Academics
At Valley Christian Schools, students progress through a rigorous, high-quality, standards-aligned, faith-integrated academic curriculum. We focus on nurturing the academic growth of individual students and equipping each student to make wise, life-defining choices regarding his or her individual college, career, and life calling. Regular, on-going assessment and data-driven review of our instructional programs aid VCS in implementing a continuous cycle of instructional improvement.
Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through a student’s senior year, our instructional program is designed to foster the academic growth of each student and to ensure students demonstrate respect for God, others, and themselves, empathize with the needs of others, and develop the social-emotional skills necessary to mature into men and women conformed to Christ’s image. Title and Special Education Services are described elsewhere. We might consider combining all these components under Academics.
Elementary School
To ensure a solid foundation for our youngest students, elementary teachers implement high-quality core curriculum resources in reading and math. Our reading and math programs align with Ohio Content Standards and are highly rated by Ohio Materials Matter, a program that partners with EdReports to review curricula and determine standards alignment. Teachers integrate science and social studies standards into reading lessons supporting learning outcomes for these important content areas. In addition, elementary students at VCS participate in daily Bible lessons and weekly chapel services. Art, music, and physical education classes complete the elementary program.
Intermediate School
Students in grades 3-8 attend the Intermediate School. Our Intermediate students continue to engage with the same high-quality core reading and math resources they first encountered in elementary school. However, science and social studies resources specifically aligned to content standards for students in grades 3-8 are utilized to meet the instructional needs of these students. The Intermediate School is departmentalized at all grade levels, allowing teachers to follow their passions and dig deep into their content standards. Intermediate students also participate in daily Bible classes and weekly chapel services. Beginning in fifth grade, students have the opportunity to participate in band or choir. All intermediate students enroll in weekly physical education, art, and computer classes.
High School
Valley Christian High School offers opportunities for all students to be challenged and to grow academically. Our nurturing teachers intentionally build relationships with students and create classrooms where students are comfortable asking questions and taking risks. Honors classes and AP classes are available to students who will flourish in these unique environments. Students also benefit from our high school’s commitment to technology education as evidenced by courses like 3D Printing, Coding, and Graphic Design. A full listing and description of our high school courses can be found in the VCS Curriculum Guide and Academic Catalog. To build upon these offerings, Valley Christian High School partners with Youngstown State University and Eastern Gateway Community College to provide the College Credit Plus program to our students.
Special Education
A percentage of VCS students receive Special Education services for an identified disability. These professional services are based upon and are consistent with the school’s Christian worldview that God loves all of creation, including individuals with disabilities. Special Education services at VCS include K-12 intervention services in both self-contained and inclusion settings, related services, and vocational services in an extended options program. VCS is committed to educating each student in their least restrictive environment and maintains a commitment to keeping the inclusion intervention specialist-to-student ratios far below the ratios outlined in the Ohio Administrative Code at no more than ten children during any one instructional period.
Gifted Education
In addition, a percentage of VCS students receive Gifted and Gifted Potential services. These professional services are based upon and are consistent with the school’s Christian worldview that giftedness is just that: a gift from God given to individuals for the purpose of serving others and bringing glory to God. Gifted and Gifted Potential services at VCS include individual, small-group, and large group instruction by a teacher trained in gifted education.