Purpose

Viper Ventures are experiential learning opportunities designed to enhance and extend the ACS curricular and co-curricular programs. The purpose of a Middle School Viper Venture experience is to expand intercultural understanding and invite both intrapersonal and interpersonal personal growth through off-campus experiential learning opportunities.

Each year, students may choose to participate in international or local experiences based on their interests.

The ACS Pillars 

An ACS Middle School Viper Venture experience will include each of our four pillars as guidelines:

• Academics - Endeavor to align to ACS academic standards

• Arts - Opportunities for cultural and creative experiences

• Athletics - Opportunities to experience activities that are not readily available at ACS

• Service - Opportunities aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)

Each experience is designed to include a reflective component that allows students to capture and process their learning throughout the week. Our goal is for each student to recognize the trip not just as an adventure, but as a meaningful and enriching learning opportunity.

Each grade-level team creates opportunities to prepare students for the educational focus of their Viper Venture. This focus may connect directly to curricular areas and supports our mission of developing engaged, impactful Global Citizens. Students continue this learning during the trip and extend it afterward through reflection and application. Post-trip, they may share their insights at a grade-level or division assembly, or at a student-parent evening event, ensuring their experiences have lasting impact.

 Our Core Values 

There is great importance in aligning these experiential learning opportunities to our core beliefs.

• Compassion: Taking actions to understand how others think and feel and appreciate the value of difference. 

• Courage: Having the confidence to take risks and do the right thing. 

• Curiosity: Being eager to learn and explore to gain a deeper understanding through inquiry and critical questioning. 

• Integrity: Being honest, fair and responsible in words and actions and staying true to one’s principles.