Verde Valley School (VVS), a premier independent, IB boarding and day school in Sedona, continues to make an impact in the world of education, earning accolades and recognition for its commitment to academic excellence, global citizenship, and experiential learning. Recently, VVS achieved another milestone when two of its faculty members were named Teacher of the Year by Arizona IB Schools for two consecutive years: 2023 and 2024. This distinction highlights the school’s dedication to fostering exceptional educators who inspire students.
Founded in 1946 by Hamilton and Barbara Warren, VVS is built on a mission to educate students for college and for life, encouraging intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and creative expression. Situated on a 140-acre campus at the base of Cathedral Rock, the school attracts students from across the globe, fostering a unique, cross-cultural environment where young people learn from their teachers and from each other. VVS's guiding principles are anchored in Academic Excellence, World Citizenship, Physical Labor, Service to Humanity, and Environmental Stewardship, values that permeate every aspect of the school’s curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Named the #1 Best Boarding High School in Arizona by Niche in their 2024 Best Schools Report, this honor underscores the school's dedication to academic rigor and student success. This excellence is further evidenced by VVS’s 100 percent college acceptance rate, with graduates routinely gaining admission to top colleges and universities around the world.
VVS blends academics with hands-on learning, especially through its robust outdoor programs. Students have access to over 100 trails for running, hiking, and mountain biking, all within the stunning backdrop of Sedona. These outdoor adventures not only build physical endurance but also cultivate a deep appreciation for nature that often lasts a lifetime.
Further enrichment comes from numerous competitive sports programs, including soccer and volleyball, and activities such as Field Expeditions that take students out of their usual surroundings to engage in cultures throughout the Southwest and internationally. The school also boasts an on-campus organic farm that supplies fresh food for the dining hall, providing students with a firsthand understanding of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, students can experience horseback riding through the school’s on-campus barn and stables, further connecting them to the natural world.
At VVS, preparing students means equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. The school’s forward-thinking approach is evident in its innovative learning clusters, which emphasize STEM topics, language and sustainability. These platforms encourage students to explore investigative thinking, global communication, and environmentally responsible design.
VVS also offers a Speaker Series, which brings in a diverse array of professionals to share expertise. Previous speakers include an award-winning film animator, internationally renowned astronomers, Grammy and Emmy-winning musicians, and a Guggenheim Fellow photographer. These interactions provide students with insight into various career paths and inspires them to think creatively about their futures.
As Verde Valley School continues to pave the way for the future of education, it remains true to its founding vision of providing a global, experiential education.
By fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity, VVS positions its students to become tomorrow’s changemakers – individuals who will lead with purpose, think critically, and make a lasting impact on the world. Learn more by clicking here or visiting vvsaz.org.