Student Life

Beyond the Classroom

At MVS, you become part of a vibrant community where opportunity abounds.

Whether you're participating in athletics or performing arts, joining a club (or starting your own!), or putting your stamp on a beloved school tradition, MVS is where you become your best self.

Athletics

MVS offers a wide range of athletic programs for boys and girls, including 16 varsity teams in 8 sports. If MVS does not sponsor a given sport, students are eligible to participate in that sport through their public school district. Interscholastic athletics begin in fourth grade, and our inclusive athletics policy means all students who register will make a team. 

Athletics Homepage

Performing Arts

Students at MVS may participate in a variety of performing arts productions, including:
  • Upper school spring musical
  • Upper school fall play
  • Middle school fall play or musical (alternates each year)
  • Lower school winter play or musical (alternates each year)
In addition to these theatre productions, MVS offers performing arts classes in the middle and upper schools, including Jazz Band, A Cappella Choir, Theater Design & Production, and more!

MVS Theatre Instagram
Upper School Course Catalog


Student Clubs & Organizations

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Upper School

    The MVS upper school offers a wide variety of clubs and student organizations, and students are always welcome to create their own club as well. Upper school clubs meet during lunch and after school. Here are the clubs offered for 2024-2025:
    • French Honor Society
    • Spanish Honor Society
    • Chinese Honor Society
    • Music Club
    • UNO Club
    • Chess Club
    • Dungeons & Dragons
    • Future Business Leaders
    • Prom Committee
    • Environmental Action Group
    • Green Club
    • Alliance of Catholic Students
    • Muslim Students Association
    • Indian Students Association
    • Black Student Union
    • Diversity Club
    • Model United Nations
    • Math Competitions Club
    • Quiz Bowl
    • Rambotics
    • Student Government
    • Ram Report
    • Improv
    • Crochet Club
    • Student Service Board
    • Debate
    • Yearbook
    • Fitness Club
    • Finance Club
    • Future Health Professionals
    • Film Club
    • Book Club
    • Ping Pong Club
    • Pickleball Club
  • Middle School

    Middle school clubs vary each semester, with some clubs meeting during a designated club period and some meeting at lunch/after school.
    • Student Government
    • Quiz Bowl
    • Power of the Pen
    • Mobile Games Club
    • Yoga & Meditation
    • Board Games
    • Sports & Fitness
    • Art Club
    • Journaling
    • Fantasy Football
    • Book Club
  • Lower School

    Lower school clubs meet after school and vary based on availability. Email admissions@miamivalleyschool.org for information.

School Counseling

The Miami Valley School is served by two full-time school counselors, Ms. Christie Kemper (grades JPK-6) and Mr. Aaron Lopez (grades 7-12). These dedicated professionals provide individual support for students while also teaching classes about mental health and wellness, contributing to the school's advisory program in the middle and upper schools, organizing school-wide mental health initiatives, and leading student clubs for peer support.



List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Christie Kemper

    Christie Kemper 

    Director of School Counseling
  • Photo of Aaron Lopez

    Aaron Lopez 

    School Counselor

Learning Support

The Miami Valley School is served by three full-time licensed Learning Support Specialists, Mrs. Jill Patzek (Lower School), Ms. Kristen Laidlaw (Middle School), and Mrs. Cynthia Braccini (Upper School). The Learning Support Team is dedicated to promoting a collaborative approach by engaging with teachers, caregivers, advisors, and students to facilitate the attainment of their fullest potential through self-advocacy, independence, and self-efficacy. Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment and promote the acquisition of the necessary resources for students to reach their full potential throughout each step of their educational career.

The Miami Valley School is an independent institution and is not required to modify the curriculum, provide assistive technology, 1:1 for classroom instruction, or implement all recommendations in a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). However, if there is a documented need for specific accommodations, the Support Team will build an individual learning plan. This plan will be shared with teachers to support and bolster the student’s learning experience within the classroom.



List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Cynthia Braccini

    Cynthia Braccini 

    Department Chair, Upper School Learning Support Specialist
  • Photo of Kristen Laidlaw

    Kristen Laidlaw 

    Middle School Learning Support Specialist
  • Photo of Jill Patzek

    Jill Patzek 

    Lower School Learning Support Specialist

School Traditions

MVS has many beloved school traditions and community celebrations for students in all divisions.

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • First Friday

    The first Friday of the school year is a time for celebration and community bonding! Middle school students get to know each other in advisory, complete service projects, and enjoy an afternoon social. Upper school students also begin the day with advisory bonding before moving into the annual Club Fair and closing with a variety of wacky games on the field.  
  • Senior Sunrise/Senior Sunset

    During the first week of school, the senior class gathers on campus at dawn to watch the sun rise on their 12th grade year. At the end of the school year, just before graduation, the class gathers again to watch the sunset.
  • Convocation

    Marking the ceremonial beginning of the school year, MVS Convocation includes student performances, speeches, and the time-honored Transition Ceremony. During this pass-the-torch moment, seniors give first graders a book (symbolizing the passing down of knowledge), while first graders give seniors a flower (symbolizing how they have blossomed during their time in school). 
  • Harvest Gathering

    The annual Harvest Gathering is a picnic-style outdoor party to celebrate the new school year. Expect food trucks, crafts, student performances, and other community fun!
  • Homecoming

    The annual MVS Homecoming includes varsity soccer games and a dance for upper school students, as well as a Family Fun Zone with games and inflatables, the Run for the Rams 5K Race, and the Coleman Lynn Wright Kids' Fun Run.

    Homecoming is also a popular time for alumni to hold reunions, and the annual Alumni Family Awards are given during Homecoming Weekend. 
  • Halloween Parade

    MVS students of all ages wear costumes on Halloween and line the hallways as early childhood and lower school students parade to show off their Halloween finery. 
  • All-School Sing

    Held on the last day before winter break, the All-School Sing is a raucous community sing-along of winter holiday songs across traditions, concluding with the traditional grade-by-grade performance of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." 
  • Immersion Open House

    This community event in January is a chance for students in all divisions to show what they learned during Immersion Term. 
  • Aries Colloquium

    This annual event, held in May, is a time for seniors to present the findings of their Aries Projects. The Aries Project is MVS' senior capstone research experience, with 12th grade students conducting original fieldwork and research in an area of their choice.
  • Graduation

    All high schools have a graduation, but MVS' ceremony is unique for its plethora of student performances and speeches, presenting a multifaceted portrait of the graduating class.

School Safety

The Miami Valley School provides an integrated approach to campus safety, including a school safety officer, full-time school nurse, and sophisticated interior and exterior technology. Click here to learn more about how MVS maintains a secure learning environment. 
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