Verde Valley School - Review #1

Verde Valley School is a very unique day and boarding school in Sedona, AZ. Throughout my four years, 2 of being a day student and 2 of boarding, I fell in love with VVS and all of the people in it.

Opened my eyes to different cultures being an international school, traveling and volunteer work.

I would highly recommend taking advantage of every opportunity. Getting up at 4 am to watch the sunset roll over the red rocks with your best friends might seem too early or too much work at the time, but it is those times that will always stick with you. Going on backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon that you never thought you would be able to complete may fuel your love for camping, so just go for it! You will always have a supportive community at VVS so don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try new things!

The unique traditions that no other school shares. For example, Firerun, Mudpit, Clue Finding and Mission Impossible. There are all special to VVS and help create a strong sense of community among all of the students, also adding a lot of fun memories!

If you want a life changing high school experience, that will guarantee you many opportunities in the future and a place to always call home, then Verde Valley School is for you!

VVS offers the International Baccalaureate program, which is a rigorous academic program that is held as a standard throughout the world. Without an IB diploma, high school graduates would not be able to study for higher degrees in other countries. There is no doubt that the IB classes are hard, but the caring teachers at VVS want you to succeed and will do anything to see you succeed. The workload can get overwhelming at times, but as long as you manage your time well and take advantage of the study hours every night, you will run into very few problems with the workload. VVS is also very special because almost all of our classes are considered IB + dirt and experimental. This means that everything is hands on. Rather then sitting in a classroom listening to lectures you may be shooting potatoes from guns in chemistry, ordering from a Mexican restaurant in spanish class or going to college theater productions near by. You are encouraged to think out side the box and give 100% effort into everything that you do.

There is a wide range of diversity in the athletics program at VVS. Competitive sports such as soccer and cross country are available along with unique sports like rock climbing and mountain biking. Attending sports 4 days a week is mandatory, but you have a large range of activities and sports to choose from.

The arts are very valued at VVS. Each student is required to take an arts class, whether it be ceramics, theater, music, photography, etc.. The arts faculty are amazing and allow a lot of room for creativity. Throughout the year VVS gives students the opportunity to show off their work in galleries or during performances.

Many volunteer opportunities and trips available. Weekly meetings to pack backpacks for hungry children, along with month long trips to Malawi, Africa.

During underclassmen years, most students room in suite style dorms. This means two girls/boys in one room, which is connected to another room by a walk in closet and full bathroom. The rooms are rustic, fully furnished and painted white, making it easy for anyone to make the room their own. Each dorm also has their own laundry room and common area, used for dorm events, check in and just hanging out. I had an amazing dorm experience as I lived with my best friend for two years in Sears North, one of the girls dorms on campus.

The dining at VVS is delicious! Most of the food comes from the garden on campus, which is grown and picked by the students and faculty. We pride our selves on healthy food, including many vegetarian and vegan options. All 3 meals, every day, are always well-prepared and incredible.

Sedona is an amazing little town tucked away behind red rocks in the state of Arizona. The weather is beautiful all year, making it easy for outdoor actives and adventures.

Everyone at VVS is very close, whether you are a freshman or senior, you will know everyone by their first and last name. There is a strong sense of community and plenty of weekend activities to do in your free time.