Founded in 1997, Alpine Valley School is a self-directed democratic school modeled after the Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts.

Our Values

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Freedom
Freedom

There is no standard child, so why should we try to force anyone to fit in a mold? We believe children are unique individuals and that they should have the freedom to stay that way.

Respect
Respect

At our school, all community members, no matter their age have an equal voice. Whether they are five or fifty-five, no one is dismissed, devalued, or overlooked.

Responsibility
Responsibility

Civic engagement and involvement in the upholding of law and order are two daily aspects of life at our school. Students learn through their actions that they have a responsibility to themselves and to their community.

Trust
Trust

We believe children are like acorns - everything they need to grow is already inside of them! All they need is trust and they blossom before our eyes.

Integrity
Integrity

What better way is there to prepare for life’s challenges than by practicing? We encourage our students to dream audaciously and try hard things, all the while knowing that we have their back.

Curiosity
Curiosity

Childhood is precious. At our school, students are allowed to play freely, explore fully, and question openly- that’s what being a kid is all about!

Authenticity
Authenticity

One of the central messages of our school is simply this: You are enough. Students are perfect the way they are, they do not need to change to please their teachers or to conform to an educational program.

Community
Community

Our school is small (between 30-35 students) and we like it that way! We believe that children thrive when they are allowed to interact freely, care for one another, and build a community that is welcoming to all.

What is self-directed education?

A model of education that centers around emulating the real world and allowing students to operate with maximum autonomy, while also participating in a diverse community with a well-established system of law and order. Students choose for themselves how to spend their time and pursue those activities that interest them.

The Sudbury Model

The Sudbury Model of education has been around since 1968 and has been replicated in hundreds of schools across the world. Alpine Valley School is one such school.

Since opening in 1997, Alpine Valley School has graduated many talented young adults who have gone out into the world to make their mark. They share their stories on our podcast.

Testimonials

In this interview, Jake and Sondra Shannon share their experience of enrolling three kids at Alpine Valley School in Denver, Colorado. They share how their children experienced self-directed learning and how family life has changed for them since finding Alpine Valley School.

James Kashevos is a graduate of Alpine Valley School, a self-directed democratic school in Denver, Colorado that does not use classrooms, grades or tests. In this video, he talks about how the self-paced learning style at AVS prepared him to start his own software business after graduation. He also discusses the benefits of self-directed education and why he thinks other people's lack of understanding might be a clue to students that they are doing things RIGHT.