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Our History

Over fifty years ago, in 1964, a few passionate families envisioned an education that had yet to exist in Dayton. The Miami Valley School was born out of the desire to provide experiential learning in an intimate environment where the educational focus was directed to the individual needs of the student. That vision became the MVS culture and personality.

In five decades, the school’s quiet suburban campus has seen impressive expansion and additions, creating a learning environment that is optimal for immersive education. A state-of-the-art theater, self-sustaining greenhouse, outdoor education center, turf field, tennis courts, and top-notch fine arts studios are just a few ways that MVS uses its spaces to unlock student passion.

Seven heads of school have assumed the leadership of this institution. All seven have noted MVS’ diversity, citizenship, compassion, and authenticity as the school’s great strengths, and they have embraced these characteristics as they have led the school forward.

When you walk onto the MVS campus today, you’ll experience our joyful personality. You’ll see that our culture celebrates everyone for what they bring to the table. You’ll see how our accomplished teachers take their job seriously and have high expectations of their students. In our safe environment, students learn from their mistakes and become empowered to take chances again and again.

MVS is all about the students, the minds that seek, and teachers, the hearts that serve, who together have fostered intellectual curiosity, community connectedness, and personal relationships. Simply put, MVS’ passion is helping students discover theirs.

I was initially drawn to MVS because this school has been a thought leader in education since its founding. I often hear from colleagues that the Immersion Method is something they want to bring to their school, as they recognize that this approach makes the learning 'stick' and develops the lifelong learners that our world needs. My wife Claire and I have three wonderful and very different children, and we know that the MVS approach to education recognizes the unique talents and learning styles of every child."

David Long, Head of School, P '31, '33, '36

Our Campus

Nestled in a quiet, safe suburban neighborhood, The Miami Valley School’s campus is continuously growing and changing to better serve our community of learners. With multiple outdoor learning labs, extensive athletic facilities, the Dayton area’s premier Makerspace and Computer Science classroom, and more, The Miami Valley School is unlike any school in the Dayton area. The best way to learn about MVS? Come visit us!

Campus Facts

  • – 22 Acre campus
  • – 1 Sustainable environmental greenhouse
  • – 1 Outdoor Exploration Center & Bird Blind
  • – 1 State-of-the-art Makerspace
  • – 45 Classrooms and labs
  • – 1 Theatre
  • – 2 Gymnasiums
  • – 6 Tennis courts
  • – 1 Turf athletic playing fields
  • – 3 Grass athletic playing fields

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