A Grateful Mom and Grandma

My family’s journey with Alpine Valley School began in 1997, when we moved from Las Cruces, NM to Colorado to join the school. At the time, my oldest son was 13 and was having a miserable time in middle school. He was doing well academically but was stressed from the amount of homework and was negatively affected by some bullying. My younger son was in first grade and was already pushing back about the homework assignments, leading to some tension in our relationship. My daughter was not yet 2 years old and it seemed like a good time to consider self-directed schools, which I had been looking into. This research lead me to Alpine Valley School and a family decision to move to Colorado.

 My sons were soon enrolled at AVS and thriving! My oldest son found his passion in organizing activities and serving on several committees, and was soon elected as the School Meeting Chairman and a Judicial Clerk, two important positions at the school His natural leadership skills flourished and he once again found joy in learning. My younger son discovered over his years at AVS that he had an interest in philosophy and had time to pursue that interest through favorite authors and online sources and to deeply explore the pursuit of happiness and well-being. My daughter spent her entire K-12 school life at AVS. She allowed her creativity and imagination to develop through writing stories and even created her own website. 

 As for myself, I started volunteering at Alpine Valley School soon after my sons enrolled. I found joy and fulfillment being a part of a school where students get to direct their own education in a supportive democratic community. Within a couple of years, I was elected as a staff member and am grateful to have worked here to the present day.

 Now that my children are grown and living fulfilling and successful lives, I have the privilege of being a grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren. Two of them are enrolled at AVS and having the opportunity to discover their interests and self-awareness in a community based on respect, responsibility and real learning for real life!

 Our annual fundraiser is coming up on December 10 through Colorado Gives Day. Would you please consider making a donation to our school and help support making educational freedom possible for more families? Any amount you can donate would mean so much to me and my family.