Daily Schedule — Monday to Friday
6:00Quiet hours end
7:15–8:00Breakfast
7:45Morning roll call
8:15–8:25Morning assembly
8:30–3:30Classes (Periods 1–8)
12:35–1:05Lunch
3:30–5:30Extracurricular activities / free time
5:30–6:00Dinner
6:30–9:20Study hall (except Fridays)
10:20Lights out
10:30Quiet hours begin
Daily Schedule — Saturday
7:30–8:00Breakfast
8:00–12:00Phone time
12:00–12:30Lunch
12:30–17:30Walmart shopping / public library
17:30–18:00Dinner
18:30–21:20Free time
22:20Lights out
22:30Quiet hours begin
Daily Schedule — Sunday
7:30–8:00Breakfast
8:00–12:00Free time
12:00–12:30Lunch
12:30–17:30Organized activities
17:30–18:00Dinner
18:30–21:20Evening study hall
22:20Lights out
22:30Quiet hours begin
Boarding Life
Mentor ProgramEvery student is assigned a mentor who meets with them every one to two weeks to understand how they are doing and help with academics, daily life, roommate relationships, health, and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to reach out to teachers, and mentors coordinate with the school, parents, and professionals when needed.
DormitoriesFully renovated in spring 2025, with separate wings for boys and girls. Rooms are bright and comfortable, some with private bathrooms, housing 2–4 students each. Students keep their own rooms clean; shared bathrooms fully protect privacy, common areas are cleaned daily, and residential staff conduct daily checks.
Dining HallBuffet-style meals blending Chinese and Western cuisine, with staff and students dining together. Lunch and dinner each offer 3–5 main dishes plus rice, bread, soup, salad, drinks, and milk. Alumni consistently call the VIA dining hall the gold standard of American school cafeterias.
LaundryFull-size washers and dryers are available for free in each dormitory wing; students buy their own detergent and dryer sheets. Learning to use the machines properly is treated as part of the school's education.
Activity Areas & ParkOn-campus common areas offer board games, ping-pong tables, and reading areas. Shenandoah County Park next door provides baseball, tennis, and volleyball courts, basketball courts, disc golf, and walking trails, which students may use free of charge with a teacher.
Weekend Activities
Friday EveningThe weekend begins after Friday dinner with no study hall. Teachers and students often watch sports or shows together, or play games.
Saturday MorningPhone time runs 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students may use the school Wi-Fi to make video or voice calls home and ease the week's stress.
Saturday AfternoonStaff drive students by school van to a nearby Walmart (students may use a weekly $20 allowance for personal items or snacks) and to the public library.
SundayA wide range of organized activities: watching games and competitions, visiting exhibitions, touring Washington, D.C. museums and landmarks, hiking, fishing, rafting, zip-lining, shopping, movies, and food exploration.
Sunday EveningAfter dinner, students attend evening study hall to prepare for the week ahead.
Electronic Device Policy
Phones (Grades 7–9)Each student may bring one phone, held by staff. It may be used only on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with school Wi-Fi. Teachers decide whether phones may be carried on weekend outings. Misuse may result in suspension of phone privileges; the school may inspect phone content.
Computers (Grades 7–9)Laptops may not be brought to school.
Computers (Grades 10–12)In addition to a phone, one laptop may be brought for academic use, held by staff and used only in designated locations under supervision.
Prohibited DevicesInternet-capable tablets (e.g., iPad), media players, smartwatches, and e-readers (e.g., Kindle) are not permitted. Music devices may not be used during class, meals, or study hall.
ViolationsUsing a phone or internet-capable device at a prohibited time or place is a serious violation. The device is confiscated without return, and further discipline — including expulsion — may follow.
Language Policy
BackgroundVIA understands that international students are used to their native language, but relying on it hinders communication with American teachers and slows English development. Students are encouraged to join class discussions and interact often with teachers and American peers as active members of the community.
Dormitory ExceptionDormitory rooms are students' rest space and are exempt from the policy. Students who are sick or injured and cannot express themselves accurately in English may speak with staff in their native language.
Where It AppliesEnglish is required in all public areas — the dining hall, classrooms, school van, gymnasium, and hallways.
PenaltiesEach week from Sunday, students who do not use English as required may face penalties such as a verbal warning, push-ups, restricted activities, or reduced/cancelled weekend phone time.