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

"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, a distinguished astrobiologist and professor. 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.
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Rhea Beckett '09

"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. See how Rhea cultivates a thriving community through the visual arts.
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Portrait by Shon Curtis
Bruce Heyman '75

"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, a member of MVS' second-ever graduating class who became the United States' ambassador to Canada in 2014 after a 33-year career at Goldman Sachs. A double graduate of Vanderbilt University (BA & MBA), Bruce is also the co-founder of Uncharted, LLC and the co-author of The Art of Diplomacy, which he wrote with his wife Vicki.
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Claire Enterline '02

"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 marine ecologist and program manager at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Claire manages FishSCORE, a United Nations Ocean Decade Programme that will co-develop knowledge and tools for assessing and operationalizing climate resilience in diverse fisheries.
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Jenell Ross '88

"A great opportunity at MVS was Immersion," says Jenell Ross '88, automotive pioneer and philanthropist. "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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