Valley Christian Policies & Criteria

As a "nurturing" Christian school, Valley Christian Schools seeks to admit students that have parents who will support the school’s Mission and educational philosophy. VCS instructs students under the delegated authority of their parents in harmony with their various local congregations. VCS exists to assist parents in fulfilling this God-given responsibility to properly train and formally educate their children (Ephesians 6:4) (VCS Policy Manual, 120).

Parents: All Valley Christian Schools’ parents are to be united in purpose and actively supportive of the school. Valley Christian Schools exists to primarily serve students of parents who support Christian values (Hanson Bridgett Memo, 10-2-98). All parents and students are encouraged to regularly attend a congregation of their choice (VCS Policy Manual, 110.1).

Students: Valley Christian Schools purposes to challenge each student to achieve his or her utmost potential with rigorous academics, positive social relationships, Christian moral values and physical growth opportunities (VCS Policy Manual, 110.1).

Quality education at Valley Christian Schools means accepting learners mentally, spiritually, physically and academically as they have been created. It means teaching students at their individual level of understanding and providing instruction at a pace at which they can succeed to their highest potential (VCS Policy Manual, 120).

The admission assessment process includes:

Academic Assessment: Applicants are given examinations in English grammar, math computation, reading comprehension, and word recognition during the student interview. Nationally standardized achievement tests scores and report cards assist in assessing student achievement. A Student Response Form and a written personal biography initiate the evaluation of skills in handwriting, spelling, vocabulary and composition (Procedures Manual, 512).

Character References: Parents of students making application should either A) submit references from a member of the clergy and an educator or B) submit a reference from an educator such as a teacher or principal and a written statement that explains their desire for a formal education that is based on Judeo-Christian values as found in the Bible and reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (Procedures Manual, 512).

Attitude: The admissions officer considers the attitude and desires of the student towards attending VCS (Procedures Manual, 512).

Admission applications are distributed without any screening of the faith of the person making an inquiry although parents and students must demonstrate that they are supportive of Christian values (Hanson Bridgett Memo, 10-2-98; Procedures Manual, 510). The following statement is taken from the Skyway Campus loan covenants and is in the VCS Procedures Manual:

The school shall not discriminate in the admission of its students in its offers of financial or other aid to students nor shall it discriminate among its students, on the basis of religious belief. It shall not in the operation of its school, favor or disfavor students on the basis of their religious beliefs such that a reasonable student would assume that the benefits of the school would be more likely conferred upon him or her if the student adopted certain religious beliefs or practices. It shall not impose requirements that would tend to discourage prospective students of different religious persuasions from making application to the school or students of different religious persuasions from availing themselves of the school’s program (Procedures Manual, 510.3).

Admission to Valley Christian Schools is to be considered a privilege and will be granted upon receipt of a written application and personal interview with both of the parents and the prospective student (VCS Policy Manual, 511.1).

All students and parents should be encouraged to regularly attend a congregation of their choice (VCS Policy Manual, 511.2).
Students may be admitted if the parents and student(s) are supportive of Christian values and VCS. Upper grade students should be open to examining reflectively the Christian faith and values. These decisions would be at the discretion of the admissions officers on a case by case basis (VCS Policy Manual, 511.3).

The administrator of each campus will be responsible for administering and evaluating admission procedures for appropriate grade placement. The student shall display proper behavior and academic potential. Outside assistance (e.g., therapy or tutorial) may be required as a condition of student acceptance (VCS Policy Manual, 511.4).

Parents must cooperate with the teachers and support the school (VCS Policy Manual, 511.5).

To qualify for admission, students must not be married, not be actively parenting, and must be living under the authority of their parent(s) or guardian(s) (VCS Policy Manual, 511.6).

Prior to admission or re-enrollment, parents must sign a Substance Abuse Testing Consent Form for all junior high and high school students (VCS Policy Manual, 511.3). See Appendix B - Forms

Generally, students must be able to demonstrate that their academic achievement is at least as high as the grade level to which they are seeking admission, as determined by report card grades in high school, in addition to nationally normed achievement tests or an admission test in grades K-8. It should be noted that the average grade level achievement nationally is lower than the average achievement level of students enrolled at Valley Christian Schools. The student's attitude and behavior must be acceptable to be admitted to the school. Students who are unable to demonstrate grade level performance abilities may apply to a lower grade level or be recommended by the Principal, teacher or parent to the Discovery Center for an assessment to determine if the student qualifies for special education program (VCS Policy Manual, 512).

As a matter of policy, the school principals are to admit students in accordance with Valley Christian Schools' Core Mission Statement (VCS Policy Manual, 512.1).

Doctrines that divide the denominations represented in the student body are not to be promoted in school. A pupil raising a question concerning such a doctrine is to be referred to his/her parents or to his/her clergy (VCS Policy Manual, 133; Bylaws, Article III, B). VCS voluntarily renews annual membership in the Association of Christian Schools International and subscribes to the ACSI Christian philosophy of education and faith that is commonly held by all member schools (VCS Policy Manual, 133; Bylaws, Article II).

VCS will not knowingly accept or maintain enrollment of a student with chronic discipline or emotional problems (Procedures Manual, 512).