A central academic building at Valley View School will undergo a major renovation this summer. This building houses the computer and science labs, several classrooms, and the music room. However, this is not simply a campus makeover; the project will be in honor of Dr. Philip Spiva, the founder of Valley View School and its executive director, for 47 years.
Dr Spiva was a visionary. In 1970, he saw the need for a school serving struggling boys that had many of the characteristics of a traditional boarding school, with the addition of supportive academics and strong therapeutic engagement. After purchasing a 215-acre farm in Central Massachusetts, Dr. Spiva founded one of the first therapeutic boarding schools in the nation. His entire professional life was dedicated to this mission. Dr Spiva passed away in 2017, and as a final act of devotion, he named Valley View School as the sole beneficiary of his trust. Resources from this trust will be used to fund the renovation. The refurbished building will also be renamed the Philip G Spiva Academic Center.
Rick May, Executive Director of Valley View School, offered the following perspective: “The renovation of this school building will be a special opportunity to upgrade our campus while recognizing Dr. Spiva for his vision and dedication to the therapeutic community and Valley View School.”
To avoid disrupting the academic program, all construction will be completed during the summer term, and the building will be fully operational by the start of the next school year. An official christening of the Spiva Center will be held during Parents Weekend in October.
About Valley View School
Valley View School is a small, private therapeutic boarding school serving boys in grades 6-12. Our campus is situated on 215 acres of forests and rolling hills in the heart of New England, just 90 miles outside of Boston.