Valley Christian :: Elementary School


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Academic Overview

The curriculum at Valley Christian Elementary encompasses seven basic subjects; English, reading, math, science, history, spelling, and Bible. In addition, the children attend classes in physical education or primary p.e., computer science, music, and art. FAME (Fine Arts Mini Experience) is presented to all of our students five times a year. Children may also participate in ballet, choir, drama, music and/or Spanish as an extracurricular activity, offered after school.

Each class covers the same curriculum but it is taught at a pace and in a way that addresses a student’s specific learning style. Valley Christian Elementary also offers TAG (Talented and Gifted) classes in math and English for students who have scored in the gifted range on the Otis Lennon and demonstrated above average capabilities on standardized tests and in their classroom work. Children with identified learning differences in grades first through fourth are placed in the SGI (Small Group Instruction) class with a teacher, aid and twelve students. Again, the same curriculum is used but is taught in a way that best enables academic success for these children so that no child is left behind.

Starting in the 2008-09 school year we are pleased to announce the addition of the Junior High Enchrichment Wheel to the sixth grade curriculum. German, Spanish, American Sign Language and Study Skills are all included in the Enrichment Wheel. This class will be attended daily with a quarterly rotation to provide all students with the opportunity to experience each course.

Through the Enrichment Wheel, students will be introduced to the culture of the countries where each language is spoken, as well as vocabulary and well-known scriptures.

The students will also be involved in a Study Skills class, which will provide the students with organizational, note-taking, test-taking, listening and time management skills that will benefit them as they progress through junior and senior high.

At Valley Christian Elementary School, not all of the education takes place in the classroom. Our students are presented with a myriad of opportunities to experience their textbook learning in the real world. During the year, our classrooms visit the tide pools, the San Francisco Symphony, San Juan Bautista mission, local farms and ecological gardens, programs offered by the University of California at Berkley, and the Lawrence Livermore Lab, to name a few. The fourth graders visit the state capitol and the sixth graders spend a week at science camp. These experiences are valuable supplements to a demanding curriculum and instill in the students a desire to learn.

The path to matriculation may be different for each student but the goals are the same for each one:
To master fundamental training in reading, writing, math, science and history
To develop creative, critical and independent thinking skills so that the student can participate and contribute intelligently to our society
To stimulate interest in art, literature, music, and drama
To develop attitudes and abilities which will enable the individual to be adaptable within an environment of constant change
To provide opportunities for service to others and to God
To teach qualities consistent with good citizenship