About

Portrait of a Graduate

For 60 years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton community. Today, MVS offers a truly differentiated educational opportunity as a nationally recognized leader in academically rigorous, experience-based learning.

Here, Graduates Become...

List of 4 items.

Explorers

Here, graduates become resilient, passionate explorers, diving 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.
Creators

Here, graduates become experienced, real-world problem solvers in pursuit of the common good.

They 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.
Stewards

Here, 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.
Cultivators

Here, 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.

Core Values

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.

MVS Alumni Stories

Ken Williford '94

NASA Scientist & Professor

"I'm pretty confident I wouldn't be where I am today if not for my time at Miami Valley!" says Dr. Ken Williford '94. Ken recently served as the Deputy Project Scientist for the NASA Mars 2020 rover mission, as well as the director of NASA’s Astrobiogeochemistry Laboratory (abcLab) in Pasadena, CA. After he graduated from MVS, Ken earned his bachelor's degree at Sewanee: The University of the South and his PhD at the University of Washington.

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Riya Annamraju '18

Senior Manager, REDF Impact Investing Fund

"MVS gave me the chance to explore a variety of interests and build my conceptual thinking skills. I learned how to synthesize disparate ideas and communicate the results of my analysis. I think those skills have become some of my greatest strengths as a working professional," says Riya. As part of the REDF Impact Investing Fund, Riya is carving a unique path in finance, using her expertise to create meaningful social impact. While at MVS, she led the upper school Investment Club and designed an independent Immersion in wealth management. Riya earned her B.S. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.

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Allison Janney '77

Oscar and Emmy-Winning Actress

"As an alumna of The Miami Valley School, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and values that shaped my life. MVS has always been a place where innovation and creativity thrive," recalls Allison Janney '77, who was a celebrated participant in the arts and theater at MVS before finishing her final years of upper school at The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. Allison earned her undergraduate degree in theatre at Kenyon College and has gone on to a decorated career in TV, film, and Broadway.

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Rhea Beckett '09

Professor, curator, founder

"Thinking about all my work in relation to MVS, I think the school's emphasis on connection shines through," says Rhea Beckett '09, founder of Black Artist Research Space (BARS) in Baltimore, MD, and professor at Maryland Institute College of Art. Rhea earned her undergraduate degree at Fisk University and her MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

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Portrait by Shon Curtis
Rishi Gandhi '00

Dermatologist & Entrepreneur

"MVS' small class sizes and a curriculum that emphasized hands-on learning fostered a deep-seated passion for lifelong education," says Dr. Rishi Gandhi '00. He is the founder of the Ohio Skin Center, serving patients in the Dayton area and beyond. After graduating from MVS, Dr. Gandhi earned his bachelor's degree from Tufts University and his MD from the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University.

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Bruce Heyman '75

Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Philanthropist, & CEO

"I couldn't be more proud of the school and all the good work it does in terms of educating and promoting such great young talent," says the Hon. Bruce Heyman '75. Bruce became the United States' ambassador to Canada in 2014 after a 33-year career at Goldman Sachs. He is also the CEO of Power Sustainable Capital, co-founder of Uncharted, LLC, and the co-author of The Art of Diplomacy, which he wrote with his wife Vicki. He is a double graduate of Vanderbilt University (BA, MBA).

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Claire Enterline '02

Marine Ecologist

"I remember feeling at MVS that if you put your mind to anything, and gave it enough dedication and hard work, you could learn about it. And I think that's why I've been able to be successful in all the different things that I've done," says Claire Enterline '02, a scientist and program manager at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. After graduating from MVS, she earned her bachelor's degree at Boston University and master's degree at the University of New Hampshire.

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Jenell Ross '88

Automotive Pioneer & Philanthropist

"A great opportunity at MVS was Immersion," Jenell Ross recalls. "I had the opportunity to learn within the automobile industry, which really let me know that it was something I wanted to pursue." Jenell now serves as president of Bob Ross Auto Group in Dayton, which is made up of Buick, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, and Fiat franchises, the only ones owned by an African-American woman in their brand. She is also the face and force behind the Norma Ross Pink Ribbon Driven team that raises money for breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

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