Co-founders Sean and Kristin Bierle invite students over in small groups throughout the semester for a home-cooked meal and lively discussion.
We develop young leaders through engaging intellectual study, cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure. Through our Six Foundations (leadership development, academics, cultural exchange, outdoor adventure, service learning, and environmental stewardship), Alzar challenges and energizes motivated, passionate future leaders.
Alzar School is a 501c3 nonprofit school dedicated to developing leaders. Our team of passionate educators are committed and talented. Students join us from around the world, from all backgrounds but with a common desire to hone their leadership skills so they can make a difference in the world. We have bases in Cascade, Idaho and in Patagonia, Chile.
We are often asked why we created Alzar. The short answer is this: Alzar is the type of school we would have wanted to attend. We saw an opportunity to build leaders by leveraging the personal growth and self confidence that comes from outdoor adventure, the broadened perspective that comes from cultural exchange, and the critical thinking that comes from an engaging intellectual study which connects to the students’ lives. We are grateful to work with a dedicated team believes in the power of education, the power of new experiences, and the power of Alzar.
Alzar’s US campus is located along the banks of the Payette River in Cascade, Idaho. Sitting on 450 acres of property, we enjoy 2.3 miles of river frontage and 6+ miles of trail on site. The school sits just west of the largest wilderness area in the continental U.S. (the Frank Church Wilderness). We are also less than two miles downstream of a world class whitewater park. Students and faculty all live right on campus, and student housing is between the two main school buildings, the Confluence Building and the Headwaters Building.
Three fireplaces warm this cozy building where students spend most of their time during the academic day. Housing multiple classrooms, the dining room, and study spaces, this building was designed to create spaces for collaborative and independent work.
Faculty live on campus near the Confluence Building with 450 acres to explore as their backyard.
This trail follows the perimeter of the school’s property along more than two miles of river through dense forest and along a 20-acre beach. Wildlife abounds and great views of Snowbank Mountain and Colliers Peak are guaranteed.
Carved into the hill below the Confluence Building and yurts lies a fire ring with stadium seating looking out onto the campus green. Capture the flag, spike ball, and a host of other campus games are played here on the lawn.
During their time on our Idaho campus, students live in yurts with up to eight classmates, each with their own bunk space and desk area. Yurts are equipped with a restroom (shower, toilet and sink) and wood stove.
Co-founders Sean and Kristin Bierle invite students over in small groups throughout the semester for a home-cooked meal and lively discussion.
While programs are in Chile, we utilize our own Base Patagonia in the Aysén Region of Chile, which is the heart of Patagonia. The site is on the shores of Lago Atravesado, in a native, temperate rainforest. We make our home in the Coyhaique area, which provides incredible learning and adventuring opportunities. Our days are spent getting to know the towns and the communities in which we reside. The natural beauty of glacial lakes, crystal clear rivers, and dramatic volcanoes provide inspiring classrooms.
The Class II whitewater of the Rio Palena offers Alzar School students a multi-day river expedition site. The Palena flows at a consistent gradient from its headwaters at the Chile-Argentina border to the ocean, with a variety of sections available for expeditions.
We are excited for you to meet the powerful team of educators who work together to facilitate Alzar's programming. Bringing a diverse set of perspectives, deep love for experiential learning, and a commitment to building leaders, these individuals make up a stellar team.
We believe that small, engaged, and inclusive communities provide the best environment to foster the growth and development of future leaders.
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