Alzar School - Philosophy

ALZAR SCHOOL
When we need a classroom, the world awaits.

Philosophy of Education

The goal of an Alzar School education is to give students as many options as possible, so they can choose what they do to become happy, contributing members of society.

Part of our philosophy of education revolves around the belief that learning should occur in fluid, connected "expeditions." Our expeditions are interdisciplinary in nature. We do not separate lessons into "Math," "Reading," "Science," etc. By fusing the various subject areas, we interlock our curriculum, which makes our lessons more meaningful to the students.

At the Alzar School, we know that education is most effective when students experience things directly. We have developed our own model of experiential education to incorporate academics with outdoor and adventure activities. First, to make our students' experiences as valuable as possible, we front-load each expedition with information they will need in order to be successful. Then, we ensure that they are intimately involved with experience. We summarize the process with reflections, both individually and as a group. To strengthen our expeditions, we use "great ideas," which can include classic books, contemporary artwork, or current events.

Along with academics, during our expeditions, we focus on examining life choices and decision-making skills. We try to instill the concept that there is a direct correlation between choices and consequences. We engage students in situations where choices have personal, group, societal, and global consequences.

Because the Alzar School accepts only a small number of students for its expeditions, we are able to individually challenge each student. Unlike most schools, we do not "teach to the middle," but design lessons and experiences to expand each and every student's limits.

Philosophy on the Outdoors

We view the wilderness as a place to challenge oneself, to learn, to find harmony with the world. It is not a thing to be conquered, but something to be a part of. We strive for minimal impact in the areas we operate, improving them whenever possible. Sean and Kristin Bierle are master Leave No Trace Educators and offer LNT certification on many of the programs.

Our goal for our students is that they will share this respect for our natural world, that they will have the training, have built the experience-base, and have the confidence to negotiate in the wilderness independently. To achieve this goal, we include our students in all phases of our expeditions, guiding them through the planning, implementation, and reflective stages.

Philosophy as an Organization

The Alzar School strives to operate at a level that far exceeds industry standards. We do this through a commitment to awareness, preparation, training, and experience (View our resumes at “About Us- Staff”). Also, our aim is to be environmentally sustainable. To do this, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our wastes, trying to use recycled and organic products, and actively engaging in ecological restoration projects. We constantly seek improvements in this and all other areas of our school.

We remember that we belong to a local and global community. We do not discriminate against anyone based on race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Alzar is not a religious-based institution.

“I see the usefulness of climbing not in the further development of technique, rather in the development of the instinct and proficiency of man to extend himself.”

– Reinhold Messner

Alzar School

P.O. Box 16604

Boise, ID 83715

info@AlzarSchool.com

Philosophy

Study, Study, Study.

Example of biodiversity in Costa Rica

Rio Achibueno, Chile