Watch the above video to get an idea of what our semester program is like. You can join the Alzar School for one semester of your sophomore or junior year of high school.
Academics
During your semester at the Alzar School, you will tackle all of your traditional classes from your regular school. If you are taking a course that the Alzar School does not offer, we may be able to work with you to complete it as an independent study. If you are taking accelerated, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, you may also be able to use free periods to complete additional assignments to meet the objectives of those courses. 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 – Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Environmental Science
- History – World History and US History
- English – Composition and Literature
- Foreign Language – Spanish (all levels)
- Leadership – An intensive course unique to 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, 2 miles downstream of the world-class Kelly’s Whitewater Park and 2 miles upstream of the Class II-III Cabarton Section. You will live within an hour of two ski resorts, where you can carve through some of Idaho’s great powder. You will also spend an extended period of time in the Chilean Andes. You will backpack, kayak, raft, climb, surf, and more.
While at the Alzar School, you can expect to get outside just about every day. And, you will 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 you build the basics or take your 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, you will immerse yourself in Spanish. Our expeditions there will include Chilean student participation and homestays with local families. You 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 your highlights of your semester at the Alzar School will be when you develop and then implement a project you are passionate about. During the semester on campus, you will select and plan a project that will make a difference in the community. Our teachers will help you research an issue, brainstorm solutions, and prepare to implement a solution. Then, when you finish your semester at the Alzar School, you will recruit your friends, family, and classmates to help you complete your project. 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 you to set yourself apart for college applications, job applications, resumes, etc.
If you are looking to be challenged, if you are ready for new experiences, and would like to have the time of your life, apply today!
