Nestled in the mountains of Utah, the town of Alta is a throwback destination known for its deep powder snow and small-town charm. With a population of roughly 300 year-round residents, Alta has long been a place where young people come to work for a season and end up staying for a lifetime. However, the lack of a school in the town was causing families to leave, as children of employees had to travel long distances to attend the nearest school district. In response to this challenge, Alta opened a one-room public school in a former storage room at the base of the mountain, catering to the educational needs of the town’s children.
The Alta School has become a source of pride and community for the town, hosting events like the annual play and publishing a student-run newspaper. With just 14 students across nine grade levels, the school provides a unique and personalized learning experience. Students participate in activities like skiing during P.E. class and engage in hands-on lessons in subjects like math, science, and art. The school’s teacher, Jaeann Tschiffely, moves between different grade levels to provide individualized instruction, drawing from her experience teaching in one-room schoolhouses like the one in Alta.
Alta’s commitment to preserving its small-town atmosphere extends beyond the school to the town itself. While other ski resorts have been developed with condos and nightlife, Alta remains largely undeveloped, owned by the same families that founded it in 1938. The community has resisted proposals for large-scale developments like a gondola, aiming to maintain the town’s unique character. Residents value the slower pace of life in Alta, where outdoor recreation and nature take precedence over screens and computers.
The school plays a central role in fostering a sense of community in Alta, with parents actively involved in school activities such as leading P.E. classes on the mountain. The small size of the school allows for strong connections between students, parents, and teachers, creating a family-like atmosphere. Children of employees at the various lodges and ski shops in Alta attend the school, forming close bonds with their classmates through shared experiences on the slopes. The school year aligns with the ski season, making it convenient for families to participate in weekend skiing outings together.
For many residents of Alta, the school is a key factor in their decision to stay in the town long-term. Parents appreciate the individualized attention and self-sufficiency skills that children develop in the small, multi-grade classroom environment. Despite concerns about the school’s size, children thrive academically and socially, benefiting from a curriculum tailored to their unique learning needs. As the ski season comes to an end and some parents depart for seasonal jobs, the student population at the school fluctuates, but the sense of community and connection remains strong. Ultimately, the school in Alta reflects the town’s commitment to preserving its heritage, fostering a close-knit community, and providing a quality education for its children.
