Alpine Valley School
Where Children Discover Their Natural Love of Learning (And Life!)
Since 1997, our self-directed democratic school in Denver has provided a safe space for kids ages 5-18 to explore their passions, build authentic relationships, and grow at their own pace—without arbitrary labels or pressure to conform.
Your child can love learning
When children choose what, when, and how they learn, magic happens. They dive deep into subjects that fascinate them, ask questions that matter to them, and discover that learning is joyful rather than something imposed by others. Here, education becomes an adventure of personal discovery.
A safe community where kids are valued and heard
Every voice matters in our school community. Children participate in real decision-making, resolve conflicts respectfully, and build meaningful relationships across age groups. They experience what it feels like to be trusted, respected, and genuinely seen for who they are.
Freedom to be themselves
Children flourish when they can follow their own developmental timeline and learning style. Our approach honors each child's unique path, celebrates their individual strengths, and creates space for them to grow into confident, capable people who know themselves inside and out.
“I knew right away my daughter had made a positive change. She realized ‘I have value, I have feelings and opinions, and they matter.’”
Upcoming Events
Parent Interviews
Jake and Sondra Shannon have had three kids at Alpine Valley School. Their biggest takeaway? The people their children have become. In this short video, they share what surprised them most about the Sudbury model — and why trusting the process changed everything for their family.
What is it like to be the mother of a child while they are enrolled at an alternative school as free as Alpine Valley School? Listen in as these moms share their stories on episode on the Alpine Valley School podcast.
Within a week of starting at Alpine Valley School, Meghan Bonde's son went from dreading mornings to looking forward to school. Her son is twice exceptional — neurodivergent with remarkable strengths alongside real challenges. At Alpine Valley, he finally found an environment built around the person he IS, not a box other people want him to fit into. In this short video, Meghan shares what changed, and why she believes all kids deserve to have their unique strengths treated as equally valid.
On this episode of the Alpine Valley School podcast we hear from three dads whose children were enrolled at our school. They open up about their journey to Alpine Valley School as well as the struggles and triumphs they and their families have experienced along the way.
