to be a role model to others. We balance freedom with responsibility, trust with healthy boundaries.

While the daily community consists of students and staff, the broader school community enjoys an abundance of opportunities to connect with each other, including

• regular potlucks and parties
• monthly PTA (People Taking Action) discussions
• an annual family weekend in the mountains