Boulder Journey School

Boulder Journey School A school for innovative early education as well as teacher education. And how can we do this for ourselves? how?

Boulder Journey School, located in Boulder, Colorado, is a full-day, year-round school that welcomes over 200 young children, ages 6 weeks to 6 years and their families. Beginning in 1995, educators at Boulder Journey School have been engaged in a study of the world-renowned schools for young children in Reggio Emilia, Italy. This study has resulted in ongoing collaboration with educators in Reggio Emilia and with educators throughout the world who are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education. As a school community, we are committed to creating and maintaining a culture that acknowledges, reflects and communicates our values. Boulder Journey School’s fundamental values are based on an image of children as curious, competent, and capable of co-constructing knowledge. From the moment of birth, children are engaged in a search for the meaning of life, seeking to understand the world that surrounds them and the relationships that they form and develop with others in their world. At Boulder Journey School educators observe, document and interpret children’s thinking and learning in order to understand, support and extend the children’s meaning-making experiences. Carlina Rinaldi, President of Reggio Children, writes,

“In this sense, among the first questions we should ask ourselves as teachers and educators are these: How can we help children find the meaning of what they do, what they encounter, what they experience? These are questions of meaning and the search for meaning (why? what?).”

These questions are fundamental to the work of children, families and educators at Boulder Journey School.

We are honored to share another important announcement from someone near and dear to our community, Andrea Sisbarro, who...
08/24/2026

We are honored to share another important announcement from someone near and dear to our community, Andrea Sisbarro, who after 31 years at Boulder Journey School is also entering retirement​. We could not let ​t​his moment pass without pausing to celebrate all that she ​o​ffered this community!

Andrea's time here has touched nearly every corner of this school: the children she has cared for, the families she has welcomed, and the countless educators near and far whose work she has​ helped shape along the way. Her steady presence and generous spirit have left this community stronger than she found it.

We are so grateful for her three decades of service. We invite you to read her own reflections below, and please join us in wishing Andrea all the joy in retirement that she so richly deserves!

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As a new school year gets underway, it is with many emotions that I announce my retirement from Boulder Journey School.

When I think about the past 3 decades, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the children, teachers, families, and colleagues who have been part of this remarkable journey - and for the many friends and colleagues in the education field here in Boulder County, throughout Colorado, across our country, and around the globe.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this most wonderful career. I am so fortunate to have been a member of this community that has nurtured my heart, mind, and soul through both good times and difficult ones; challenged me to keep learning and growing; and, in so many ways, helped shape the adult I am today.

There are countless memories I will carry with me. Some of them are big moments - the visits from politicians, authors, and educators from around the world, all the professional development initiatives we hosted or traveled to, the conversations and collaborations that have shaped our work. But so many of the memories I treasure most are the ordinary moments that somehow said everything about what this place means to me.

I think about all the birthday popsicles and pajama days, the first words and first steps, the neighborhood walks and bus adventures, the marker drawings and clay sculptures, and the countless visits to say ‘hi’ to Diggum. There was always something to do, someone to welcome, someone to care for, and something new to learn.

That is what I will miss most: being part of the daily life of this extraordinary community.

Leaving Boulder Journey School is bittersweet. This place has been woven into my entire adult life, and I will carry the children, families, teachers, ideas, laughter, challenges, and countless memories with me forever.

There will be a joint retirement party for Alison Maher and me on Thursday, September 10, at the Rayback Collective in Boulder. We would love to see you if you’re able to join us!
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-IVAH6UR15H3GobBQyhZ3bD2CoD_3nPggSvHCPDSwA/edit?usp=sharing

Additionally, we have created a teacher education scholarship fund in memory of Boulder Journey School founder Ellen Hall and in honor of Alison and me. It feels especially meaningful to celebrate this transition by helping support the next generation of educators.

Learn more here: https://form.jotform.com/262016314660044

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for 31 amazing years.

With gratitude and love,
Andrea Sisbarro

08/10/2026

Welcome to our community of learners, researchers, creators, joy makers! Happy first day of school!

Preparing for a new school year means cultivating spaces full of possibility.This week, our teachers have been busy refr...
08/08/2026

Preparing for a new school year means cultivating spaces full of possibility.

This week, our teachers have been busy refreshing, rearranging, creating, and adding invitations for curiosity throughout our classrooms.

And while we may have carefully prepared the environments, we know the best part is still to come: the children will bring them to life.

New year. New possibilities. New questions to wonder about together. See you Monday, Boulder Journey School!

We are honored to share the announcement below from Alison Maher, whose retirement marks the close of an extraordinary c...
08/07/2026

We are honored to share the announcement below from Alison Maher, whose retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter at Boulder Journey School.

In her 33 years at Boulder Journey School, Alison has led and worked alongside us with grace, courage, and an abiding love for this community. She has made everyone around her better, and that is perhaps the greatest thing that can be said of any leader.

Please join us in wishing Alison all the joy in retirement that she so richly deserves.

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Dear Boulder Journey School Current and Former Faculty, Graduate Students, Families, Partners and Collaborators,

I have been a part of the Boulder Journey School community since 1993. Hired by our founder, Ellen Hall, immediately after graduating from college at just 21 years old, this was my first full-time professional job. Over the past 33 years, I have had the privilege of serving this community through many different chapters and in many different roles, as I moved from Classroom Teacher to School Director, Teacher Education Director, Executive Director, and most recently, Visionary Director.

I grew up at Boulder Journey School, and I have watched our school grow and thrive alongside all of you. Now, at the end of this summer, it is time for me to retire. The school is beautifully positioned for its next generation of leadership, and I am ready to embrace more time with family and friends.

Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. I was there for our move into the Yarmouth Avenue building, the launch of our very first summer conference, the development of strong relationships with educators in Reggio Emilia, the inception of our graduate program for teacher leaders, and the creation of our global online program, the latter two in close partnership with the University of Colorado Denver. Through these initiatives and various consulting opportunities across the globe, I’ve had the honor of working with thousands of children, families and educators, an experience that allowed us all to truly innovate and impact the fields of early childhood and teacher education.

At school, I will deeply miss the daily inspiration of this community: walking through the hallways, seeing the brilliant documentation on the walls, and witnessing the beautiful, intentional learning environments designed for and with children.

We will be celebrating my retirement on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Rayback Collective in Boulder, Colorado and I would love for you to join!

Please RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-IVAH6UR15H3GobBQyhZ3bD2CoD_3nPggSvHCPDSwA/edit?tab=t.0

Additionally, we have created a Teacher Education Scholarship Fund in memory of Ellen Hall, and in honor of myself and my longtime co-director, Andrea Sisbarro.

Learn more here: https://form.jotform.com/262016314660044

Boulder Journey School has truly shaped who I am, as have my experiences as a graduate student and later a course instructor in our partnered program at the University of Colorado Denver. I am immensely grateful to have spent my career alongside such intelligent, creative, and passionate human beings, both young and grown. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the rich dialogue, the shared learning, and everything you have given me and taught me. I will miss this community deeply, and I wish you all the very best.

With much love and gratitude,
Alison Maher

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Sarah Gall. Sarah’s warmth, ...
07/31/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Sarah Gall. Sarah’s warmth, kindness, unwavering care, and passionate advocacy for children, families, and colleagues left an enduring mark on our community. She will be remembered for the joy she shared, the relationships she nurtured, and the difference she made in so many lives. Our hearts are with Sarah’s family and all who loved her. We will carry her memory with us always.

“Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible.” — Loris MalaguzziA...
07/30/2026

“Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible.” — Loris Malaguzzi

As we conclude our educator appreciation series, we celebrate another group of the incredible people who make Boulder Journey School such a special place.

Every day, our educators nurture children’s ideas, encourage their thinking, and create opportunities for each child to grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

Thank you for encouraging children to think deeply, create boldly, and climb mountains that are uniquely their own.

“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark ...
07/29/2026

“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on the journey.” -Loris Malaguzzi

Congratulations to this year’s graduating Teacher Education Program residents and partner teachers!

Throughout your time with Boulder Journey School, you’ve embraced the journey of learning alongside children, families, and fellow educators. Your curiosity, care, and willingness to reflect have enriched our community and the lives of the children you’ve worked with.

As you begin this next chapter, we know you’ll continue to build meaningful relationships, nurture children’s ideas, and inspire joyful learning.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone! We cannot wait to see where your journey takes you next!

“The great teaching art is that of observing and listening, and of then providing that which may further a budding curio...
07/28/2026

“The great teaching art is that of observing and listening, and of then providing that which may further a budding curiosity.” — David Hawkins

Every day, our educators observe with intention, listen deeply, and thoughtfully respond to children’s ideas. By honoring each child’s curiosity, they create environments where learning unfolds through relationships, wonder, and discovery.

Thank you for listening deeply, observing thoughtfully, and nurturing children’s curiosity every day. Your dedication makes Boulder Journey School the vibrant learning community it is!

Join volume editor Lori Ryan, dear friend and colleague of Boulder Journey School, and co-authors, all graduates of our ...
07/28/2026

Join volume editor Lori Ryan, dear friend and colleague of Boulder Journey School, and co-authors, all graduates of our TEP or Online MA program in partnership with University of Colorado Denver, for a school year long book study featuring one chapter per month. Participants will read chapters in advance and join each monthly Zoom for dialogue with the authors and one another. Learn together about the pedagogy of Reggio Emila and its influence on innovative approaches to early childhood and teacher education.

All early childhood and teacher educators are welcome.

https://pci.jotform.com/form/261525201301035

Address

1919 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO
80304

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(303) 443-8909

Website

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