ABOUT
FAQ
We believe that a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum is foundational to developing students who think well and possess core competencies for academic and vocational success. At each grade level, our curriculum meets and exceeds California state standards. For core subjects (Math, English, Social Studies, Science and Bible), we select a best-in-class, evidence-based curriculum to support a rigorous academic experience. Hands-on learning, curious inquiry and the development of critical thinking are central components of our methodology. As a regular part of the curriculum, students have opportunities to participate in international competitions, speech meets, performing and fine arts, PE, foreign language (Spanish) and the Innovate and Create Institute, our project-based STEM learning center.
We have built a very specific VCA culture, and our admissions process is designed to identify students and families who embody this culture through shared values and commitment to excellence. We look for a “whole child” fit with VCA’s program, and consider a variety of academic, social, and spiritual factors when making admissions decisions.
Families who desire truly excellent academics without the high-pressure environment that defines many “elite” schools will thrive here. Although we have high academic standards and consistently maintain test scores well above the national private school average, we also value life balance, curiosity, and risk-taking. Sometimes people define excellence as rigor, which means hours of homework and high-stakes testing. We believe in challenging our students, but too much focus on “rigor” creates students who are overly concerned with grades over real learning. This is reflected in our culture.
Small class sizes help us to provide individualized instruction to students. For preschool, we maintain a 6:1 ratio and have two adults in the classroom at all times. Elementary classrooms are capped at 20 students with a full-time teacher in each class and a full-time grade-level aide that is shared by the two classrooms of each grade. Because we have multiple advanced math tracks and a variety of electives in middle school, class sizes can vary from 8-18 students. An average class size is approximately 15-17 students, providing ample time for individualized instruction and helping students maximize their potential.
Each year, parents identify safety as one of the highest areas of satisfaction on our annual survey. That’s because safety is a priority that is proven by the measures we have taken. During school hours, all doors are locked and accessible only through badges. All visitors must check in through a system that completes an instant background check, and volunteers and staff are fingerprinted and thoroughly background checked. We employ a full-time armed security officer who patrols our campus during school hours. We also take emotional safety seriously. Our teachers are trained in “Love and Logic,” and we have a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying.
We do everything we can to ensure that finances are not a barrier for students attending VCA. Our students come from all socioeconomic levels, which we consider a blessing, as it reflects the whole body of Christ. We offer internal financial aid available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage families to apply for financial aid immediately after applying for admission. Financial Aid. Applications are vetted by a third party, and tuition assistance is awarded according to family need. In addition, VCA partners with external scholarship and assistance organizations like The BASIC Fund and GoKIDS.
Excellent Christian education is built on the premise that all truth is God’s Truth, and as such, we examine every subject through the lens of what is good, beautiful, and true. Because we believe that God is the author of all wisdom and knowledge, we look for evidence of His work in every subject — math, science, history and literature — not just stand-alone Bible classes. Our goal is that students will see learning as a gift from God, and all of life, including every subject studied in school, as an opportunity to understand His world.
All of our staff and teachers are committed followers of Jesus and desire to follow His example with their whole lives. We are not perfect, but we teach and model grace, forgiveness, kindness, compassion and service, and this permeates the atmosphere of our school.
No. We welcome all students and families who value a strong academic and moral learning environment. Many parents find that even if they don’t consider themselves Christians, they are supportive of their children learning about the life of Jesus Christ, including how to love others unconditionally, protect the vulnerable, live with humility, and work with excellence, no matter who is watching. We do require that parents understand that we are strongly committed to teaching from our Christian worldview and attest to their support in the educational process, Statement of Faith.
Our desire is that each student who attends VCA is set up to succeed; therefore, for students with IEPs or 504 plans, we require families to share those documents with our school admissions office at the beginning of the application process. We determine on a case-by-case basis whether we can support the accommodations needed by your student. Our Extended Care Program (ECP) is designed to support students with learning differences, and our teachers go above and beyond to work with parents to help their child succeed. VCA contracts with Occupational Therapy and speech therapists who offer on-site services for students who need additional support. This is provided at an additional per hour cost.
Over the past several years, our nation has become increasingly aware of the negative impact technology has had on learning in the classroom. That’s why our school leadership has led a technology refinement initiative to drastically reduce screen time and maintain tech usage that is truly beneficial and necessary. This initiative includes:
Furthermore, smart watches and phones are not allowed on campus during the school day. Students only use computers for a few select programs that have documented educational value. Examples include IXL Math, Accelerated Reader (AR), and the DeepRoots Bible curriculum. which are loaded with carefully-selected apps that are vetted for instructional value.
Our goal is that students use technology to create rather than consume; and to be equipped to solve real-world challenges. Since we live in the tech capital of the world, our Innovate & Create Institute [link to ICI] and other courses give students the skills they need to create and to keep current on technological tools they will need for the future.
Our goal is that students use technology to create rather than consume; and to be equipped to solve real-world challenges. Since we live in the tech capital of the world, our Innovate & Create Institute and other courses give students the skills they need to create and to keep current on technological tools they will need for the future.
For further exploration, watch our parent education learning session on “The Anxious Generation”.
A warm and deeply connected community is a hallmark of the VCA experience. This is not just a place to drop your child off to go to school; it is a place of deep belonging for parents as well as students. Every child is known and regularly prayed for by name.
Frequent community events draw families together and provide lots of fun, both in and outside of school hours. It’s common for parents to linger after morning drop-off or gather to chat at Venture Coffee. Parent volunteers personally reach out to welcome all new students and families. Blue & Gold
The VCA community is diverse (our students speak dozens of languages at home), but we emphasize our unity in Christ. Our school-wide theme last year was “We Are One,” based on Psalm 133:1: “How good it is when God’s people live together in unity.” We view our incredible diversity as a rich part of the VCA experience: one that strengthens the unity we share through our common mission.
Teachers at VCA consider teaching a calling, and are committed to developing students’ minds and spirits. We intentionally create and emphasize an atmosphere of service and kindness. Teachers lead mentor groups and model Christian values. We weave intentional biblical ethics and values into everyday lessons, service opportunities, and chapel lessons.
Active parent involvement is a vital part of creating a deep knit sense of community at VCA! The Blue & Gold is our parent association that helps with classroom and all-school events, supports teachers, adds to school spirit and welcomes new families.
Parents have an open invitation to attend spirit assemblies, chapels and community events, and many parents find those events meaningful. Parents also enjoy volunteering with our library, art studio, Innovate & Create Institute, and with assemblies and musical performances. Whatever your passions and availability, there is a place for you to participate. Parents
Yes. We believe that uniforms reduce distractions and create an environment conducive to learning. Uniform pieces are easily purchased through our online provider. Fridays are “spirit days” when students can wear school t-shirts that have our school theme, along with jeans.
Your first step is to fill out an online application, which includes a teacher recommendation, and submission of your child’s most recent report card and standardize test scores. Once we have that, we’ll schedule in-person assessment and family interview. For families interested in pre-K or kindergarten, we encourage you to apply early, since those spots fill up quickly. Apply
VCA’s Innovate and Create Institute is a cornerstone of our mission to prepare students for the future God has planned for them. ICI equips students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to thrive in a world shaped by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on learning, creativity and collaboration, students learn to think critically, solve problems and bring their ideas to life. They develop technical skills and grow as responsible digital citizens who use technology wisely and ethically. ICI offers a robust scope and sequence for students K-8, and a rotation of electives for middle schoolers, as well as after-school enrichment courses that focus on specific design challenges.