Visit MVS
Our campus is an experience you need to see in person. Our doors are open. Come by and see what we are up to.
Since 1964, The Miami Valley School has challenged young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. The school’s nationally-recognized Immersion Method is a signature pedagogy affirming the shared belief that students learn best through direct experience. At MVS, students discover their true passions in an empowering learning community that encourages young people to express themselves.
The Miami Valley School student body represents the diversity of the greater Dayton area, drawing students from 51 local ZIP codes and 15 countries. 49% of MVS students identify as students of color, and 49% of students receive financial aid.
MVS’ alumni base is rich with political leaders, Broadway performers, award-winning actors, entrepreneurs, global thinkers, CEOs, scientists, and industry leaders, all of whom were helped along the way by passionate faculty and staff.
MVS is Dayton’s only independent, non-sectarian college prep school for students in grades Pre-K through 12. The school has earned numerous accolades from national and regional ranking organizations, with MVS being recognized as the Dayton region’s #1 high school, #1 PreK-12 school, #1 school for STEM programs, and #1 school for College Preparation in the 2023 Niche Best Schools rankings.
The Miami Valley School, a registered non-profit organization, is accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States and is chartered as a college preparatory school by the State of Ohio. It is a member of both the Ohio Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Independent Schools.
Membership is also held in the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling.
We practice integrity in all that we do to build an environment of honesty, honor, and trust that affirms the dignity of our work and of our fellow human beings.
We celebrate individuality, encourage acceptance and open-mindedness, nurture diversity, and ensure equality for all.
We demonstrate grit, both in and out of the classroom, as we persevere, move forward, and pursue our goals.
We practice kindness, and treat ourselves and others with empathy and compassion.
The Miami Valley School’s academic program is guided by the school’s signature pedagogy, the MVS Immersion Method. The Immersion Method is grounded in our shared belief that learning is rooted in direct experience, which leads to engagement and the discovery of passion by each individual student. At MVS, teachers serve as guides and collaborators rather than lecturers, and deep knowledge of concepts is privileged over rote memorization.
Everything we do at The Miami Valley School is carefully sculpted to create a community of student and adult learners who are supported in pursuit of their individual passions. Our faculty and staff collaborate with students to help them pursue the information they are curious about.
In keeping with the principles of the MVS Immersion Method, The Miami Valley School phased out Advanced Placement® courses beginning in 2017. Instead of submitting to a curriculum that privileges test prep over authentic education, MVS teachers create dynamic opportunities for real-world learning and academic achievement in a one-of-a-kind school environment. At MVS, our advanced courses are designed to replicate the experience and small-group dynamic of a college-level seminar, favoring depth over breadth in course content.
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, Makerspace, Computer Science, and Robotics labs, and more, The Miami Valley School is unlike any school in the Dayton area. The best way to learn about MVS? Come visit us!
Students graduate from The Miami Valley School with their curiosity kindled and passion ignited. Here, graduates become…
MVS graduates become resilient, passionate explorers, diving deeply into diverse areas of interest. Through the distinctive experiential curriculum and independent research opportunities promoted by the MVS Immersion Method, students become prepared for a lifetime of self-sustaining learning, independent thinking, and persistent flexibility in a changing world. Students practice risk-taking, determination, and perseverance in preparation for navigating their post-MVS journeys.
MVS graduates become experienced, real-world problem solvers in pursuit of the common good who have shared their work with a wide variety of audiences throughout their academic careers. Here, students find their voices, nurture their individuality, and turn their thoughts into actions. Students are encouraged in their curiosity and empowered to make an impact with their projects, preparing them for college, career, and life.
MVS graduates become considerate, constructive stewards of their environment and themselves. Here, students practice reflection and contemplation not only in terms of their academic learning, but also in terms of social and emotional care. Due to the values instilled in the intimate learning environment of MVS, our graduates understand the value of protecting and nourishing the people, places, and things around them while contributing positively to their communities.
MVS graduates become creative, caring cultivators, bringing together both ideas and people. They find their networks, build healthy relationships, share their ideas effectively, and listen compassionately. During their time at MVS, students learn to engage with a multitude of perspectives, synthesize information from diverse academic disciplines, and collaborate with both peers and adults. MVS graduates leave our halls schooled in the MVS mission of compassionate global citizenship and prepared to flourish in a multifaceted global community.
We believe an appreciation for diversity is essential for developing compassionate global citizens. Our standard is inclusion of diversity in all of its forms. It encompasses, but is not limited to gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, political affiliation, family composition, socioeconomic status, and learning differences.
We believe that all of our lives are enriched by the diversity of our community. We aspire to grow diversity among our students, faculty, staff, and board in order to prepare us to engage in a pluralistic world.
We believe in creating an MVS community that will promote the success of every student by appreciating the unique presence and contributions they bring. We encourage thoughtful conversations and reflection about issues pertaining to equity and justice.
Diversity is who we are. It is woven into the daily life of our community.
Adopted by the MVS Diversity Task Force in 2013.
Inspired by listening sessions with students, parents, faculty, staff and board members.
The Miami Valley School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its employment, enrollment, or educational policies, tuition assistance programs, financial policies, or other administered programs.
Founded in 1964, we have educated students that have gone on to be everything from CEOs to Oscar-winning actors. Explore our decades-long journey of immersion and discovery.
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