Colorado Springs – On Monday, students at Fountain Valley Boarding School resumed classes after a weekend‑long orientation that felt more like a college welcome week. The event, described by Associate Dean Andy Moeschberger as a “mobile dance party” followed by a large dodgeball tournament, aimed to re‑energize the boarding community after summer break.
Activities blended fun and skill‑building
Throughout the orientation, students rotated through a variety of hands‑on programs. At the horse stables, riders practiced horsemanship under the guidance of experienced trainers. The blacksmithing shed offered a chance to work with metal, while the prairie trails provided opportunities for hiking and nature study. A massive rock‑climbing wall challenged students of all abilities, encouraging teamwork and personal growth.
Senior Molly, a national champion in horseback riding, expressed her enthusiasm: “To tell people, ‘Oh, I ride horses at my school,’ it’s really cool. It’s awesome.” Her comments reflected the broader sentiment among students who appreciated the blend of recreation and skill development.
Orientation’s role in community building
Fountain Valley School, an admission‑based college preparatory boarding school set on 11,000 acres, uses orientation to reinforce its close‑knit community. By combining social events like the dance party with structured activities, the school seeks to foster relationships among students from diverse backgrounds before the academic term begins.
Associate Dean Moeschberger noted that after the day’s events, students returned to their dorm common rooms, still buzzing with excitement about the upcoming semester. “We ended the day with a big old dodgeball tournament and then they were back in their common rooms in the dorm and the excitement of being back on campus,” he said.
Looking ahead
With the orientation concluded, the school’s focus now shifts to its rigorous academic program. Faculty members are preparing for a curriculum that emphasizes both college readiness and character development, aligning with the school’s mission to produce well‑rounded graduates.
Parents and alumni have praised the orientation for its balance of fun and responsibility, noting that early engagement helps students transition smoothly into the demanding schedule ahead. As the semester progresses, Fountain Valley will continue to offer a wide range of extracurricular options, from athletics to arts, ensuring that students can explore interests beyond the classroom.
Overall, the orientation set a positive tone for the new school year, reinforcing the boarding school’s commitment to community, tradition, and personal growth.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
