How Learning Happens

Here at Alpine Valley, learning starts with:

• Curiosity (What’s that?), which generates…
• Excitement (That looks interesting.), which in turn leads to…
• Passion (This is cool!)

Students learn at their own pace and in their own way. We recognize that learning happens all the time and mostly from doing. A good deal of learning at AVS occurs outside of formal classroom situations, through independent study, intense conversations and open-ended play. Our school bustles with a myriad of activities.

Academically, all subjects are available and can be pursued in a number of ways. Sometimes several students form a learning group. Often students look to a staff member or recruit a resource from the community who can help with a chosen subject. Students can create classes with a very low teacher-student ratio, arrange field trips and internships, and associate with students and adults of all ages. As members of the AVS community, students investigate subjects and develop skills using all the methods that work for them.

You are not alone if you’re thinking that this all sounds intriguing, but students have to live in the real world and learn real things. How do they learn the necessities for success in the world? The best answer is that kids who follow their own style and pace in a scaled-down model of real-life learn readily and enthusiastically what’s required for success.