This web site is dedicated to the students who made Arête West come alive on seventeen trips over the past thirty-three years. The ancient Greek word, arête, is sometimes translated as excellence. Through study, competition and travel, Arête students have come to know arête as that which calls forth the highest of human qualities. 
William Taylor - founder, teacher

Arête was formed in 1978, with the first adventure taking place the next year.  To some extent, the birthplace of Arête West isn't San Anselmo, but Greece and Switzerland. The photographs above show:  Mr. Taylor in front of the mountains where many a philosopher has brought forth truth, an Arete lass entering the ancient stadium at Olympia, Greece, and playing in a field in Switzerland during a break from the rain after a track meet.

Please explore the rest of this website to learn more about Arete West.   If you have specific comments or questions about Arete West, William Taylor can be reached by clicking here.  

This website was developed by Jason Kintzel (Arete 1991) and William Taylor.  Please send comments/ requests concerning the website to them by clicking here.