Differentiated Learning
The VMS community embraces individual learning styles and is committed to supporting every child in an inclusive classroom with tailored support. Through intentional differentiation in every classroom, teachers meet students where they are and provide the appropriate level of challenge and support to help each learner succeed.
If it has been determined that a student can benefit from academic accommodations such as extended time, assistive technology, and visual aids, Student Support Services works with teachers to implement these plans in and out of the classroom.
The professionals in Student Support Services collaborate with students, parents, and faculty members to create individualized learning plans—these plans guide teachers' instruction and allow students to develop applied learning skills. The plans are designed to increase the opportunity for every student to show mastery of content through diverse means.
VMS employs three full-time professionals in the Student Support Services who hold graduate degrees and have formal training and expertise working with students who learn differently.
Accelerated Learning
As an independent school, VMS has the flexibility to offer rich learning experiences that nurture critical thinking, collaboration, reflection, and a genuine love of lifelong learning. Beyond traditional classroom enrichment, we invest in initiatives such as cross-age programming, outdoor education, and Intraterm courses that strengthen student skills in leadership, empathy, perspective building and reflection.
Students also deepen their knowledge and creativity through experiential learning, digital arts, visual arts, performing arts, our After-School Academy, project-based learning, coding, world languages, and Senior Projects. This wide-ranging approach ensures that our students grow emotionally, intellectually, and creatively—and are prepared to contribute with confidence and purpose.
- In Lower School, differentiated instruction is based on ongoing assessments that identify mastery and readiness for additional challenge.
- Middle School faculty work diligently to differentiate instruction for their students within the curriculum. Starting in 7th grade, students are able to advance a year in math after completing summer work. Students also engage in programs such as UN Debate and experiential learning to deepen their knowledge.
- Upper School curriculum placement is determined by ability rather than age, offering opportunities for accelerated, advanced, and Advanced Placement courses across many subjects.
- 10th graders begin differentiating their math and science courses based on their 9th-grade success and academic balance.
- VMS requires all Advanced Placement students to take the nationally normed end-of-year AP exam as a measure of course rigor and student preparedness.
- Seniors complete a full semester of capstone work, providing limitless opportunities for creativity, personalized learning, and exploration.
We believe students thrive when deeply engaged with their community. Enrichment extends beyond academics and is strengthened through active participation in leadership, athletics, service, and the arts.
Challenging high-achieving students demands faculty who understand the unique needs of each child—something we excel at at VMS. While a good school knows your child’s name, a great school knows their heart—and for advanced learners, we recognize that their heart includes their intellect.
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