Verde Valley School

3511 Verde Valley School Road

Sedona, AZ 86351

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 16, 2024

VVS is an incredibly special school. This is the second year our daughter has attended VVS. As we are local to Sedona, we chose to keep her as a day student last year. This year she begged us to be a 5-day boarder and we agreed! We had previously had our kids in public schools and the difference is absolutely night and day. While our daughter wasn't being challenged or engaged in her previous school, VVS provides an environment that meets her on every level. She is excited for her future, has incredible friends and is able to gain support to constructively resolve challenges when they arise. VVS is tiny but mighty! It is an academically intense environment and the staff are incredibly committed. the opportunities presented both on campus as well as in field expeditions are incredible. VVS is made of people and therefore, it's not perfect! But what I deeply appreciate is the commitment to using any sort of obstacle as an opportunity to create something even better. It is amazing as a parent to feel how much the entire staff of VVS is really 'for' the students - for their success, for their growth and for them as human beings.
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2023

Outstanding school founded on key principles of Academic Excellence, Service to Others, World Citizenship, Environmental Stewardship and Physical Labor, all wrapped up in a high-quality International Baccalaureate program. There is a great deal of diversity in ideas, social economic backgrounds and most certainly, high percentage of overseas sourced students. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2022

An IB school that really cares about the students. This place is a dream come true for a parent and student.
Submitted by other on August 22, 2020

As a former faculty member, I was deeply touched by the high quality of people here - both staff and students. This plave actually does what it says they do - hard to find this kind of integrity nowadays.
Submitted by principal on March 09, 2019

I am a former administrator at the school and it is the best place I've worked with. The school prepares students not just as academics but as people. The combination academic rigor combined with project-based and outdoor learning really live up to VVS's motto, IB+dirt. It is the place I've seen closest to living its values, and being a true community. Students who leave seem to feel VVS (a boarding school) is home.
Submitted by student on July 24, 2017

I just graduated from Verde Valley School. I have been to many different schools and this one was by far the best school I have ever been to. It truly feels like a family. The teachers are supportive, giving, intelligent, and love what they do. I will miss this place!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2017

School lives its mission. Our child has grown into an amazing human being. VVVS has students from all over the world - and they all are admitted to the top colleges in the world. 120 students who make a difference. It is very challenging academically. But the faculty use a project base model to deliver the IB Curriculum - hands on, real world experience. The school is very connected to the Sedona community, all are involved in giving back to others. They have an amazing farm, horses, they travel all over the southwest and world to make a difference. I just read that over 95% of the students return each year. Evidently that is an amazing stat.Great stable leadership. A great school.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2017

This school is committed to everything that is great about education. What an amazing school and an amazing faculty and student body.
Submitted by other on February 02, 2017

I have a MA in Spanish with many years of teaching experience, including a decade of Sunday School. I was hired as a teacher at VVS, so I uprooted my entire family. Once I began the actual work after the various and vigorous training sessions, I was informed another teacher was not certain of my ability to keep the kids safe. I am NOLS and CPR certified. I was floored. Then, things progressed and the bullying by the staff became more apparent, and it became more clear I was not a part of the "club" I am an alumni of VVS. I know the traditions and did my best to bring them back. In the words of the school, on my contract,- We have considered hundreds of candidates and you are the best fit- Unless you don't "fit" in. Another issue is the plagiarizing that goes on by the staff and is supported by the faculty supervisor. This should really be looked into. I gave my all to this school, and was given only 24 hours to vacate the premises. I have a minor child. Who had to attend her school from a hotel until we figured out where to live. She has been affected, no doubt and to what end I remain unsure. Please I implore you to really look at the bones of the school, question the way they are so evasive about firing one of the actual founders. Question why many of the staff have little to no IB training. This is NOT a school I would pay 50k to send my precious child to. The way they treated family, an alumni, isn't the first time, and it sadly won't be last. :(
Submitted by other on October 07, 2016

Majestic location with superb teachers. A leading edge International Baccalaureate program. Also, VVS is truly a world school, with students attending from over 15 countries. I got into an elite college and so did many of graduating peers. I excelled in college due to the strong academic foundation engendered by VVS. No surprise the school was just listed as the Top 15 Boarding Schools in the nation.
Submitted by teacher on September 24, 2016

Very comprehensive program with a global perspective integrating academics, social awareness, community involvement and environmental outreach. A boardimg school that addresses issues that are tomorrow's challenges. And, don't forget.. strong work ethic.
Submitted by student on July 30, 2015

Although I agree with some of the points covered in previous comments that discuss the weaknesses of VVS, such as: the lack of funding and money available for sports, and in general, the lack of experience some of the college counselors have demonstrated, the extent to which the U.S. actually recognizes the IB program, the number of inexperienced faculty members with the amount of money being paid in tuition, and, lastly, the blurred line between professional and personal relationships. By this last point I mean that a majority of students board and inevitably interact with the faculty on a more personal level, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the level of professionalism needed to be upheld in a classroom environment, as opposed to outside of the classroom. I feel as if focusing solely on the weaknesses of VVS is being unfair to its immeasurable strengths, though. No school is perfect, but I give it five stars, because it IS “great,” not perfect. This school has given me so much as a person. It has given me the chance to perform onstage with the rock band, perform in my first play, and meet some of the most wonderful, diverse people I could have ever asked for. You won’t find that in many places, especially for a shy person like myself. VVS has helped me find my sense of self and shaped me into a much more confident person, overall. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone more in my one year of being there than I ever did during the two years at my other high school, because VVS is such an incredibly warm, and supportive community. It is also important to note that VVS also encourages a strong work ethic on lots of unique levels like with the work jobs students partake in twice a week, the two week field trip, project period, and truly anywhere students want to apply themselves. VVS is all about what you make of it, and it provides so many opportunities for students to make it great!
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2014

Verde Valley School is truly an unique experience. To have this opportunity as a day student has been so rewarding. The staff have been very supportive which reflects a positive environment at VVS. Students arrive at VVS from all over the world. To have this opportunity to build relationships with international students is priceless. Some of our favorites are field trips, the IB Experience, equestrian program, drama and so much more! I can't say enough great things about Verde Valley School , most important is Thank You!
Submitted by student on May 31, 2013

When you take a first look at this school you will fall in love with it. However, when you learn the truth it starts to turn pretty ugly. I love that it is an international school, but that is about it. I am at the end of my first year here and am not pleased. They are firing many of the teachers (important nes too) because they do not want to spend the money. However, in a school I'm sure there are better ways to save money than by firing teachers. The mandarin program is now being taught online, we are losing one of the two music teachers (the only one who knows how to play and teaches piano), both history teachers, and many more. There are rumours of hiring interns next year. AND the food makes everybody sick. Some meals only consist of mashed potatoes bread and corn. Many of the teachers are not understanding which is important especially with the IB program. I am very dissapointed by this school, and I know much of the faculty and my fellow students agree. I have no doubts that this school used to be brilliant, but now it is falling apart.
Submitted by student on February 26, 2013

As a current student, this is my second year going to verde valley school and sadly probably my last. In the past year the school has undergone a complete transformation in almost about everything, the way academics are run, student lifestyle, and where money gets spent. During my first year as a new student, I loved going to Verde Valley School, but this year seems almost nothing like the old school I once considered my second home. The new academic system is very difficult to manage as the new policy gives students grades only based on tests. This means homework, participation, and attendance no longer count towards a grade. But perhaps what is really making a student like me that was once so happy at VVS leave, is the fact that the school really has no money. They have put all their money this year into the horse back riding program, which by the way about ten out of the one hundred students participate in, meaning that there is nothing left for any of the other sports or arts departments, school trips, or facilities.
Submitted by student on November 17, 2012

While this school does contain many great aspects about it such as Field trips/ Project Period, international diversity, and a beautiful campus; it does not fully make up for the lack of professionalism in and out of the classrooms. Not only does the school lack in funding for many of its programs, ( especially the arts and sports facility) it still advertises for programs it does not or no longer has such as an online library, a swimming pool, ect. For such high tuition price, one would think that a school like Verde Valley would be able to provide a little more than it gives.