Developing Character Through Intentional Cross-Age Interactions

At Vail Mountain School, we understand the impact that cross-age interactions can have on character development. In fact, this belief influenced the architectural layout of our school. You'll notice that there are no physical barriers separating classrooms between divisions. There are lower school classrooms positioned next to the middle school and just across from the upper school classrooms. This deliberate design fosters an environment where students from different age groups can naturally interact, mentor one another, and create a stronger sense of community.

Our school is committed to creating opportunities for students to look up to their older peers while also empowering older students to step up and be positive role models. One of the cornerstones of our approach is the belief that little things happening in the hallways can have a big impact. As  Head of School, Steve Bileca often says, “Sweat the small stuff.” It's the simple interactions between students of different ages that often leave lasting impressions and often create a strong sense of confidence in the youngest students. There is real power in being seen and known at school. Whether it's a senior helping a kindergartner tie their shoelaces or an eighth grade student offering guidance to their first grade buddy, these everyday moments are building blocks for building both community and developing character.

This idea even extends into our lunchroom. The idea of 9th graders joining Lower School for lunch might seem like a small gesture, but it holds great significance. It's a deliberate step that bridges the age gap, allowing older students to connect with their younger peers on a personal level. Similarly, during lunchtime, Lower School students from different classes are assigned to share a table. Each table has a VMS employee who is always there to lead conversations and encourage healthy eating habits. These shared meals create another layer give students the chance to know adults in a way they might otherwise not get to interact with.

One of our most cherished traditions is the Senior/Kindergarten buddy program. At the start of each year, kindergarten students are paired with one or two senior buddies. These partnerships go beyond the superficial; they involve special activities like scavenger hunts, nature walks, and even a Senior/Kindergarten ski day. The culmination of this program is a heartwarming graduation ceremony where kindergarten students present their senior buddies with a yellow rose of friendship. This tradition not only fosters character growth in our students but also ensures that the bonds formed extend beyond their time at Vail Mountain School. Many VMS alumni remain in touch with their kindergarten buddies long after graduation.

At Vail Mountain School, our building, our program, and our traditions are all thoughtfully designed to create organic relationships between students of all ages. Whether it's through planned activities like All-School Ski Day or Field Day or the natural connections that occur daily, we firmly believe that a kindergartner can teach just as much to a senior as the other way around. It's these cross-age experiences that define our school and contribute to the character development of our students, making VMS truly unique, feeling more like a home than a school. 
 

My favorite meeting with my Kindergarten buddy was definitely carving pumpkins with her on Halloween. It was so nice to be able to help her carve a pumpkin with her name on it. I saw how much joy that simple act brought her and it really helped me see life through a new perspective where I appreciate all the little things in life. Alumnus ‘21