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Why VVS?
Community
Why VVS? Our community, guiding principles, awe-inspiring location and commitment to being the change we wish to see in the world are just a few answers to this big question. What does this look like?
Our community strives to understand different points of view, celebrates differences, and learns to challenge our own belief systems. We take service to others seriously, ensuring our involvement in the local community, state, and world is intentional and meaningful.
In an ever-divisive world, the VVS community gathers from all over the world to prove that there is a better way. We learn together, we debate, we grow, and we change for the better. It was the vision of our founders in 1948, and continues to be a cornerstone of who we are today.
Leigh Carter, Social & Cultural Anthropology Native Programs Coordinator
VVS is so much more than a school. It's a real community with heartfelt values, where each person is known and needed by others. Each day, we learn more about who we are and what we might have to offer the world.
Redefining Success
We believe, teach, and lead by example that success isn’t measured by a number or a grade, but in how we use our own individual gifts to make the world a better place. This may mean studying medicine at a top college or dedicating a gap year to international service; It may be an artist developing their craft, or a student aspiring to attend law school to fight for those without a voice.
Wendy, Class of 2024
The rich outdoor activities after class give every student ample time to develop their interests and accept different outdoor challenges, rather than just sitting in the classroom to study. The red soil and superior outdoor geographical location also add a touch of uniqueness to VVS.
Purpose & Play
At VVS, we understand that education must have purpose and be challenging. Our teachers and students collaborate, engage, and create a learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. All learners have a voice and are supported to reach their personal potential.
We also play, explore, surround ourselves in nature and learn that a balanced life equals a healthy, happy life.
Meg Haesloop, Director of Academics
Standing at the starting line of the Cross Country Championships on Halloween and seeing the Rock Climbing Group in costumes and rainbow wigs cheering from the climbing wall, faculty children holding “Go VVS” signs, and the VVS Mountain bikers and Equestrians, on horseback ready to follow the runners down the dirt road while the VVS Rock Band warms up by playing a Pixies song on the quad. That’s my community.
The Exception
Why VVS? Because we are the exception. The exception to the traditional model of education. The exception to high-pressured, high-stakes academic stress. The exception to a world of distraction and the barrage of technology. The exception to the norm, where being the same is celebrated. Why VVS? Because within this community you become the exception.
Leigh Carter, Anthropology Teacher, Native American Program Coordinator
This year on our field trip to Hopi land, students got to stay in a beautiful, hand-built rock home with a view of corn fields. Students were blown away when the host told them, ‘Actually, the room you’ll be sleeping in was built by your teacher and some other VVS students last year.
Discover for Yourself
We encourage you to see for yourself how a small community is making a big difference.
Schedule a visit today to discover "Why VVS?”.
Schedule a visit today to discover "Why VVS?”.
Finley H., Class of 2024
When I decided to come to VVS it was under the assumption that I would try it out for a year and most likely not stay. Within one month of being here, I decided I wanted to stay for the full course of my high school experience. That’s the power of VVS, the impact this school has had on my life has been astronomical and somewhat like Pandora's box. Had I not opened the box I never would’ve known what I was missing, but having opened it I can’t believe I almost opted out of this experience. The only difference between Pandora's box and VVS is that the change that has come from VVS has only ever been remarkable.
Verde Valley School
Verde Valley School is an International Baccalaureate boarding and day high school for students in grades 9-12.
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Photo Credit to Arabella Media, John Sheedy, and others.
Photo Credit to Arabella Media, John Sheedy, and others.