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Our Story & Mission

Helping Boys Thrive

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive academic and therapeutic environment where boys can grow into the best version of themselves.

Originally founded in 1970, Valley View has evolved to meet the needs of today’s youth while staying true to the values that shaped our early years: strong relationships, academic support and accountability, and therapeutic care that considers the whole student.

We believe that meaningful change takes time, and that lasting progress happens best within a community built on consistency, respect, and accountability.

Director's Welcome
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Two young boys smiling and hugging each other outdoors in a park with green trees in the background.

A Vision Ahead of Its Time

Valley View School was founded in 1970 by Dr. Philip Spiva, a clinical psychologist who saw the need for something that did not yet exist, a small, structured boarding school where boys could grow at their own pace, guided by an empathetic and experienced staff. At a time when the term “therapeutic boarding school” was not part of the national dialogue, Dr. Spiva was quietly building one in central Massachusetts.

What he created was a program grounded in academic expectations, residential structure, and emotional support. It was a place where boys could feel understood, encouraged, and challenged to become more confident and capable versions of themselves.

That core philosophy still drives Valley View today.

Meet Our Team
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Evolving to Meet the Moment

Since 1970, Valley View has continued to evolve, integrating new insights from neuroscience, adolescent development, and educational best practices. While our values remain rooted in consistency, empathy, and connection, our clinical model and academic programming reflect the realities and complexities facing students and families today.

We have expanded therapeutic engagement, broadened clinical expertise, and strengthened academic support systems. Our goal is to balance tradition with innovation, always guided by the needs of the boys we serve.

Student Profile
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CONNECT WITH ADMISSIONS

Begin the Conversation

Reach out to start a conversation, schedule a call, or explore whether
Valley View is the right match for your family.

Connect with Admissions

AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

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A young woman with long blonde hair in pigtails, wearing a bright green hoodie and blue gloves, smiling while sitting at a desk with a young boy. The boy, with blond hair, is sitting across from her, wearing a white jacket with black stripes and holding a pen over a worksheet.