Led by a team of passionate faculty, FVS’s 9th-grade curriculum embraces the notion that learning can be challenging, fun, balanced, and healthy both in and beyond the classroom so that–by the time they graduate–students are well prepared to tackle pressing environmental issues on topics such as sustainability, water rights, and soil erosion to the best of their abilities and aspirations. In addition to choosing from a variety of world languages and levels, students round out their freshman experience with:

• Outdoor Ecology and Environmental Science courses that engage them in hands-on learning opportunities on the Prairie, at the Mountain Campus, and across local rivers and the Rocky Mountains;

• English texts written by Western and indigenous authors to build foundations in writing, analytical reading, and creative analysis; 

• In-depth exploration of the history of Colorado and the West using various perspectives to discover the ways the Western landscape has shaped the region’s people, history, and culture;

• The exploration of art in nature and Western-based performances that push the limits of one’s creativity and problem-solving capabilities; and

• Math problems that challenge students to explore sustainability and potential issues presented as a result of the changing environment of the West. 

As students progress to their sophomore year, the FVS academic curriculum shifts to a new focus on fostering a deeper understanding of the global societies beyond our School. Through common themes of Resources and Revolutions, students develop a global mindset that challenges and enriches their worldview, and spurs them to ask deep questions and analyze their place in the world. The 10th-grade Global Societies curriculum includes:

• Modern World History lessons with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries to harness students’ curiosity and knowledge of the world we live in today; 

• Readings that advance students’ English-writing skills, critical analysis, communication, and ability to reflect upon works by authors spanning the globe;

• Scientific research and Math problems that continue to study aspects of the environment and delve deeper into threatening global issues; and 

• World Language offerings that develop students’ language skills and foster a deeper appreciation for various cultures around the globe.

The 11th grade students explore the themes of influence, action, and leadership, reflecting on their impact within the FVS community and beyond. Through immersive experiences, they engage with others and contribute to the common good. Students are tasked with planning and leading their own retreat at the Mountain Campus and, in future years, will assume leadership roles as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for Chapter 1 classes. During Community Block, juniors focus on applying their strengths to positively impact the community around them. Leadership development continues through Interim expeditions, including a pilot National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) experience in 2026, Sea Kayaking in Baja, which uses outdoor challenges to strengthen teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills.

• Juniors take ownership of their journey by planning their own class retreat, leading workshops for peers, and applying leadership skills through a culminating geocaching challenge.

• Leadership development continues during Interim experiences, where students serve in roles such as Leader of the Day, Timekeeper, or Press Corps. Through goal setting, reflection, and feedback, they identify personal strengths and areas for growth. Upon returning to campus, students share their learning through presentations, building websites, or social media collaborations with the Marketing team about how their experience developed or enhanced their leadership skills. 

• Throughout the year, juniors build a positive digital presence, learning to highlight accomplishments such as internships, jobs, and college plans while developing essential communication skills. They also participate in mock interviews with alumni and parents, by phone or Zoom, to prepare for summer jobs and work-study opportunities.

• A pre-Capstone challenge encourages our students to observe a local community or organization and propose a solution for an issue they are facing. Groups present their proposals to the community in a public forum.
• Juniors also begin to look beyond high school, completing traditional courses required for college admission and considering how they want to apply their education to make a difference in their future communities. Students and families receive additional resources and guidance to help them navigate the college admissions process.

When not finalizing their college applications or preparing for optional Advanced Placement exams, students spend the first semester of their senior year engaging in idea generation and determining the focus of their Capstone Project for semester two. They build on the leadership foundation developed in earlier years, applying their skills to navigate independence, collaboration, and decision-making as they prepare for college and life beyond FVS.

The FVS Senior Advantage

Students who complete the Global Scholar Diploma (GSD) or the Senior Capstone Project graduate with an advanced skillset, ready to excel in college and beyond:

• Executive-Level Research and Analysis: Students master graduate-level research methods, including formulating essential questions, synthesizing complex literature, and producing a comprehensive, data-driven academic paper.
• Professional Communication and Storytelling: Students develop the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence, culminating in a formal, high-stakes presentation (such as a TED-style Talk) and creating professional-quality digital deliverables (e.g., podcasts, websites).
• Project Management and Mentorship: Students act as independent project managers, adhering to rigorous timelines, developing action plans, and practicing professional networking by successfully researching, contacting, and interviewing field experts for guidance.
• Global Systems Thinking (GSD) & Real-World Application (Capstone): Students learn to analyze a self-selected topic through multiple lenses—cultural, political, and historical—and translate that deep understanding into a tangible Community Impact Plan or a career-focused project.
• Self-Advocacy and Independent Learning: By driving their own projects from concept to completion, students develop profound self-awareness, improve their work style, and cultivate the self-advocacy necessary to navigate a university setting and lead professional endeavors.

*Students who wish to pursue a Global Scholar / STEM Diploma must begin the process in their junior year and may use this work as part of their culminating Capstone experience.