Verde Valley School - Review #3

Read more details about Verde Valley School on their 2024 profile page.
Verde Valley School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
1980-1982
Sports and Activities:
I participated mostly in the theater department while at Verde Valley School. Plays were student created, from costumes to tech to dramaturgy. The teachers were excellent facilitators.
College Enrolled:
Macalester College
Home Town, State:
White Bear Lake, MN

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Verde Valley School offered me deep academic challenges rooted in student choice and responsibility. The school and EVERYONE in it served to open my eyes to the diversity and possible integration of people and disciplines throughout the world. Verde Valley School believes in a whole, well-rounded education that encourages students to grow through self-chosen goals academically, physically, spiritually and socially. Students make the school, and the adults really do believe that "it takes a village". I learned something from every adult on campus, all of whom took the time to listen and respond wisely to student ideas, concerns and questions. Verde Valley's unique field trips or experiences offered a different world view and real -world challenges I could never have experiences anywhere else. The beautiful setting of Sedona gave a sense of calm and awe to my turmoiled and otherwise typically narcissistic teen life.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
My concerns were never trivialized. I have learned to listen to others with the same respect.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
My advice would be to use the resources you are given: brilliant and available faculty is the biggest resource you have-they are available on campus ALMOST 24-7.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The best take-away from Verde Valley would be the opportunities for student growth through so many experiences: cultural and nature field trips , student jobs, a two week "deep focus" on an enrichment you might never have tried, the Waldorf hut, the beautiful chapel.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Go hike around the campus!

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The academics were challenging and competitive, professors always taking into account student ideas and guiding students to discoveries that may not have been in their original syllabus. I remember creating a Philosophy class with a group of like-minded students that met twice a week with a professor who agreed to take this on after listening to our intense student debates. This professor along with one other professor created the class with our questioning and curiosity in mind, not because it was his assigned class.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I participated in Volleyball and loved it. Athletics were fun, took advantage of the outdoor environment, and full of student choice.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I participated in Theater almost exclusively. I loved the exploration of various forms of production, theater styles, and the fact that adults sometimes would participate in our student productions.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There was always something to be excited about and participate in.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life was arranged to give students as much choice and responsibility as possible while still providing adult supervision. I loved the common rooms that helped each unique dorm building form a true team spirit.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Cafeteria hours were convenient, the dining hall was spacious and beautiful with full windows to take advantage of the incredibly beautiful location. Seating was student-choice. The food was varied, delicious.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The town was fun to explore and Sedona townspeople participated in community-town events.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I enjoyed the diversity of students and viewpoints as well as opportunities to interact in different ways through student jobs, projects, classes, and just hanging out and relaxing.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
7:00 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM
Classes begin around the campus
Weekend
8:00 AM
Breakfast
10:00 AM
workjobs
12:00 AM
lunch
1:00 PM
meetings with teachers, homework, time to hang out with friends
Read more details about Verde Valley School on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
Verde Valley School Alumni #1
Class of 2017
5.00 8/14/2018
Chapman University
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. . .
Verde Valley School Alumni #2
Class of 1980
5.00 11/20/2017
UCLA
Verde Valley School, founded in 1948 is located in a secluded valley twelve miles from Sedona, Arizona - so its location is both unique and magnificent. From its inception, Verde Valley has been focused on. . .
Verde Valley School Alumni #3
Class of 1982
5.00 3/26/2016
Macalester College
Verde Valley School offered me deep academic challenges rooted in student choice and responsibility. The school and EVERYONE in it served to open my eyes to the diversity and possible integration of people and disciplines. . .
Show more reviews (9 reviews)

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 120 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $59,535
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $33,000
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update