Southwest Open School will host a Gallery Night on Dec. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The event aims to celebrate student learning through the academic semester of the school year.

Parents, guardians or family who go to the gallery will participate in a regular student school day with students giving presentations in each class.

Teachers will be on location to answer questions parents, guardians or family might have.

In addition, the school will hold a “transition ceremony” for those students with the right number of credits to move up “houses.”

According to Casey Simpson, Academic Lead and humanities teacher at SWOS, the house and credit system replaces the grading system of a public school model.

Simpson hopes the event helps engage parents, families and guardians.

“I think it helps the students – it validates their work,” Simpson said. “It helps the parents understand what their day looks like, and it helps the parents engage with staff.”

The gallery is at SWOS, 401 N. Dolores Road. For more information, call Southwest Open School at 970-565-1150.