Valley School of Ligonier: Viewbook

Valley School of Ligonier was founded more than 75 years ago by Constance Prosser Mellon and General R. K. Mellon, who envisioned “a happy, nurturing school, a place where children would build their academic skills, and—just as importantly—learn how to become responsible, humane adults.” From the start, Mrs. Mellon believed that students should experience opportunities to be courageous in their pursuits of academic excellence, moral fortitude, social responsibility, and physical wellness. Today, we honor her forward-thinking approach to education with our interdisciplinary curriculum and commitment to a positive school culture in which children build lifelong friendships, families connect, and community flourishes.

At Valley School, our core curriculum is just the beginning. Academics are carefully—and joyfully— balanced with outdoor education, arts, athletics, and crucial social-emotional learning.

At Valley School, we believe in developing thinkers. That means we encourage children to follow where their curiosity leads. Whether in the classroom or via experiential learning opportunities, we proudly watch as our students explore their passions, test new knowledge, and evaluate fresh insights. We celebrate the process of discovery and embolden children to contribute their creative and academic gifts to our school community.

In the world of today and tomorrow, just as important as intellectual growth is strong character. Our Valley Core Values are derived from our founding mission, and act as our guiding compass. By fostering children’s academic, social, and emotional skills, they lend to a better future world for us all.

Cultivate Wellness:

Physical & emotional well-being

Well-grounded confidence

Spirit of optimism

Engaged & open mind

Build Community:

• Empathy

Healthy relationships

Active engagement

Self & social awareness

Seek Wisdom:

Growth mindset

Pursuit of knowledge

Informed decision-making

Critical reflection

Embrace Integrity:

Cultivate Wellness

We support all community members as they create their foundation for physical and emotional wellbeing. We believe that individuals learn best when they grow in an environment that gives them an opportunity to develop a grounded sense of confidence, a persistent spirit of optimism, and an engaged open mind.

Seek Wisdom

We learn in a flexible, hands-on, intimate setting where the process of acquiring knowledge through individual pathways is equal to the content absorbed. It is our goal to develop a growth mindset and to maintain a community in which stretching minds is the norm. In our pursuit of knowledge, we learn that the purposeful application of wisdom defines character.

Embrace Integrity

In our classrooms, around the playground, upon the stage, on the sports fields, and beyond the school walls, we aim to uphold the highest levels of ethical behavior— kindness, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We seek to balance personal excellence and humility in our day-to-day interactions. With integrity we function successfully and cohesively as a community.

Build Community

To grow as individuals and as a school, we collaborate to reach our collective goals and support one another in the pursuit of personal goals. We strive to build relationships within our walls and to nurture connections with our extended community. Through knowledge of self, empathy, and service, we work together to create a culture that is inclusive and fulfilling.

discovery for al

We welcome you to come and explore all that Valley School can be for your child and family. For more information, or to schedule a visit, please call us at 724.238.5016.

One mission for all

In an environment that is safe, challenging, nurturing, and disciplined, Valley School provides a balanced and strong program of study for a diverse group of children. Our goal is to stimulate in each young person lifelong habits of moral behavior, seeking wisdom, and doing good works for others.