Our story
A community center, built by the community.
Since 1978, FVCS has woven together the people, places, and programs that make life in the Four Valleys feel like home.
Four Valleys Community School was founded by parents and teachers who noticed something simple: our region had no YMCA, no rec center, no shared roof for the things every community needs.
So they made one. From an after-school program in a borrowed gym to a year-round nonprofit serving thousands, FVCS has stayed true to a single idea — that learning, recreation, and culture belong to everyone, regardless of age or ability to pay.
Today we run programs in partnership with the school district, local businesses, and the dozens of volunteer instructors who teach the things they love. We are small, scrappy, and proudly local.
- Years serving the Four Valleys As of 2025
- 47
- Annual program participants As of 2025
- 6,800+
- Volunteer hours coordinated As of 2025
- 850+
- Scholarships awarded As of 2024
- $42k
What Drives Us
For nearly five decades, our focus has been to enrich the lives of everyone in the valleys by keeping learning and activities accessible, local, and community-powered.
Our Mission
Four Valleys Community School will provide enrichment through educational, recreational, and cultural activities for people of all ages.
Core Program Focus Areas
We provide education and enrichment through a wide variety of activities:
Our Staff
Meet the dedicated team that manages registrations, plans camps, and keeps the school running.
Janice Johnson
Executive Director
Janice has led FVCS for over a decade, coordinating between Anchorage School District, municipal resources, and volunteer instructors to ensure community access.
✉ jjohnson@fourvalleys.org 📞 (907) 742-5317Mara Landlord
Youth Program & Camps Coordinator
Mara designs and manages the After-School Explorers and Summer Trailblazers camps, ensuring that kids of all ages remain engaged and safe outdoors.
✉ programs@fourvalleys.orgJess Rhyder
Community Outreach & Fine Arts Lead
Jess coordinates visual arts, textile, and pottery programs. She manages the community partnerships and coordinates volunteers for the annual Sports Swap.
✉ art@fourvalleys.orgBoard of Directors
Our volunteer leadership represents the greater Girdwood community with the depth of local knowledge and the skills needed to oversee Four Valleys Community School. As an entity, the board has all the legal duties of a nonprofit board and is responsible for setting policies, overseeing staff, developing program and awarding scholarships.
We are currently looking for enthusiastic members of the community to serve on our dynamic board! Please email board@fourvalleys.org if interested.
Carmen Romerdahl
Chair
Melissa Randich
Vice Chair
Kerry Quade
Secretary
Betsy Preis
Treasurer
Jeanne Hanson
Member
Meghan Nedwick
Member
Employment Opportunities
Four Valleys Community School relies on dedicated instructors, seasonal camp leaders, and program coordinators to keep our community thriving. We are frequently looking for passionate individuals to lead classes or join our summer team.
Want to teach a class?
We are always accepting proposals for new classes, workshops, and youth programs. Got a skill to share?
Email Executive DirectorFour Valleys Community School, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and provider, prohibiting discrimination in all programs, services, and employment based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, and genetic information.
Working Together with Partners
We actively support other local nonprofit organizations and government entities where our missions intersect. By co-marketing, partnering in events, helping with registrations, and sharing spaces, we build community.
Girdwood Turnagain Arm Lions Club
"Co-sponsors and administers the annual John & Kathy Trautner Memorial Scholarship to reward community service among local graduates."
A volunteer community service organization dedicated to improving the Girdwood valley through park development and local projects.
Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation
"Allows FVCS to utilize outdoor assets, fields, and parks for summer adventure camps and community sport events."
Manages municipal parklands, community gardens, trails, and public spaces in the Girdwood Valley.
Girdwood K-8 School (ASD)
"Grants FVCS after-hours access to the school building, classrooms, and gymnasium to host enrichment classes and sports leagues."
The primary local school serving children in Girdwood, Bird, Indian, and Portage.
Girdwood Inc.
"Acts as a hub of local support, occasionally sponsoring capital improvements and program assistance for FVCS."
A local nonprofit foundation dedicated to managing endowment funds and supporting local projects and nonprofits.
Chugach State Park / AWCC
"Works in synergy with our 'Wild in Portage' and environmental science youth camps to educate students on wildlife conservation."
Surrounding state park and wildlife conservation organization providing environmental preservation and education resources.
Alyeska Resort
"Provides space and ticket/instructor support for winter ski and snowboard programs for valley children."
The primary local mountain ski resort in Girdwood, offering alpine skiing, biking, and dining.