In keeping with the school Expected School-wide Learning Results that students will “effect change in their school, home and/or community by taking on leadership and support roles”, VIA assists students in using their skills, finding their passion in service, and becoming involved in the community in which they live. The school sponsors charity drives, offers service trips, and sponsors service learning projects in some classes. Our hope is that students will build a passion for service that they will carry with them long after they have graduated from Valley International Academy.
Direct Service
Students’ service directly affects and involves the recipients, The interactions are person-to-person and face-to-face, such as tutoring younger children, serving food at a soup kitchen, working with an athlete at Special Olympics.
Indirect Service
Indirect activities do not provide service to individuals but benefit the community or environment as a whole. Examples include participation in a beach clean-up, working with Habitat for Humanity to build a home, stocking a food pantry.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum 10 Hours Volunteer Work
Each student is responsible for volunteering a minimum of 10 hours each academic year with an agency that addresses issues of social justice or charity in our local or global community. The organization must appear on our approved list or must receive approval from the Head of School.
Supporting the Community (5 out of 10 Hours)
At least five of the ten hours must be served outside of the school community, working to support the disadvantaged. This encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and to challenge themselves to learn from those who are less fortunate. Five hours can be in support of Valley International Academy
Document All Projects via Forms
Community Service Forms are available from the Head of School or on this website. Students should complete the forms as they perform the service. Completed forms should be turned into the Head of School. In order to count towards graduation, forms are due no later than May 15 each year.