From the Head of School

Why do I love the Rocky Mountain Semester?

The reasons are as varied as our students.

Watching students new to the backcountry persevere, succeed, and leave here more prepared to thrive in their daily lives inspires me. During the program, students cross physical and intellectual boundaries that seem insurmountable, and they often do so with a smile. It never ceases to amaze me how often laughter and challenge come together here.

I find the community that develops each semester irresistible. When individuals succeed—as they often do—it is because of the people around them. As a result, a thriving community develops that is larger than any of our individual efforts.

Another reason to appreciate this school is our alumni, some in college and others with careers and families of their own. These young men and women tell me that they have been accepted to colleges, earned grades, considered ideas, and achieved dreams they thought impossible before the Rocky Mountain Semester.

Most of all, I love being part of a school where I admire our students. Most eleventh graders do not choose a semester away. Students join a community of like-minded risk takers, intellectually curious learners, and people with a zest for adventure.

It can be hard to go away. The rewards, however, are immense. If you have an interest in the road less traveled, I urge you to apply to the Rocky Mountain Semester. In the size of the world available to you, this experience will make all the difference.

I hope to see you soon.

Molly P. Barnes