Democratic Education
Providing alternative educational model where students exercise complete control over their learning and participate equally in school governance decisions
Self-directed democratic school where students guide their own education through free exploration and self-governance
About Organization
Alpine Valley School operates a democratic learning environment modeled after the Sudbury Valley School, where students of all ages direct their own education without traditional curriculum or grades. Based in Wheat Ridge, CO, the school has served the community since 1997. The organization reported $311,837 in revenue and employs 10 staff members as of 2023.
Democratic Education
Providing alternative educational model where students exercise complete control over their learning and participate equally in school governance decisions
Self-Directed Learning
Supporting students in pursuing intrinsic interests and developing self-motivation through freedom to explore without imposed curriculum or requirements
Community Governance
Teaching civic responsibility and conflict resolution through participatory democratic processes including School Meeting and Judicial Committee systems
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2023)
$312K
+7.1% vs 2022
Expenses (2023)
$411K
-1.5% vs 2022
Assets (2023)
$1.8M
-2.5% vs 2022
Employees (2023)
10
+25% vs 2022
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $311,837 | $410,975 | $1,838,339 | 10 |
| 2022 | $291,185 | $417,267 | $1,885,786 | 8 |
| 2021 | $1,887,146 | $286,564 | $2,001,192 | 5 |
| 2020 | $341,690 | $262,068 | $587,450 | 7 |
| 2019 | $298,180 | $224,178 | $536,579 | 7 |
| 2018 | $228,989 | $215,800 | $469,008 | 5 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Each student decides what to learn, when to learn, and how to spend their time at school
Students and staff vote equally on all school decisions through weekly School Meeting governance process
Students explore interests through play, conversation, projects, and activities without adult-imposed structure or curriculum
Students develop responsibility through peer interaction and democratic judicial process for addressing rule violations
Services and programs offered by Alpine Valley School
Students pursue their own interests and learning goals without imposed curriculum, grades, or required classes throughout the school day
All students and staff participate equally in school governance, making decisions about rules, budgets, and operations through democratic process
Students of all ages learn together in an open environment, fostering peer mentorship and natural social development across age groups
Students and staff address rule violations and conflicts through a fair judicial process, teaching responsibility and conflict resolution skills
Meet the people behind Alpine Valley School.
1997
1997
Alpine Valley School established as Colorado's first Sudbury model democratic school
2005
2005
Organization formally incorporated as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational institution
2021
2021
Organization achieved significant revenue increase to $1.9 million during pandemic period
2023
2023
School grew to employ 10 staff members supporting self-directed learning community
Board members, advisors, and key contributors
Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990
Total Reported (2023)
$274K
Highest Paid
$80K
Connie Cook
Compensated Officers
5
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connie Cook | Treasurer | $79,777 | — | $79,777 | 40 |
| Larry Welshon | Director | $74,603 | — | $74,603 | 40 |
| Marc Gallivan | Director | $49,958 | $1,436 | $51,394 | 40 |
| Katy Cure | Director | $42,490 | $1,227 | $43,717 | 40 |
| Addison Ault | Director | $23,790 | $680 | $24,470 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connie Cook | Treasurer | $49,961 | — | $49,961 | 40 |
| Larry Welshon | Director | $49,961 | — | $49,961 | 40 |
| Marc Gallivan | Director | $10,473 | — | $10,473 | 40 |
| Katy Cure | Director | $2,766 | — | $2,766 | 8 |
| Sherry Cure | Director | $78 | — | $78 | — |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.
Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)
Total Approved
$24K
Total Forgiven
$25K
101% forgiven
Jobs Retained
2
Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)
Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings
Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.