​

A Brief History of the Tibetan Language and Cultural School

​

A Historical Summary

At the request of Kusang Tobdhen, Principal of the Tibetan Language and Cultural School under the Tibetan Association of Colorado, a brief historical account of the school’s origins and development has been compiled. This request was made in April 2025. This summary is based on information shared by former teachers, including Paljor la, Tenchoe la, Nyima Dolma la, and Ngawang la.

​

Early Beginnings (1996)

The first Tibetan language school initiative in the Colorado Tibetan community began in 1996 through the efforts of Palden Ngodrup la and Paljor la. The school operated informally from Palden Ngodrup la’s home, serving approximately five to ten students. Due to inconsistent student attendance, the program was eventually discontinued.
 

Re-establishment as Rainbow School (2003–2008)

In 2003, Tenchoe la and Gyamtso la re-established the school under the name Rainbow School. The teaching staff included Tenhoe la, Gyamtso la, Nyima Dolma la, Dolma, la and Paljor la. Following the relocation of Tenchoe la and Gyamtso la to Washington, D.C. in 2008, the school moved to Denver to better serve the majority of students. At that time, the school had approximately eight students and was taught by Nyima Dolma la, Drolma, and Ngawang la. Classes were held at Ngawang la’s residence for about one year.
 

Community Advocacy and Formal Establishment (2010)

Recognizing the growing need for a structured Tibetan cultural education program, community members—including Kongpo Drime Tenkhar Jigme la and Palden la—advocated for the establishment of a school in the Boulder area. During the tenure of TAC president Jigme la (son of Palden la), a key meeting was held at the residence of Mr. Zopa, a retired teacher. Elders and former educators emphasized the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture for the increasing number of children in the community. As a result of these discussions, Tsering Chöpel la was elected as the school’s principal through a vote among retired teachers. Additional planning meetings followed, including one hosted by Tenzin Jigme la.
 

Inauguration of the TCS (September 11, 2010)

A formal yet modest inauguration ceremony was held on September 11, 2010, outside of rainbow School. The ceremony featured a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and included offerings of tea, biscuits, and fresh fruit. During the event, Raychung la delivered an extensive teaching, and Palden la ordered school textbooks from the Department of Education, Dharamsala, with all associated costs covered by a benefactor. Kongpo Drime Tsemkhar Jigme played a key role in securing a suitable location for the school, ultimately identifying a Christian church facility where classes could be held. At the time of its formal establishment, the teaching staff included Wangchuk la (former General Secretary), Palden la, Paljor la, Kongpo Jigme la, Ngawang Sherab la, Ngawang Thardo la, Dolma la, Nyima Dolma la, Tenzin Jigme la, Tenzin Namdrol la, and Kelsang la. Student enrollment ranged from approximately 25 to 45 students.

​

Growth and Leadership

Gen Dickyi Dolkar la initially served as the school’s accountant and later assumed the role of principal, a position she held for approximately 12 years. Under her leadership, the school became firmly established and continued to grow steadily.
 

Present and Ongoing Mission

Today, the Tibetan Language and Cultural School continues to thrive, focusing on the teaching of Tibetan language, Buddhist values, and performing arts to younger generations. The school stands as a vital institution within the community, dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan heritage.

Like the waxing moon, the school continues to grow and flourish, with hopes for its sustained progress in the years ahead.

 

​