Alpine Valley School Podcast

One of the most unique aspects of life at Alpine Valley School is our open campus for students 9  years and older. In this episode we outline the Open Campus policy, talk about how it actually works,…

When students are free to pursue their interests and choose how they spend their day, there is often a feeling of empowerment. However, beyond that there can also be a feeling of comfort and control …

On the 20th episode of the Alpine Valley School podcast, we depart from life on our own campus and explore how things are done at the Circle School, a fellow democratic school in Harrisburg, PA. Gues…

How do students at an alternative school with no classes get exposed to new information? How do they find out what they’re truly interested in with no adults in the role of teacher? Find out on this …

Storytelling is a powerful tool we use often in our adult lives. Students at Alpine Valley School tell stories through games, role-playing, and creative works on a daily basis and it has a strong imp…

Determined, passionate, self-directed - these are all terms that have been used to describe Alpine Valley School students and graduates. But how are these traits realized during a student’s time at s…

What does it mean to place radical trust in your children, supporting their independent decisions even if they don’t always seem ideal? How do parents best support their children who enrolled in an a…

Five current AVS students of varying ages share their perspectives on life at school - the good, the bad, and the Taco Bell. Hear directly from kids that attend Alpine Valley School about their lives…

What is it that has kept Alpine Valley School going strong for so many years? How do the mountains of day-to-day tasks get done? The answer is simple: Staff members. On this episode we go behind the …

On the 10th episode of the AVS podcast, host Missa Gallivan interviews ten Alpine Valley School graduates from all over the world about their experiences at school. Together, these graduates answer t…

Everyone wants their children to grow up in touch with their creative side, but in the modern over-scheduled world it can be hard for kids to find the space they need to be artistic. On today’s episo…

For as long as Alpine Valley School has existed, all students and staff have experienced the phenomenon of the Main Room Table. The real magic is not the table itself, but rather the gathering place …

On this episode, host Missa Gallivan interviews two Alpine Valley School graduates who spent their entire schooling career at AVS. Ellie Welshon, youngest child of AVS founders Tammy and Larry Welsho…

We’ve all heard the line ‘children need structure’ repeated by many well-meaning individuals. But, is it really true? Can students learn the necessary skills for a happy, effective adult life without…

On this podcast you’ve heard from many graduates of Alpine Valley School, but in this episode listeners have the opportunity to hear from a current student. Host Missa Gallivan interviews ten year-ol…

What does it mean to belong at school? How can a young person’s life be shaped by the unique brand of support and acceptance available in democratic schools like Alpine Valley? These are the question…

In this episode, host Missa Gallivan talks about the cornerstone of Alpine Valley School community. How do you know that your child will benefit by their alternative education? Look at the graduates.…