Our first day of school in the 2026-27 school year! Can’t wait to see you there!

Open House at Alpine Valley School

Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mountain Time

4501 Parfet St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Free and open to everyone

Come spend a relaxed morning with us. This isn't a formal presentation or a sales pitch — it's a chance to wander the campus, sip some coffee, enjoy a few treats, and chat with the people who know this place best: our students, parents, and alumni.

Curious how a school works when kids have a real say in how their days unfold and how the community runs? Wondering what learning looks like without grades, tests, or a set curriculum? Ask us anything. We love talking about our model, but mostly we just want to get to know you and your family.

Our Open House happens just once a year, and this one is special: the 2026-27 school year marks our 30th anniversary, making us one of the longest-running self-directed schools in the country.

RSVP and we'll mail you something special

Everyone who RSVPs receives an exclusive copy of our booklet, "Let Them Emerge" — a collection of writings on our approach, beautiful photographs taken right here at school, and a few other goodies we think you'll enjoy. Just share your mailing address below and it'll be on its way.

Want a preview before you visit?

Watch our new student and family video interviews at youtube.com/alpinevalleyschool.

We can't wait to meet you.

Clothing Swap

Please join us for a clothing swap at school! This is a great way to offload clothes that your kids (who are growing like bean sprouts, we noticed) have grown out of and look for new clothes for all family members!

Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 19th

• Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

• Location: Right here at school! (In the Theater)

• This event is open to all AVS Community Members

How to participate:

• Please bring your clean donation of clothes or shoes (all sizes welcome) to school on the morning of the 19th. We will have a place to store all donated items and bringing them in the morning will give us time to organize everything before we “shop” the donations later.

• Stop by school between 3:00 - 5:00 PM to look through donated items and choose what you would like to bring home.

• All items left behind after 5:00 PM will be donated, along with all the unclaimed contents of the Lost and Found.

If you have any questions, please contact Addison

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate our graduating students, Ren and Isaac, at Alpine Valley School's annual Graduation Ceremony.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 Ceremony: 10:30 AM sharp in the Theater Reception: Immediately following in the Main Room

This is one of our favorite days of the year. The ceremony includes a graduation slideshow and printed programs. After the ceremony, we'll move to the Main Room for a reception provided by the graduating students' families.

Journal Signing

One of our most cherished traditions is the graduating student journal signing. Community members are invited to leave personal notes for Ren and Isaac throughout the week leading up to graduation, as well as at the event itself. If you'd like to share a memory, a wish, or a few words of encouragement, don't miss this chance.

Who's Invited?

Everyone. Seriously — everyone. Current students and families, alumni, extended family members, guests of the graduating students, friends of the school, and all members of our extended AVS community are warmly welcome. The more the merrier.

A Few Things to Know

• The ceremony begins at 10:30 AM sharp — please plan to arrive a few minutes early.

• Programs will be available at the door.

• The graduation slideshow is a beloved part of the ceremony and not to be missed.

• The reception follows immediately in the Main Room.

We hope to see as many familiar (and new) faces as possible to help us send Ren and Isaac off in style.

Swimming Field Trip at Wheat Ridge Recreation Center

Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2025

Time: 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center Pool, 4005 Kipling St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Cost: $6.00 per student

School Meeting voted to head to the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center for an afternoon of swimming! This field trip was organized by student sponsors Emi, Xen, and Lauren, and will be chaperoned by staff members Addison and Katy, with additional chaperones as needed.

How to get there: Students will travel in chaperone cars.

What to bring:

• Swimsuit and towel

• Any personal items you need for swimming

• $6.00 in cash (exact change preferred) or payment via Venmo to @Marc-Gallivan

Permission & Payment Deadline: Tuesday, April 28th by end of school

A signed permission form is required for every student attending. Permission forms and payment are both due by the end of school on April 28th — one week before the trip.

• Download and print the permission form, or pick one up at school.

• Return completed forms to staff with payment enclosed or Venmo payment sent to @Marc-Gallivan.

Students who have not returned a signed permission form and submitted payment by the deadline will not be able to attend.

Questions? Reach out to Addison at school or send an email.

Field Trip: Denver Cat Company 🐱

Note: The window to sign up for this field trip has closed and no further RSVP’s can be accepted

Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Time: Departs AVS at 10:30 AM | Returns approximately 12:45 PM

Destination: Denver Cat Company, 3929 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

Cost: $16.00 per student

Open to: Current students only

We're heading to the Denver Cat Company on Tennyson Street — a cat café where you can hang out with adoptable cats in a cozy, relaxed environment. It's a great mid-week outing and a chance to spend some time with some very charming company.

Getting There

We'll take the RTD Route 44 bus, departing from the nearest stop at 10:53 AM and returning on the 12:14 PM bus, arriving back at AVS around 12:35 PM.

Cost

The trip costs $16.00 per student, payable in cash or via Venmo to @Marc-Gallivan.

Chaperones

Staff sponsor Addison, Marc, and a parent volunteer (if needed based on sign-ups) will chaperone.

Please Note

Students attending this field trip will not be available for the 11:00 AM JC time.

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• $16.00 in cash or Venmo confirmation

• Optional: extra spending money

How to Sign Up

Return your signed permission form to staff by Friday, April 17th, 2026 at 4:30 PM. A signed form is required for every student attending. Permission forms are available from staff or can be downloaded below.

This field trip was approved at School Meeting by the Events & Excursions Committee. Student sponsors are Xen and Emi; staff sponsor is Addison.

Yearbook Portraits — Thursday, April 16th

We're taking yearbook portraits on Thursday, April 16th throughout the school day here at Alpine Valley School.

These photos will appear in this year's yearbook, so if your student wants to wear something special or put a little extra thought into their look that day, this is their chance.

There's nothing to sign or pay — just something to be aware of as you plan for that day.

Movie Night at Alpine Valley School

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 7:30–9:30pm

Alpine Valley School Backyard (or Theater, weather permitting)

Join us for an evening under the stars at Alpine Valley School. We're hosting an outdoor movie night for our community — current students and families, alumni, and family friends are all welcome.

The night will kick off with a screening of the brand-new AVS commercial! Then we'll screen a family-friendly movie chosen by the community. Students can cast your vote on the bulletin board in the Main Hall before the event.

What to expect:

We'll be set up in the backyard with the school projector and an outdoor movie screen. Seating will be provided using the white folding chairs from the Main Room, so come ready to settle in for a cozy evening. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll move everything inside to the Theater — we'll communicate any changes in advance. All other school spaces will be off-limits during the event.

Admission is free. All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.

Questions? Reach out to us at info@alpinevalleyschool.com.

Note: The deadline to sign up for this field trip has passed and no further permission forms will be accepted at this time.

Field Trip: History Colorado Museum

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Must arrive at AVS by 8:20 AM | Bus departs at 8:30 AM sharp | Returns to campus ~12:30 PM

We're heading downtown to the History Colorado Museum for a morning of self-directed exploration. Students will have two hours to roam the exhibits and discover what catches their eye — from Colorado's indigenous cultures to the rise of Denver and everything in between. After the tour, we'll eat lunch outside together at the museum before heading back. Travel is by RTD public bus.

This trip is open to School Meeting Members only. Space is limited to 15 participants, so sign up early.

ARRIVAL: Students must be at school by 8:20 AM. We are leaving for the bus stop at 8:30 AM sharp and cannot wait for late arrivals.

What to bring:

- A sack lunch to eat outside after the tour

- Weather-appropriate clothing

- Comfortable walking shoes

- Optional: spending money for the museum gift shop

Cost: $5 per student, payable in cash or via Venmo to @Marc-Gallivan.

Staff Sponsor: Marc Gallivan

Student Sponsor: Eli C.

Chaperones: Marc, Katy, and a parent volunteer as needed.

Note: Students attending will not be available for Judicial Committee that morning. The group is expected back on campus in time for afternoon chores.

Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 by 4:30 PM. A signed release form is required for each attending student.

• Event Name: Coffee & Community

• Attendance: Open to the AVS Community

• Date and Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

• Location: Main Room, Alpine Valley School

• Cost: Free

Welcome back from spring break! We invite all community members to join us for our Coffee & Community morning. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, students, alumni, and staff to hang out and chat. We want to kick off the school day with a dose of community and caffeine. We will have coffee, tea, and pastries available for everyone. Parents and alumni are welcome to visit until 10:00 AM in the Main Room.

We love seeing our AVS Community come together in a space where everyone feels accepted and valued. It is a great time to build authentic relationships and ease back into the school routine.

We are producing a new professional video to share the story of Alpine Valley School with prospective families. We invite current students to join us on campus to help bring the school to life on camera.

We are not looking for actors, but rather students who want to hang out, play games, and enjoy the community while our film crew captures the action. We will start with high-energy activities in the Main Room and Theater at 10:00 AM, then move to quieter spaces like the Art and Tech rooms.

Lunch will be provided for all participants at 12:30 PM. Please RSVP on the form below so we can ensure we have enough food for everyone.

We invite the entire AVS Community to join us for a warm and welcoming start to the day on Monday, January 5th, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. This gathering is a chance to pause, enjoy fresh coffee and pastries provided by the PR Clerk, and strengthen the connections that make our school so special.

For parents, this is a perfect time to relax and get to know other families who share the values of our community. We know that finding your tribe is important, and we want to create space for those authentic relationships to grow.

We also send a special invitation to our alumni to return to campus. We would love to catch up with you, and your presence offers a unique opportunity for current parents to hear firsthand about your experiences and life after Alpine Valley School.

We will gather in the Main Room for the duration of the event to keep our focus on conversation and connection. Addison and Marc will be hosting and would be delighted to chat with you. While the event will be held exclusively in the Main Room, staff members will be available to provide tours of the school for anyone who needs one.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Field Trip to Slick City

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6th, 12:30pm-3:30pm

Duration: 3 hours total (90 minutes of play time)

Location: Slick City
14500 W Colfax Dr Suite 610, Lakewood, CO 80401
www.slickcity.com

Cost: $27 per person (plus additional cost for Slick City branded socks if needed)

Staff Sponsor: Marc
Student Sponsor: Terra

Who Can Attend: School Meeting Members only

Transportation: Marc and 2-3 parent chaperones (as needed) will drive students in personal vehicles. Anyone under 9 years old will need a car seat per Colorado law.

What to Bring:

• Slick City branded socks (required)

• Comfortable clothes for play

• Money for snacks (optional)

Required Before Field Trip: All participants must submit the following by the end of the school day on Tuesday, November 5th:

• Payment ($27 per person)

• Signed Slick City waiver

• Alpine Valley School field trip release form

Payment Options:

• Cash at school

• Venmo: @Marc-Gallivan

More details about Slick City activities and their facility are available on their website. We're looking forward to this fun community outing!

Halloween Party at Alpine Valley School

Join the Alpine Valley School community for an evening of pumpkin carving, costumes, and fall fun!

When: Monday, October 27th, 3:30-5:30 PM

Where: Main Room, Theater, and Outside

We're hosting a Halloween celebration complete with a potluck dinner and pumpkin carving. Bring a pumpkin if you'd like to join in the carving fun, and feel free to dress up in costume—though costumes are completely optional!

This event is open to the entire AVS community, including siblings, grandparents, and other family members. The more, the merrier!

Potluck Details: A sign-up sheet for the potluck is posted by the back door of the school. We'll have plenty of space to share food and celebrate together.

Important Reminders:

• Parents and guests should stay in the Main Room and outside areas until 4:30 PM

• At 4:30 PM, we'll close the rest of the building following our normal procedures

• Students who want to stay after 4:30 PM must be accompanied by a parent

• Party ends at 5:30 PM

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect, celebrate the season, and enjoy some creative fall activities together. We can't wait to see everyone there!

Field Trip to Anderson Farms Pumpkin Patch

Join us for an autumn adventure at Anderson Farms! We're heading to the pumpkin patch for an afternoon of exploring and celebrating the season together.

When: Friday, October 24th, 11:15am-3:15pm

Where: Anderson Farms, 6728 County Rd 3 1/4, Erie, CO 80516

Duration: 3 hours total (2 hours at the pumpkin patch, plus travel time)

Cost: $12 per person (cash only)

What We'll Do:

• Educational program about pumpkins and farming (first 20 minutes)

• Hay ride through the farm

• Pick pumpkins from the patch

• Explore the corn maze

• Lunch at the pumpkin patch

What to Bring:

• Sack lunch

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Money if you'd like to purchase a pumpkin

Transportation: We'll be riding in chaperone’s personal vehicles to the farm. All students under 9 must ride in an appropriate car seat provided by their parent or guardian.

Chaperones: Marc (Staff Sponsor), Terra (Student Sponsor), Katy, and one parent chaperone (TBD)

Who Can Attend: This field trip is open to School Meeting Members and parent chaperones only.

Important Note: Permission forms and $12 cash payment are due by close of school on Thursday, October 23rd.

Schedule Change: Chore time will be moved to Thursday that week to accommodate the field trip.

Questions? Find Marc at school or reach out via email.

Field Trip: The Mousetrap at Arvada Center

Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us for an exciting theatrical experience as we attend Agatha Christie's legendary murder mystery "The Mousetrap" at the Arvada Center! This classic whodunit has captivated audiences for decades with its clever twists and suspenseful storytelling.

About the Play

Set in 1950s England at Monkswell Manor, this two-act mystery follows guests trapped by a blizzard after a London murder. When another murder occurs at the manor, everyone becomes a suspect as a police sergeant investigates their connections to the crimes. The play runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

Important Information

Cost: $24 per student (12 tickets available)

Attendees: Interested students have already RSVP’d for this event, to find out whether your student is on the list to attend, please contact the school

Transportation: Private vehicles with parent chaperones

Chaperones: Addison and two parent volunteers

Content Advisory

This production contains themes of murder, revenge, and references to child abuse trauma. The mood is suspenseful with moments of psychological tension, though there is no graphic onstage violence. Students should be comfortable with mystery/thriller content and prepared to follow traditional theater etiquette throughout the multi-hour-long performance.

Required by October 2nd

• Signed permission form

• $24 payment in cash (please give to any staff member)

Coffee, Books & Park Adventure

Join us for a relaxed morning exploring the neighborhood around Tenn St Coffee & Books! We'll take public transit together, practice navigating the city, and enjoy some free time at a local bookstore café.

When: Monday, September 22nd
Departure: 10:00 AM from Alpine Valley School
Return: 2:00 PM

What to Expect:

• Take RTD public transit to Tenn St Coffee & Books

• Browse books and enjoy the café atmosphere (bring money for drinks, snacks, or books if you'd like to purchase)

• Walk to Cesar Chavez Park for outdoor play and socializing

• Practice independence and community exploration

What to Bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing and accessories

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Money for optional purchases at the café

• Water bottle recommended

Chaperones: Marc and Addison will accompany the group

Cost: Free to attend (transportation included)
Optional spending money for café purchases

First Day of School

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

Welcome back, AVS community! Our 2025-26 school year officially begins today.

Questions? Contact the office anytime. Here's to an incredible year ahead!

Back to School Night

Tuesday, August 19th, 3:30 - 6:00 PM

Join us the night before our first day of school to reconnect after summer and welcome new families to our community! This beloved annual tradition kicks off the 2025-26 school year with door prizes, games, and our famous (or perhaps infamous) icebreaker activities.

Early Arrival Bonus: Come at 3:30 PM to help move furniture back after carpet cleaning and earn an extra door prize ticket!

Who's invited: Current parents, students, and staff

What to bring: Just yourselves!

This is the perfect opportunity to strengthen community bonds and start the school year feeling connected. We can't wait to see familiar faces and introduce new members to the AVS family.

Questions? Contact us anytime.

Work Party

Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 AM

Join the AVS community for our annual building cleanup before the new school year! We'll tackle furniture moving (our biggest need), kitchen deep-cleaning, bookshelf wiping, gardening, art room organizing, office tidying, and much more.

• What to bring: Work clothes, hat for outdoor tasks, gloves

• What we provide: All cleaning supplies and tools

• Who's invited: Everyone - parents, students, alumni, families!

Tasks are posted on a board so you can grab a team and dive in. We usually finish within an hour thanks to amazing community help, so arrive at 11 AM sharp if you want to claim a job!

After we wrap up, families are invited to continue the fun at our inaugural back-to-school campout at Standley Lake (details below).

Questions? Contact us anytime. Thanks for helping make our school shine for another great year!

Back-to-School Campout

Saturday, August 16th - Sunday, August 17th Standley Lake Campground

Our very first annual tradition! After Saturday's work party, join fellow families for an overnight adventure under the stars. It's the perfect way to build community connections before the school year begins.

Reserve your spot: Call 303-425-1097 and mention Katy Cure's group, or book online at "Coyote Gulch (Upper Campground)" for August 16th, 2025. Deluxe bell tents available for glamping!

2025 Summer Open House - Saturday, July 12th

Discover how children flourish when given the freedom to learn on their own terms. Join us for our annual Summer Open House and experience Alpine Valley School's unique approach to self-directed democratic education.

Meet current families, chat with graduates, and tour our campus where students aged 5-19 pursue their passions in a supportive community built on respect, freedom, and authentic learning. See firsthand how our approach develops confident, creative thinkers who are prepared for real-world success.

This free event offers an informal opportunity to explore whether our educational philosophy aligns with your family's values and your child's needs.

When: Saturday, July 12th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Alpine Valley School Campus
Cost: Free (RSVP Required)

Register Now at ticketstripe.com/open-house-2025

Come see why families choose Alpine Valley School as a place where their children can truly be themselves and thrive.

End of School Year Celebration!

Join the Alpine Valley School community for our annual Last Day of School Picnic! We're gathering to celebrate another amazing year of self-directed learning and community.

When: Thursday, May 22nd at 4:30 PM

Where: Anderson Park Pavilion (at the back of the park) 4355 Field St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

What to Bring:

• A potluck dish to share (sign-up sheet available by the school's back door)

• Your own plates, utensils, and drinks

• Nerf guns and darts if you'd like to join our giant Nerf battle!

Important Notes:

• Parents must transport their own children to the park

• All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

• No electricity available at the pavilion (bring cold dishes or grillable items)

This gathering is one of our cherished traditions where our community comes together to celebrate freedom, respect, and the joy of learning in our unique educational environment. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and for students to enjoy time together outside our school walls.

We hope to see all our current families there as we close out another year of growth, discovery, and authentic experiences!