Welcome to the Alzar School!

At the Alzar School, we believe in the power of high school students. We have seen teenagers pull invasive weeds tirelessly at the access points of the rivers they love. We have seen them rebuild a playground for an orphanage in Chile and haul hundreds of pounds of school supplies into an isolated rural school in southern Mexico. Through these acts of service, they have been able to make the world around them a better place. Efforts like these demonstrate that high school students can be extremely effective leaders and energetic global citizens.

We also know that the high school years offer challenges. High school students must wrestle with what courses to take, which sports to play, and whom they choose as friends and associates. There are also looming decisions to be made about which college to attend, what career path to follow, and what dreams and aspirations to pursue. Indeed, there are many challenges for high school students. But, we believe you are also presented with limitless opportunities. We believe you should seize the opportunity to empower yourself as a leader.  Invest one semester of your high school career in studying at the Alzar School.

So, what exactly is the Alzar School?  The word “alzar” is a Spanish verb, and it means “to raise” or “to elevate.” It is used in many expressions, including “alzar la vela” (to set sail), “alzar la carpa” (to pitch a tent), and “alzar el vuelo” (to take flight). As a verb, it signifies action, and Alzar School students are full of action. When you join us, you will read great books, climb tall mountains, paddle pristine rivers, and immerse yourself in a foreign culture. You will ski and surf and study abroad. You will be enveloped in a community of other motivated teens who also want to challenge themselves. The Alzar School is a place that will allow you to elevate yourself.

During a semester at the Alzar School, you will study under the direct tutelage of our passionate teachers. You will engage in a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that is designed to mesh well with your traditional school’s course of study. With very small class sizes, you will benefit from inherent personal relationships with faculty members, most of whom live on campus as part of our learning community. The academic topics you study will be tailored for relevancy to the stimulating classrooms we explore, whether you are learning at our school’s beautiful campus in Idaho, on the banks of a remote river, or at a Chilean farmers market. We are committed to providing a broad and profound scholastic background because we know it is the foundation for you to become a strong leader.

How will the Alzar School empower you to be a leader? First, you’ll learn tangible skills through our “10 Elements of Leadership” curriculum. You will lead your peers in outdoor and international settings and then receive feedback from them and your teachers. With the support of the school, you’ll take those hard-earned lessons and apply them towards a mission you care deeply about, completing what we call the “Culminating Leadership Project” (or CLP). The CLP is a concrete way for you to display your leadership abilities. Beyond strengthening your résumé and college applications, your CLP will make a difference in the world.  We don’t know if your CLP will involve starting a community garden in your home town, initiating relief efforts for natural disasters around the world, or organizing the restoration of a threatened stream environment. We only know that it will be meaningful because you will design and implement the project, and that it reinforces our belief that high school students can make the world a better place.

When you join us for a semester at the Alzar School, you will embark on a unique adventure. In the process, you will have a lot of fun. You will also work hard. You will see incredible things, meet wonderful people, and make memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life. We can’t imagine a better way to invest in yourself during the pivotal high school years.

Apply now for a chance to elevate yourself.

Sean Bierle
Founder & Head Teacher

For more information on semester schools, check out http://www.semesterschools.net/