Academics

Study Hours

Study hours are from 8-10pm every school night.  Students who have earned the right to study independently by earning an achievement GPA of 3.25 or an effort GPA of 4.0 in the previous marking period may study wherever they choose: individual rooms, computer lab, library, or dorm common rooms. Most students study in their dorm room, supervised by teaching faculty. Students who are in need of additional academic support - for example, those on academic probation - will be assigned to a proctored evening study hall. A student's study assignment may be changed by the faculty if they feel that the student works better with either more or less supervision.

Study Skills

We offer a study skills workshop for all new students which includes reading strategies for different kinds of materials, time management, SQ3R study method, how to deal with memory loss, review strategies and methods, test taking skills, organization of essays, efficient memorizing, and an awareness of one’s own learning style, preferences, and weaknesses.  Study Skills is an evening workshop offered prior to study hall at the beginning of each academic year.

Study Skills Tutorials

This series of study skills tutorials are intended to be an introduction to some habits or techniques that will help students maximize their time and success at VVS.  The topics range from teaching daily habits that make a student's time more efficient, through understanding themselves as a student, to tips on effective memorization.

The tutorials are open to all but are not required - students can choose those tutorials that interest them the most and which may provide them with some new knowledge or skill.  A list is posted on the day of the tutorials that includes the names of any students that the faculty believe would benefit from the specific tutorial. 

Tutorial topics include:

Covey’s 7 habits of highly effective people

Organization and time management skills

Understanding your own learning style, preferences, and weaknesses

SQ3R study method

Efficient memorizing

Professionalism in student work

How to figure out your teacher

How to use a textbook

Citing sources for a research paper

Listening skills