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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...

  • 20,505

    Days living in Chile

  • 41,640

    Miles hiked while backpacking

  • 570

    Students in Alzar’s Academics

  • 34,121

    Hours learning through service

  • 21,039

    Days practicing Leave No Trace

  • 152,912

    Miles traveled on rivers

  • 2,727,245

    Dollars in scholarships given

  • 18,171

    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
From the very first day of the semester, we can already see the tight-knit community forming that will grow to define students’ Alzar experiences and memories. We have so much love for our entire community of students, faculty, and our wonderful alumni — and we can’t wait to meet all of next year’s prospective students! 

Make Alzar your “home” for a semester by submitting your written application this weekend! 🏔️📚

#ApplyNow
#AlzarSchool 
#SemesterSchool

From the very first day of the semester, we can already see the tight-knit community forming that will grow to define students’ Alzar experiences and memories. We have so much love for our entire community of students, faculty, and our wonderful alumni — and we can’t wait to meet all of next year’s prospective students!

Make Alzar your “home” for a semester by submitting your written application this weekend! 🏔️📚

#ApplyNow
#AlzarSchool
#SemesterSchool
...

68 3
Alzar School’s application deadline is coming up on 2/15, and we are so excited to connect with motivated high school students for the 2025 - 2026 school year!

“We’re often asked why we started Alzar, and we joke that it’s the school we wish we could have attended. However, the reality is that even if Alzar had existed, we probably wouldn’t have known about it. Most students and families only discover Alzar through word-of-mouth recommendations passed along from one family to another. Please take a moment and share Alzar with someone you know today.” - Founders, Sean & Kristin Bierle

#APPLYNOW 
#WeBuildLeaders
#SemesterSchool
#AlzarSchool

Alzar School’s application deadline is coming up on 2/15, and we are so excited to connect with motivated high school students for the 2025 - 2026 school year!

“We’re often asked why we started Alzar, and we joke that it’s the school we wish we could have attended. However, the reality is that even if Alzar had existed, we probably wouldn’t have known about it. Most students and families only discover Alzar through word-of-mouth recommendations passed along from one family to another. Please take a moment and share Alzar with someone you know today.” - Founders, Sean & Kristin Bierle

#APPLYNOW
#WeBuildLeaders
#SemesterSchool
#AlzarSchool
...

40 0
We are 1 week out from our 2025-2026 application deadline! Here’s to all of our wonderful alumni who took a leap of faith to spend a semester of high school in Idaho and Chile 🏔️✨

APPLY BY FEBRUARY 15TH! 

#AlzarSchool
#WeBuildLeaders
#AdventureAwaits
#PatagoniaChile

We are 1 week out from our 2025-2026 application deadline! Here’s to all of our wonderful alumni who took a leap of faith to spend a semester of high school in Idaho and Chile 🏔️✨

APPLY BY FEBRUARY 15TH!

#AlzarSchool
#WeBuildLeaders
#AdventureAwaits
#PatagoniaChile
...

121 0
There’s something truly magical about the first few weeks of a new semester. The energy is palpable as students, faculty, and staff come together, forging new connections and building a community. We are so excited for all that is to come for Semester 26! 

If you’re ready to join an incredible community for a semester, applications for the 2025-2026 Alzar School year are due on February 15th 🏞️🥾✨

#AlzarSchool
#WeBuildLeaders
#AdventureAwaits 
#SemesterSchool

There’s something truly magical about the first few weeks of a new semester. The energy is palpable as students, faculty, and staff come together, forging new connections and building a community. We are so excited for all that is to come for Semester 26!

If you’re ready to join an incredible community for a semester, applications for the 2025-2026 Alzar School year are due on February 15th 🏞️🥾✨

#AlzarSchool
#WeBuildLeaders
#AdventureAwaits
#SemesterSchool
...

165 1

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.