Service Learning
At Sun Valley Community School, we believe being of service to your school and your community is an essential component of leading an impactful, purposeful life.
Students across the school’s three divisions—individually and with their classes—dedicate time throughout the year to help people and organizations in the Wood River Valley and beyond, learning the reward in helping others and embracing their ability to effect positive change.
Through a partnership with WOW-students, a local program created to introduce youth to service experiences, Elementary School students visit local nonprofit organizations to learn and serve.
Middle School students volunteer for a community organization at least once during the school year and have the opportunity to participate in a weekend-long, service-learning trip to Boise. When appropriate, service-learning opportunities are also integrated into the curriculum.
In 2016-17, Upper School students completed 1,880 hours of community service. Students volunteer individually and in school groups at many area nonprofits; in addition, ninth grade students spend a week in Salt Lake City, Utah on a dedicated community service learning experience.
A Proud History of Service
Since our founding, Sun Valley Community School has been committed to service learning.
Initially introduced as a school spirit activity, community service efforts have evolved over the years to become an integral piece of student life. In the school’s early years, one service credit was required for graduation, which could be achieved by “assisting faculty, tutoring, or volunteering;” later, 80 hours or more of community service qualified a student for one elective credit toward graduation. Today, regular class-wide service learning experiences and individual student-led efforts define our commitment to service. Students may track their community service hours to earn year-end Community Service Awards.