VIMSIA Admissions Brochure

VIMSIA Admissions Magazine
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VIMSIA Admissions Magazine
EDUCATION FOR LIFE
The Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy
(VIMSIA) is a Montessori and International Baccalaureate World School offering
globally acclaimed curricula. We educate in a green school environment with a
focus on Spanish Infusion and international-mindedness.
Our school is tri-accredited:
1. Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for Primary through Elementary
2. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for the Peter Gruber International
Academy (Grades 7th - 12th)
3. The Middle States Association (MSA) for all grade levels, La Casa through 12th grade.

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“Only through freedom
and environmental
experience is it
practically possible for
human development
to occur.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori

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LA CASA
Our La Casa is a toddler program for children fifteen months to three
years of age. This warm, caring, safe, educational environment follows
Montessori principles. The program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m,
with optional afternoon pickups at 3:30, 4:30, or 5:30 p.m.
This program follows the same VIMSIA calendar schedule.
Far Left, watering classroom plants allows toddlers to participate in the
care of their environment.
Left, baking and food preparation allow for development of fine motor
skills and independence.

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MONTESSORI
Our Montessori Program serves children between the ages of 3-12. We recognize the great value in a community comprised
of mixed ages and this is true throughout our program.
Another thread throughout our program is “Grace and Courtesy”. We believe strongly in treating each and every community
member with respect and dignity. We expect that from our students and constantly model this as a school.
All of our Montessori Directresses hold a Masters level diploma at their particular level from the Association Montessori
Internationale (AMI). The AMI governing board provides certification through consultation and professional development.

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PRIMARY
Our Primary Program includes children ages 3-6. Based on her
observations of human development, Dr. Maria Montessori
understood the ages of birth to 6 to be the time of self-construction.
Our prepared environments are designed to encourage the
development of Independence. Each environment is equipped with
materials that foster the refinement of the senses and aid in the
acquisition of literacy and mathematics.
ELEMENTARY
Our Elementary Program consists of two levels; Lower Elementary,
ages 6-9, and Upper Elementary, ages 9-12. The curriculum across
Elementary is referred to as Cosmic Education, which uses the
developing imagination of the child to support their own growing
intellect.
The program supports students in working together and
collaborating. While students are learning at their own pace, they
are constantly inspired by their peers.

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VIMSIA Admissions Magazine
PETER GRUBER
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
In 2011, Peter and Patricia Gruber partnered with VI Montessori School and
International Academy to advance global education for youth in the Virgin Islands.
The Gruber Foundation is a philanthropic organization that inspires and rewards
individuals who have created a fundamental shift in human knowledge and culture.
At the core of the International
Baccalaureate Programme is
the learner profile, 10 attributes
fostered in students that
promote their development
as responsible members of
their local, national and global
communities.
We are proud to carry on the name of one so deeply
reflective, knowledgeable, productive, and principled;
a global thinker, a lifelong learner, and a caring
contributor to our world.
The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is
globally renowned for its rigorous curriculum. The IB
Programme challenges students to think critically and
encourages them to inquire with care and logic. The
programme also prepares students to be active in
their community and to take their learning beyond the
IB learners strive to be:
• Inquirers
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers
• Balanced
• Reflective
classroom.

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MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)
MYP includes 7th through 10th Grades
The Middle Years Programme provides a student-centered educational experience
focused on developing knowledge and skills across a broad range of topics. Students
follow a curriculum comprised of eight subject groups that tie learning to real-world
contexts, integrate service learning opportunities, and build the skills necessary to
collaborate and communicate with others. MYP activities and assessments are designed to
encourage students to take risks as they tackle challenging topics that are both personally
and globally relevant. As MYP learners, students are encouraged to pursue lifelong
learning and inspired to take action on behalf of their school, community, and world.

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DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (DP)
DP includes 11th and 12th Grades
The Diploma Programme provides a rigorous, holistic educational
experience for students in grades 11-12. By studying six subject areas
concurrently over two years, students gain access to a breadth and balance
of content based on conceptual learning. Through the learning process of
inquiry, action, and reflection, the DP curriculum allows students to develop
academic skills needed for future success as they progress into further
education and beyond. The DP model of education promotes intercultural
understanding, education outside the classroom, and global engagement.

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GRADUATE SUCCESS
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme leads to a level of
qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities.
A 2015 research study showed that:
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Over 90% of DP participants graduating from
US high schools enrolled in US post-secondary
institutions compared with the national average
of 69%.
First year retention rates of DP participants
enrolled in four-year institutions was 98%, while
the national rate was 77%.
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The average four-year graduation rate of all DP
participants was 79% compared to a national
average of above 50%.
Source: Diploma Programme students’ enrollment and outcomes at US post-secondary institutions 2008–2014

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Class of 2020
The IB Diploma Programme is recognized internationally for upholding one of the highest standards in college preparatory
education. Over 1,000 colleges and universities in North America include IB Diplomas in admissions policies, college
credit and scholarships. As part of PGIA’s commitments to ensuring our students’ success before and after graduation, the
students in the Diploma Programme students take a College Seminar class that guides their college application process.
Throughout College Seminar, students explore careers and interests, complete practice tests, and prepare for the journey
to college and life post high school.

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WHAT SETS
US APART?

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Our classrooms extend to real life inside and outside -
on our Caribbean Island and to the outer reaches of the globe.
We touch, we feel, we build, we create, we collaborate, we learn.

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GREEN LEARNING FOR
GREEN LIVING
Sustainablity is at the forefront of all our campus operations.
VIMSIA installed its first solar array in 2007. Since 2012 we have
been 100% solar. Our current 212 KW solar system powers our
entire campus, including athletic field lighting and our fleet of
electric vehicles, and provides significant excess energy to
supplement the territorial electric grid.

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KEY
1. SOLAR ENERGY
2. SOLAR VEHICLES
3. CISTERN FOR GREY WATER ROAD RUNOFF
4. SEWAGE RECYCLED FOR IRRIGATION
5. RETENTION POND
6. NATURAL HABITAT CORRIDORS
7. RECYCLED TIRE WALL
8. RECYCLED UTILITY POLES
9. RECYCLED ASPHALT
10. ORGANIC GARDENING
11. BEEHIVES
12. BAT HOUSES
13. TREE BOA PRESERVE
14. LED LIGHTING
15. ADVOCATES FOR RECYCLING PLASTICS,
ALUMINUM AND INCANDESCENT LIGHTING

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TRAVEL
VIMSIA students have visited over 55 countries
since the inception of our travel programs in 2007.
These programs include, Danish Cultural Exchange,
End Session, Montessori Model United Nations,
Spanish Student Exchange, and The Weizmann
Institute of Science and Middle East Cultural Trek.
MMUN
Each year, VIMSIA’s 6th year students attend the
Montessori Model United Nations in New York along
with thousands of other students from around the
world. MMUN is an enriching experience that combines
scholarship and global citizenship.

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DANISH CULTURAL EXCHANGE
This week-long exchange focuses on the historical and
cultural ties between the US Virgin Islands and Denmark.
The trip is designed to explore not only the colonial history
in the Danish West Indies, but also how Danish society is
coming to terms with their colonial history and experience.
END SESSION
End Session is a three-week period after final exams when
PGIA students immerse themselves in a specific topic.
This program gives real-life experience while allowing for
reflection, community building, life skills, and academic rigor.
WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND
MIDDLE EAST CULTURAL TREK
Each year selected students in the 10th through 12th grade
travel to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel for a
three-day science camp with world-renowned scientists.
During the visit, students tour the Institute’s campus and
engage in small-scale scientific investigations. Students then
travel to cultural destinations such as the Yad Vashem and the
World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
SPANISH STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
We partner with international schools in various Spanish
speaking countries to provide an intense language immersion
and cultural experience for their students and ours.
Past exchange program partners were located in Madrid,
Spain and Boquete, Panama.

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ATHLETICS
CROSS COUNTRY
TRACK
BASKETBALL
At the Varsity and Junior Varsity our students compete in events organized by the Interscholastic
Athletic Association. Elementary sports leagues are typically organized by the Department of
Education and are considered part of VIMSIA’s after-school program offerings.
SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL

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AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
DANCE
SAILING
AERIAL YOGA
We have robust after-school program offerings open to our students
in Full Day Primary through 12th grade. Each semester brings exciting
options including: aerial yoga, cooking, chess, dance, drama, pottery,
robotics, sailing, soccer, and a variety of STEAM based classes.
CYBERLITERACY

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HOW TO APPLY
We welcome you to join our community.
VIMSIA accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the
year. Each student’s start date depends on class size.
vimsia.openapply.com

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CONTACT US
Email admissions@vimsia.org, call
340-775-6360 or visit vimsia.org for
more information on our enrollment
process!

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