The Lowell Whiteman School

LWS Experience

Our founder, Lowell Whiteman, was one of the first to pioneer Experiential education.  He combined Experiential education with academic education in the 1950’s.  Today, a lot of schools have added Experiential, but LWS programs have been integral to the lives of its students and faculty since 1957.   Few schools provide the college preparatory education along with the outdoor adventure.  Our long history of expertise with Experiential education has changed lives for over fifty years.

How do we provide "The Whiteman Experience?"

LWS Experiential activities are scheduled in the academic calendar. We begin with our well established camping program.  We make the most of the Colorado Wilderness, some of which borders our campus.  In the fall, we camp and hike together on two separate trips.  Instead of the traditional P.E. class, we offer fall activities including kayaking, biking, climbing, horseback riding, team sports, and physical training.  In October, we take a week off from classes for "Desert Week."  Students can choose to practice what they've been learning in the fall activities.  Horse, kayak and climbing trips are very popular.  Students can also choose from canyonneering, biking and canoe trips as well.   

All LWS students are in one of two programs in the winter:

1) Competitive ski/ride - Students drop two classes from January through March to make time for training and competitions.

or

2) Foreign Travel/Ride-Write - While competitors train and compete, foreign travelers begin to study the culture, geography and language of the countries they will be visiting.  Each foreign trip involves an adventure such as trekking, camping, kayaking, rafting, riding horses or backpacking.  Students will teach English in a host school or attend classes taught by our hosts.  In addition, students spend part of each trip performing community service which could involve painting a school, working in a communal garden, clearing brush around a temple, or volunteering in an orphanage.  Homestays give students a deeper understanding of the culture they are visiting.   Often there is no electricity or running water.  Students come back with their sense of adventure well-fulfilled, and an appreciation of how other people live.

In early May, the foreign travelers and competitive winter athletes reunite and normally-scheduled classes continue until graduation.  In the spring, students can take advantage of classes for beginners and intermediate kayakers, the miles of spectacular single-track mountain biking trails in the area, and even a ski hut trip or two before the snow melts.