We Build Leaders

Alzar brings students to the intersection of engaging learning, cultural exchange and outdoor adventure.

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High School Semester

A community of learners.

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Come live and learn in the peaks of Patagonia and along the rivers of Idaho for a semester of high school. Laughter, challenge, and adventure define your days at Alzar School. Engaging academic curriculum is intentionally crafted to connect to student experiences on the trail and abroad in Chile. Small class sizes and strong relationships with faculty who live, study, and travel alongside the students result in a community of learners dedicated to leadership education. This is high school.

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Gap Programs

Adventures that inspire.

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Alzar Gap offers high school graduates with life-changing experiences while offering tangible leadership training in stunning destinations. If you are seeking something more than the traditional university path and are excited to learn more about yourself, gain a broader world view, and make authentic connections with diverse people in wild and untamed parts of the world, then Alzar Gap is your next step.

Other Offerings

Discover your adventure.

Alzar’s mission is to build leaders who positively impact the world. In addition to the semester school and gap programs, we offer special opportunities to participate in an Alzar experience.

Testimonials

Each cohort of students joins us from across the country and world for an educational experience unlike any other. Imagine having thoughtful leadership discussions with the Patagonian Andes as a backdrop. Live in a yurt along the North Fork of the Payette River. Don’t just take our word for it, hear from Alzar alumni themselves.

 

"I expect that Alzar School helped me with my college applications, but I know that the unparalleled growth, broader perspective, and deeper understanding of life I gained there were a true differentiator."

- Isaac
 

"I came into Alzar not sure about what I wanted from life or from my studies. My learning experience at Alzar is, to this day, one of the most powerful academic experiences I’ve had."

- Elena
 

"Alzar made me more confident in myself by pushing me out of my comfort zone. I created life-long friendships and have memories of adventures I will never forget.  If you are even considering applying to Alzar, do it! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

- Emily
 

“Natalie felt well-prepared to pick up where she left off after coming back from Alzar School. Noticeably, her advocacy for self and others made a huge leap when she returned to school here. She loved her time there!”

- College Counselor
 

“I have learned not to take the easy way out and to push through challenging situations. I will not forget my lessons here and I will keep pushing myself and keep stepping out of my comfort zone.”

- Ben
 

“I now speak up in difficult situations, take risks, and embrace challenges. I learned to roll myself back up during my semester at Alzar School and it marked my transition into adulthood.”

- Emma Scott

Adventure awaits...

  • 27,180

    Days living in Chile

  • 54,142

    Miles hiked while backpacking

  • 1,005

    Students in Alzar’s Academics

  • 48,827

    Hours learning through service

  • 24,951

    Days practicing Leave No Trace

  • 195,321

    Miles traveled on rivers

  • 4,241,019

    Dollars in scholarships given

  • 24,886

    Student leadership initiatives

High School Semester

Intentionally crafted, engaging academic semesters for students in 10th and 11th grade, using the peaks of Patagonia and the rivers of Idaho as classrooms.

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Gap Programs

Life-changing experiential education for high school graduates. Field-based learning via expeditions, immersions, and exchanges in Patagonia.

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Other Offerings

Special opportunities to participate in an Alzar experience in short courses, events, and on river expeditions.

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Follow along on the Alzar Adventure...

@alzarschool
We’re missing our backcountry cooking adventures in the Owyhee Canyons with Semester 26! 🧑‍🍳🤌

#AlzarSchool 
#OutdoorAdventure
#AlzarAlumni 
#SemesterSchool 
#Backpacking

...

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It hasn’t been a full month without students on campus and we’re ready to get back to yurt and refugio life! Shoutout to Semester 26 alum Harley Kachadorian for this illustration of Rio Nuble 🤗🏔️

#AlzarSchool 
#AlzarAlumni 
#OutdoorAdventure
#SemesterSchool #YurtLife

...

110 2
We hope your outdoor explorations don’t stop after a semester at Alzar, but are just the beginning of lifelong adventure!

Alumni, tag your summer adventure buddy and keep us updated on your outdoor excursions this season🌞⛺️

#AlzarSchool 
#AlzarAlumni 
#OutdoorAdventure
#SemesterSchool
#Backpacking

...

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It’s the last day to participate in the annual auction! Thank you to all of this year’s sponsors for making this event possible. Visit the link in our bio to make your final bids!

#AlzarSchool 
#WeBuildLeaders 
#AlzarAlumni 
#GiveBack

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Have you participated in our annual auction yet? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bid on some awesome new gear and experiences while supporting a great cause. Happy bidding!🎉

#AlzarSchool
#WeBuildLeaders 
#AlzarAlumni
#GiveBack

...

52 0
Have you made your bid yet?! You could win any of these items, or experiences like a 5-day raft trip on the Salmon with @confluencesriverexpeditions or lift passes at @tamarackresort 💥💥💥

Head to the link in our bio to make your bid!

#AlzarSchool 
#WeBuildLeaders 
#AlzarAlumni 
#SemesterSchool

...

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Our annual auction is LIVE online and our team is stoked! By placing a bid, you could take home an awesome new piece of gear or even a rafting, skiing, or hot spring visit for you and a friend!🤙

Head to the link in our bio to start bidding on items like a @yeti cooler, @brundagemtn season pass, @maraviarafts sleeping pad, and so much more!

#AlzarSchool 
#WeBuildLeaders 
#AlzarAlumni 
#SemesterSchool

...

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Non-Discrimination Policy

Alzar School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or national and ethnic origin in its administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs for students, or in its employment practices. Alzar School is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. Alzar School is an equal opportunity service provider and operates on special use permits from the Klamath, Boise, Payette, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.