As a portfolio-based school, we have one to two Portfolio Nights a year where the Alpha II community is invited into the space to look at and hear about the learning that is happening in the school. This is less of a science fair with people presenting their work than it is a chance to mix and mingle at an art gallery or music festival. These portfolios aren't necessarily completed works, either, they are just as much about showing the process as they are about showing how cool the results are.
At the end of the year, our Coffee House is a celebration of the space, the community, and the learning that has been happening over the year. It has a similar feel to portfolio nights, with mentee works on display, performances, and an art house feel, with a bit more celebration in the air.
While we are a free school, and are built on self-direction, we are also equally built on community, and the expectation is that everyone is contributing to these community events.