The Liberty School

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$60,000 Goal

Dear Liberty Family and Friends,

As we enter this season of gratitude, I am reminded of the countless moments of joy, growth, and success that The Liberty School has brought to the children and families we serve. Our mission is brought to life every day, thanks to the generosity of our community. Having served with The Liberty School for more than fifteen years, I am honored to have played a part on our remarkable journey and to witness firsthand the kindness, dedication, and passion that defines our school.

We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in each child’s life. Our work is about more than academics; it’s about building confidence, fostering a love of learning, and helping children recognize the unique strengths that come with thinking differently. My own daughter started attending The Liberty School last year, giving me the chance to see these same traits grow in her. Hearing her eagerly and confidently reading aloud nearly brings me to tears every time.

Through the collective efforts of our donors, volunteers, our tireless staff, and the entire Liberty family, we are able to continue changing lives, as echoed in the words of our parents: 

And now, after just two months, he finds joy in reading to me. I’ve been waiting his entire life for this moment. Liberty is life-changing in every sense of the phrase. ~Abbie Wick

I have never seen him so proud of himself and comfortable in all his 12 years. It’s painful to think of what this year could have been like had he stayed in public school. Instead, he is thriving! You have made a life-changing difference in my child’s life, and I am eternally grateful. ~Jess Schneider

Most importantly, they re-instilled confidence in our son and his light has returned. He knows his brain works differently and loves that about himself. The school does a wonderful job balancing rigorous academic intervention with support and compassion. ~The Selzler Family

These heartfelt testimonies reflect the true impact of our work, made possible by people like you who believe in our mission. We are beyond grateful for the support of our community which allows us to continue to provide this vital, life-changing education for children with dyslexia. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in ensuring that every child with dyslexia has the chance to flourish. Your donation can help us to reach the following goals in three crucial areas:

Scholarships ($40,000)
Our scholarship funding ensures that students, regardless of their families' financial means, can receive an education tailored to their unique needs. Their access to The Liberty School's program depends directly on your generosity.

Teaching Capacity ($20,000)
Our dedicated staff plays a critical role in shaping our students' lives. Your contributions help us retain and develop exceptional teachers and maintain low student-teacher ratios, essential for supporting students with dyslexia.

Curriculum Innovation ($10,000)
To stay at the forefront of dyslexia education, we must continually invest in innovative curriculum resources. Your support will enable us to enhance our programs, giving our students the tools they need to thrive.

As you celebrate with loved ones this Thanksgiving, please consider extending your generosity to The Liberty School. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact on our students and the future of our school. Thank you for your generous support, and we send warm wishes to you and your family for a joyful, meaningful holiday season!

With heartfelt gratitude,
Christian Holmen,
Head of School

Mission

To provide individualized, dynamic education for dyslexic, academically gifted, and twice-exceptional (both dyslexic and gifted) students.

Background Statement

The Liberty School was birthed in 2007, when passionate Durango Mountain Camp parents approached co-founder, Joyce Bilgrave, a nationally recognized expert on dyslexia seeking guidance, reassurance, hope, and a brighter future for their children. Joyce having founded several dyslexia schools and camps across the country agreed to open a school recognizing the need for a full-time, specialized dyslexia curriculum in the Four Corners Region. Thus, The Liberty School was born and Joyce opened its doors to 12 eager students.

From 2007 to 2015, the Liberty School location had transitioned a total of four times and was about to be displaced once again by a new charter school that needed its space. So in the spring of 2016, a permanent home was sought out. Within three years of the vision to acquire an everlasting location, a gorgeous, wooded, 9-acre parcel located on Junction Creek in Durango was donated by a benevolent donor. Then in 2016 through 2018 the daunting feat of raising $1.2 million in donations and acquiring a $1.6 million loan was miraculously accomplished. In August 2018, Liberty opened its newly built campus offering students and staff an inviting and warm facility featuring three classrooms, ten one-on-one tutoring rooms, and a large multi-purpose room for gym and other activities. The newly built campus also features plenty of open space, a stream, and trails that serve as an outdoor classroom where the students can breathe in fresh air, learn, and have fun.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Liberty School

Year Established

2008

Tax id (EIN)

20-8600388

Category

Education

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

3107 Western Avenue
DURANGO, CO 81301

Service areas

Durango, CO, US

CO, US

NM, US

Phone

970 385 4834

other

970-385-4834

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