Watch the above video to get an idea of what our semester program is like. Students can join the Alzar School for one semester of their sophomore or junior year of high school.
Academics
During their semester at the Alzar School, students will tackle all of their traditional classes from their regular school. If a student is taking a course that the Alzar School does not offer, we may be able to work with him or her to complete it as an independent study. If students are taking an accelerated, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, they may also be able to use free periods to complete additional assignments. All students will take 1 math credit, 1 science credit, 1 history credit, 1 English credit, 1 Spanish credit, 1 leadership credit, and at least 1 elective during the semester.
The Alzar School offers:
- Math – Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry/Analysis of Functions, and Calculus
- Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science
- History – World History and US History
- English – Composition and Literature
- Foreign Language – Spanish (all levels)
- Capstone Leadership Course – An intensive course unique to the Alzar School, required of all students
Outdoor Program
During a semester at the Alzar School, students regularly get outside. Our campus is located on the North Fork of the Payette River, 3 miles downstream of the world-class Kelly’s Whitewater Park and 7 miles upstream of the Class II-III Cabarton Section. Students will live within an hour of two ski resorts, where they can carve through some of Idaho’s great powder. They will also spend an extended period of time in the Chilean Andes. Students will backpack, kayak, raft, climb, surf, and more.
Students at the Alzar School can expect to get outside just about every day. And, they participate in extended trips multiple times each semester. Don’t worry… our students have a variety of skill levels, and everyone is challenged. You can be a beginner kayaker or an expert… there are opportunities for everyone. The Alzar School teachers will help students build the basics or take their existing skills to the next level.
Study Abroad
A semester at the Alzar School features an extended trip to Chile. Fall semesters head down in late October and stay through November. Spring semesters head to Chile at the beginning of February and stay until the end of March. During our time in South America, students will immerse themselves in Spanish. Our expeditions there will include Chilean student participation and homestays with local families. Students will eat authentic food, learn about indigenous cultures, and volunteer at needy organizations (like the orphanage we’ve adopted over the years).
Culminating Leadership Project
One of the highlights of a semester at the Alzar School will be when students develop and then implement a project they are passionate about. During the semester on campus, students will select and plan a project that will make a difference in the community. Our teachers will help them research an issue, brainstorm solutions, and prepare to implement a solution. Then, when students finish their semester at the Alzar School, they will recruit supporters to help them complete their projects. And, Alzar’s teachers will support those efforts along the way.
This culminating leadership project allows our students, true young leaders, to make an immediate difference in the causes they care about. We believe that teenagers can make the world a better place. It is also a great way for a student to set themselves apart for college applications, job applications, resumes, etc.
