As the school year comes to a close, the community of Cedar Fort is saying goodbye to a school that has been part of generations of memories, learning, and connection. This week marks the final days of classes at Cedar Valley Elementary School before the school closes at the end of the academic year.
Throughout the final week, students, teachers, staff, and families gathered for end-of-year celebrations, classroom activities, and community events that reflected the close-knit culture that has defined Cedar Valley Elementary for decades. Hallways filled with laughter, yearbook signatures, and shared memories as the school community took time to celebrate the relationships and experiences built within its walls.
In December 2025, the Alpine School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the closure of Cedar Valley Elementary School following a recommendation from the future West District Board, temporarily named Lake Mountain School District. District leaders cited several factors that contributed to the decision, including rapid growth in the Cedar Valley area, the current site's limited capacity, educational opportunities available through larger collaborative learning environments, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Located in Cedar Fort, Cedar Valley Elementary has served generations of students and families and remains one of the oldest schools in Alpine School District. With an enrollment of approximately 130 students, the school developed a unique environment in which students, teachers, and families often knew one another well and strong community connections became part of the educational experience.
Teachers and staff members reflected this week on the strong sense of community that has always made Cedar Valley Elementary special.
“What an amazing evening celebrating generations of Cedar Valley students, teachers, families, and neighbors,” said Marion Liisa Roden, principal of Cedar Valley Elementary School. “We handed out T-shirts that read, ‘Once a Wrangler, Always a Wrangler,’ while families enjoyed snow cones, ice cream, and a community scavenger hunt. Most importantly, people came together to share memories, reconnect with one another, and watch students playing kickball on the school grounds. It was a joyful and meaningful night, and I feel incredibly honored to have been part of the Cedar Valley Elementary community.”
Families also shared memories of school programs, traditions, and the relationships built over the years. Many described the school as more than just a building — but as a central part of the Cedar Fort community.
District leaders have emphasized that efforts are underway to support students and staff during the transition. Students currently attending Cedar Valley Elementary are expected to attend a new school under construction in Eagle Mountain, scheduled to open in August 2026. The district has also stated that maintaining student relationships and supporting staff who wish to remain together will remain a priority throughout the transition.
Although the school’s final chapter is coming to an end, many community members say the impact of Cedar Valley Elementary will continue to be felt by the students, families, and educators whose lives have been shaped there over the years.
As students head into summer break and prepare for a new chapter ahead, this final week has served as both a celebration of the school’s legacy and a reminder of the lasting connections built within the Cedar Valley Elementary community.
