English
The upper school English program promotes an understanding of and appreciation for humanity that transcends cultural boundaries. The literature-rich and writing intensive curriculum stimulates intellectual curiosity and a greater sense of self.
Students are encouraged to revise, to conference individually with faculty, to research authors and content, and to discover their own voice through analytical and creative assignments. Students exercise freedom of thought and expression as they explore diverse and universal human concerns and integrate ideas from literature with daily life. Students discover the pleasure and value of reading and writing as lifelong learning processes and participate in active and lively critical discussions of their own work as well as the work they read.
2023-2024 Courses:
- The Art of the Essay
- World Literature
- American Authors
- Topics in Senior English
- Grammar & Writing
- Music and Lyrics
- South Asian Writers
- Technical and Professional Writing
- Women Writers
- Shakespeare
- Intro to Film
- Black Literary Voices
- Reading Poetry
- Humans, Machines, and Technology: Science Fiction Literature
Social Science
Social science courses at MVS aim to develop effective learning techniques and practices for studying the human condition. Students investigate individuals’ and civilizations’ role in influencing social and cultural development; the mechanics and dynamics of cultural chance; and value structures and concepts. Our social sciences program develops students’ critical learning skills of research, analysis and communication. Through developing a sense of inquiry into mankind’s ideas and ideals, our students gain a better understanding of their world and how to be a compassionate global citizen.
2023-2024 Courses:
- World Civilizations
- US Government
- US History
- Europe in a Global Context
- International Relations
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics & Finance
- Contemporary Issues
- Sociology
- The Carbon Economy
Math
With extensive offerings in mathematics, our students can choose courses that are appropriately challenging for them. Math at MVS incorporates technology and techniques that allow our students to conceptualize, navigate uncertainties and problem solve. With the relevant and rigorous curriculum, students enter college with solid math sense, advanced mathematical skills, and new ways of understanding the world around them. MVS’ math curriculum is unique in its offering of multivariate calculus, which provides advanced students with the opportunity to study this high-level math on campus with an MVS instructor.
2023-2024 Courses:
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Geometry Honors
- Algebra II
- Algebra II Honors
- Precalculus
- Differential Calculus
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Statistics & Inference
- Probability & Game Theory
- Multivariate Calculus
Science
While academic excellence is best achieved through a balanced exposure to the arts, humanities, science, and physical wellness, we know that the most rapid changes taking place in the world around us are in the areas of science, technology and engineering, which is why we also offer a robust selection of science courses that are both challenging and varied. MVS Advanced Topics seminars are the most advanced science classes offered at the school, providing a college-level science experience founded on deep, immersive learning.
2023-2024 Courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Honors
- Physics
- Conceptual Physics
- Chemistry II
- Biology II
- Environmental Sustainability
- Anatomy: Skin and Musculoskeletal Systems
- Anatomy: Neuroscience
Computer Science
As the world becomes dependent on the digital, it is imperative to educate our students in computer science. This challenges our students to participate productively in society, to make good decisions, and to protect themselves.
Our Computer Science courses develop academic skills, build qualities like perseverance and organization, and gain valuable 21st century skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving are important life skills and frequently used in these courses. From Web Design to Robotics, our students learn the broad spectrum of computer science.
2023-2024 Courses:
- Arduinos & Raspberry Pis
- Intro to Processing
- Python
- Big Data
World Languages
The upper school world language department aims to help students develop language skills, with an emphasis on communication in the modern languages, and cultural awareness. Through exploration of diverse cultures, our students gain a greater understanding and practice of compassionate global citizenship and discover lifelong passions.
2023-2024 Courses:
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish III
- Spanish IV
- Spanish V
- French I
- French II
- French III
- French IV: Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture
- French V: Le Septiéme Art
- Mandarin I
- Mandarin II
- Mandarin III
- Mandarin IV
- Mandarin V
- International Student Support Services
Visual & Performing Arts
Our robust Visual and Performing Arts Department offers a variety of opportunities for students to discover their talents and express themselves in innovative and creative ways.
Music, visual art, and theater are all part of the MVS Arts experience, cultivating creative intellectual leaders with an excitement for learning. Process is at the heart of the program, providing excellent studios and quality materials for students to take creative risks. Students are required to take a certain number of Fine Arts semester-long elective courses, but many elect to immerse themselves in the arts above the requirement.
Courses may change yearly, so students have the opportunity to take advantage of an array of media and techniques.
2023-2024 Courses:
- Design Foundations
- Storytelling in the Visual Arts
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Jazz Ensemble
- Strings Ensemble
- Ars Nova A Cappella
- Performing Arts
- Music, Gender, & Sexuality
- Theater Design and Production
- Music Theory
Special Programs
Our Elective Learning courses give insight to real world careers. Students gain a better understanding to the ever-changing world of business, academics and education. Students receive guidance from outside professionals and more importantly, learn for themselves what piques their interests. Whether it’s the cutting edge of web and social media analytics or the intricacies of the classroom, our students prepare themselves for the world outside of school and begin to think about their careers.
Courses Available:
- The Learning Project
- Student Assistant Teacher Program
Physical Education
Physical education is good for a student physically, mentally and socially. Quality physical education programs are needed to increase the physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime. In many ways, our physical education courses strengthen more than their bodies and minds, but major social skills between each other. Our courses delve into more than just physical activity. Students learn about maintaining healthy lifestyles and interpersonal relationships. well as the work they read.
Courses Available:
- Strength & Conditioning
- Health
- Credit Flex
The Aries Project is The Miami Valley School’s signature senior capstone research experience, which is completed by all members of the senior class in order to graduate. Students work with a faculty mentor and an Outside Expert to perform original research and fieldwork on a topic of their choice, then complete an extensive literature review and research paper on their topic while also showcasing their research at the annual Aries Colloquium.
MVS students must complete 20 hours of community service for each full year spent at MVS in order to graduate. Students may earn community service credit through independent volunteer work at organizations of their choice, by volunteering at designated school events, or through group community service activities organized by the MVS Student Service Board. The Student Service Board is a student-run club at MVS that helps connect peers with service opportunities.
Clubs & Activities
The upper school has over 30 student-led clubs and organizations to join. Students have club time built into the framework of their class schedule, with many clubs also meeting after school or traveling on weekends for competitions. Students are able to create their own clubs, and many are able to build communities of shared interest using this option.
Club and Activities Available (2022-2023):
- Academic Challenge (Quiz Bowl)
- Alliance of Catholic Students
- Black Student Union
- Cabbage Club
- Chess Club
- Chinese Honor Society
- Diversity Club
- Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Film Club
- French Honor Society
- Games Club
- GSA
- Improv
- Indian Students Association
- International Students Union
- Junior State of America
- JustWrite (Power of the Pen)
- Math Competitions Club
- Model UN
- Muslim Student Association
- Prom Committee
- Rambotics (Robotics Team)
- Ram Report (newspaper)
- Ski Club
- Spanish Honor Society
- Speech and Debate
- Student Ambassadors
- Student Government
- Student Service Board
- Tune Commune: Music Appreciation Society
- Yearbook
Seniors at MVS may also enroll in One Schoolhouse online courses as their sixth course for a semester. For more information about MVS’ One Schoolhouse options, please click the button below.
One Schoolhouse Information & Accepted Courses