activities · 7
what they do
direct service · 7
- Conduct Outdoor Experiential Learning Activities Guided Environmental Field TripsProvides outdoor experiential learning activities such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the Sedona desert landscape.
- Manage Student Admissions Campus Tours and Information SessionsAccepts student applications on a rolling basis throughout the year using the Standard Application Online (SAO) and offers campus visits to prospective students.
- Offer Community Service Opportunities Service-Learning with Community EngagementEngages students in intentional and meaningful service within the local community, state, and global contexts.
- Operate an International Baccalaureate High SchoolOperates an International Baccalaureate (IB) boarding and day high school for 114 students in grades 9-12, with 66 boarding students, and has achieved a 100% IB diploma pass rate for three consecutive years.
- Provide Experiential Education Programs International Study & Cultural Exchange ProgramsOffers experiential education programs including field trips, work jobs, and project periods, which are creative, active, and service-based, supplementing students' regular intellectual lives.
- Provide Need-Based Financial Aid Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers need-based financial aid to qualifying families based on demonstrated financial need and student merit, with decisions processed separately from admissions and limited availability after priority deadlines. The school also participates in the School Tuition Organizations (STO) program.
- Run Field Expeditions Youth & Family Outdoor Adventure ProgramsOperates "Field Expeditions," a 10-day immersive experience focusing on adventure, cultural learning, environmental awareness, and service.
strategies · 5
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Education Through Nature Immersion and Environmental Stewardship nature_immersion_educationLearning is deeply connected to the natural world, using play, exploration, and outdoor experiences to promote balance, sustainability, and ecological responsibility. Students are taught to integrate environmental stewardship into daily decisions, fostering a lifelong ethic of care for the planet.
- Equitable Access Through Need-Blind Admissions and Financial Inclusion need-blind_admissions_with_financial_aid_prioritizationThe school prioritizes socioeconomic diversity by decoupling admissions decisions from financial aid, ensuring talented students from varied economic backgrounds can access its educational program, thereby enriching the community with diverse perspectives.
- Holistic Education Grounded in Experiential Learning and Global Citizenship experiential_and_collaborative_learningThis strategy integrates academic rigor with personal, ethical, and environmental development through experiential, collaborative, and service-based learning. By combining the International Baccalaureate curriculum with hands-on engagement in nature and community, the school fosters world citizenship, intercultural understanding, and lifelong well-being.
- Inclusive Community Development Through Critical Self-Reflection and Diversity inclusive_community_developmentThe school cultivates a culture of inclusion by encouraging students to examine their own beliefs, embrace differences, and engage across diverse perspectives, creating a community grounded in mutual understanding and respect.
- Service as a Foundation for Ethical Development and Empathy service_learningService to humanity is embedded as a core educational pillar, shaping students’ understanding of empathy, equity, and social responsibility. By engaging in service learning, students develop ethical frameworks and reframe success around contributing meaningfully to society.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Field Expeditions
10-day immersive experiences combining adventure, cultural learning, environmental awareness, and service to others, conducted off-campus
IB + Dirt
Integration of the International Baccalaureate curriculum with hands-on, place-based learning in nature and community, emphasizing real-world application of academic knowledge
Project Period
Experiential learning term replacing final exams, focused on creative, active, and service-based projects beyond traditional classroom settings
Service to Others
Core program teaching empathy and civic responsibility through community service, one of five pillars of the VVS education
Sustainability
Program fostering environmental stewardship by integrating sustainable practices and mindset across student actions and decisions
relationships · 1
who they work with
- Clarity Application Partner — Uses the Clarity Application to assess financial need for aid applicants.