Departments
Bible
It is the goal of the Bible department to equip students to understand the basic convictions, beliefs, and practices of the Christian faith, with emphasis on the Reformed perspective. In addition, we want to assist students in gaining insight into how this perspective informs their worldview and everyday practices in preparation for interaction with other faith communities, belief systems, and cultures in our world.
Fine Arts
The VCHS Fine Arts Department believes that creativity is a gift from God. Through daily work and practice, this belief is impressed onto our students that their creative process and their talents are a God-given gift which should be used and appreciated. We stress that we are "wonderfully and fearfully made" and try to teach within all of our courses, the appreciation of creation and nature as it relates to the fine arts. One unit of fine art is required for graduation.
NOTE: For the college-bound student, fine art courses should to be taken in the same discipline, but not necessarily in concurrent semesters (eg, two semesters of drawing).
Language Arts
The Language Arts Department seeks to develop within each student Christian discernment through the study of literature and writing. Because literature is about expression and communication, it is vital for students to be able to think critically and communicate effectively in their relationships with their fellow men and with God. Through the study of literature and writing, students develop a sensitivity to the use of language, grow in the understanding of God's created world, gain an appreciation of other cultures, and observe the mystery and complexity of each person and his/her creative mode. In the light of God's Word, students also develop insight into the moral nature of the universe and the transcendent issues of good and evil present in our society. Thus students can become more effective representatives of Christ in the world when they leave Valley Christian High School.
Mathematics
"Mathematics is the language in which God wrote the universe.” Galileo Galilei
Our calling as teachers of mathematics in the Valley Christian Schools is to fulfill the school’s mission statement by:
INFORMING students by presenting the God-given mathematical laws governing creation. FORMING within our students an appreciation of mathematical ideas to enable students to better see God’s handiwork in creation, and an understanding of mathematical ideas to enable students to think logically, systematically, and critically, in order to solve hypothetical and practical problems.
TRANSFORMING students into Christ-like citizens who can effectively communicate and apply their appreciation and understanding of mathematics for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
When God created the world, He created a world of order, of relationships, and of causes and effects. Mathematics is the part of created reality that deals with space and numbers. It is through math that man has attempted to articulate what he comes to observe of the universe; we are repeatedly reminded that the world in which we live is ordered because our Creator made it that way. As we study the various topics of math, students should see reality, gaining a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the created world around us. As students learn the language and structure of mathematics, they will grow in their understanding of the created world in which we live and in their ability to observe and articulate what they see, becoming better stewards as they live their lives in service to the Creator.
MATH DEPARTMENT FLOW CHART
The Math Department at VCHS feels that math is important to a well-rounded course of study for the secondary student. Students are encouraged to take as many math courses as they can successfully handle to prepare for the increasing demands of our technological society.
VCHS requires every student to successfully complete three years of high school math. Due to the sequential nature of math, it is important to have a strong foundation in one area before moving on to more difficult concepts. To increase the success in future math courses, your counselors and the Math Department require students to repeat any semester in which they have not met the prerequisites before progressing to the next math course.
The California colleges and universities require three years of college preparatory math that includes Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. UC schools recommend Pre-Calculus.
Below is a sample of the Math Department's flow for a student depending on that student's future plans.
Required courses are in italic text (three years); non-required courses are not italic.
9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade(optional) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
College-Bound, Half-Pace Track | ALGEBRA 1A | ALGEBRA 1B | GEOMETRY or INFORMAL GEOMETRY | ALGEBRA 2 |
College-Bound, Traditional Track | ALGEBRA 1 | GEOMETRY | ALGEBRA 2 | ADVANCED MATH OR HONORS |
College-Bound, Advanced Track | GEOMETRY | ALGEBRA 2 | ADVANCED MATH or HONORS | AP CALCULUS, CALCULUS, AP STATISTICS |
College-Bound, Accelerated Track | ALGEBRA 2 | HONORS ADVANCED MATH | AP CALCULUS AB, CALCULUS, AP STATISTICS | AP CALCULUS AB, AP CALCULUS BC, AP STATISTICS |
Physical Education
The physical education department seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle that honors our Lord and acknowledges that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is our goal to help develop well rounded individuals that possess the knowledge, skills and desire to maintain a lifetime of physical fitness, incorporating a wide range of traditional sport activities and special interests. Students may not take more than one PE course per semester.
A student must earn a total of 2.0 credits in PE in order to graduate. Credits can be earned by taking a PE class (0.5 credits per semester), taking a Wilderness Challenge class (0.5 credits per year), or participating in an athletic or cheer team (max 0.5 credits per year, regardless of how many seasons). If credit has not been earned in one of the previous ways, an annual 0.5 credit for athletic participation for sports outside of VC can be awarded on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the principal. Students must apply for this credit during the relevant academic school year.
Science
The Science education at Valley Christian High School is centered on God the creator and sustainer of the universe. God reveals Himself, not only in His Word, but also in His creation. This is clearly supported in scripture: "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). Science instruction offers a unique opportunity to study God through His general revelation. By engaging science, students begin to better understand God and comprehend the interconnections and interdependencies within His planet Earth.
The science department faculty facilitates and guides students in active and scientific inquiry. Students are involved in the scientific mode of inquiry: a cycle of reflection, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation and evaluation. Students at VCHS learn science by doing. This includes designing and building, calibrating instruments, collecting, constructing physical and mathematical models and testing ideas. VCHS students acquire the skills necessary to make informed decisions that positively affect their lives, the lives of others, and the planet on which they live.
Below is a SAMPLE of the Science Department's course sequence for a student depending on the diploma track.
All Lab Science courses are approved for credit by the University of California.
Required courses are in BOLD; other courses are optional.
9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional | Integrated Science | Biology |
Chemistry or Honors Chemistry or Electives |
Electives (Human Anatomy, Zoology, Astronomy, Perspectives on Faith & Science) |
Accelerated | Biology |
Chemistry or Honors Chemistry |
Physics or Human Anatomy or Electives |
Physics, AP Physics, Human Anatomy, AP Biology or Electives |
Social Studies
The mission of the Social Studies department is to provide VCHS students with a broad factual base for the purpose of recognizing the differences between fact and opinion, and to help them to better understand the complexities of past and contemporary events and issues. We also strive to develop and nurture cognitive skills that lead the students to the recognition and appreciation of God’s design for their place in society. It is our hope and prayer that these skills would assist in transforming our students into Christ-like citizens who will continue to strive to live out God’s design for the betterment of society.
The Social Studies Department provides educational tours and opportunities on a rotating bases to various European cities that have included London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome, Florence, Venice, and Pompeii. Local field trips sponsored by the department include the Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan Presidential Libraries.
Below is a sample of the Social Science Department's flow for a student depending on that student's future plans.
9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Regular,CSU | GEOGRAPHY | WORLD HISTORY | US HISTORY | GOVERNMENT, ECONOMICS |
Advanced, UC | GEOGRAPHY | AP WORLD HISTORY | AP US HISTORY | AP GOVERNMENT |
World Languages
The importance of world languages at Valley Christian High School goes beyond basic academic requirements. It aligns with the broader mission of fostering cultural understanding, global outreach, effective communication, and service rooted in Christian values. Learning world languages promotes cross-cultural understanding while fostering an appreciation for the diversity of God's creation. This aligns with Christian teachings of love, acceptance, and understanding of different cultures and people. Proficiency in world languages equips students for global outreach and mission work. Valley Christian values service to communities worldwide, and language skills are crucial for effective communication and connection during outreach.
The World Language Department provides educational tours and opportunities on a rotating basis to various European cities that include Spain, London, Paris, Italy, and Germany.
Below is a sample of the World Language Department's flow for a student depending on that student's future plans. Students may take a proficiency test for 9th grade placement in a class other than Spanish 1.
9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
---|---|---|---|
Spanish 1 | Spanish 2 | Spanish 3 or Honors | Spanish 4 or AP Spanish |
Spanish 2 | Spanish 3 or Honors | Spanish 4 | AP Spanish |