Verde Valley School - Sedona, Arizona
Academics
College Preparatory with honors or advanced level courses offered in all core disciplines. VVS is one of only 5 boarding schools in all of the U.S. that is fully certified to offer the IB Diploma Program. All VVS students enter the IB program. Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. "Hands-on" science classes. Excellent lab and outdoor research facilities. Strong fine and performing arts program.
Athletics
Very wide selection of athletic activities and teams in which all students may participate. Modern athletic facilities are on campus. We participate in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and compete with public and private schools. Competitive sports offered are as follows. Boys: soccer, basketball, tennis and golf. Girls: soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball. Intramural, co-ed sports are road cycling, softball, horseback riding, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, martial arts, personal fitness, golf, tennis, mountain-biking, archery and dance.
Arts
Students of all abilities are expected to take courses and participate in visual or performing arts. Modern facilities and professional artists ensure that highly talented students may reach their full potential in music, dance, art, and theatre. We have an exciting and diverse studio and performing arts program. During the academic year the theater program produces two plays.
Unique Programs or Strengths of School
Experiential Learning
Field trips, established when VVS was founded, are a signature program of Verde Valley School. It is our desire to connect text-book study with practical life. The best way to accomplish this is by letting our students experience these things for themselves. Apart from the obvious practical and specific gains, the students benefit significantly by learning how people of other cultures live, work, relax and raise their children and very likely learn it on a more intimate level than they may ever again have the opportunity to experience. During these two week excursions they have a variety of national and international destinations and participate with a willing spirit that includes and integrates anthropological approaches to cultural understanding. There is no additional cost for this required program.
Personalized Projects
Project Period is another signature VVS program. It is an opportunity to focus intently for seven days on a particular topic, either researching new interests or pursuing something for which they have a passion. Offerings can vary but in the past have included chess, personal finance, a trip to NYC to study art history, learning the basic skills used in jewelry making, the art of masonry & flagstone construction, a "crash course" in being an EMT, cultural exchange, ceramics, automotive maintenance and repair, large format photography and MORE! There is no additional cost for this required program.
Golf Training
VVS staff and PGA professionals offer year-round professional golf training for beginners to experts. Competitive players compete in regional and national tournaments in the fall and winter and represent VVS in state-wide team play in the spring. This is a highly competitive golf training and tournament play program.
Costs
Please be aware that the costs provided below are designed to provide approximate comparisons. For a precise reckoning of costs, contact an education advisor.
Tuition: USD 39,900
Beginning ESL for one year
USD $5,000
Intermediate ESL for one year
USD $3,500
IB-ESL Support for one year
USD $2,500
* International Student Fee is waived for ESL students.
International Health and Accident Insurance (if purchased through VVS)
USD $ 650
English Language Study
Many Consortium Schools allow students to improve their English abilities while they are studying. The precise nature of the ESL programs tend to vary from school to school; please contact an advisor for a specific description.
ESL Program: Yes
Cost of ESL Program: $2,5000-$5,000
Visualizing the School
Website: www.vvsaz.org
Map: View
