Serve Impact
WARRIORS.
WARRIOR EXPERIENCE
VCS MISSION
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment offering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
1960 1960
FOUNDING YEAR
Valley Christian Schools’ story began in 1956 during a Bible study hosted by Bud and Barbara Callisch. Here, David and Edie Wallace discussed and prayed about creating a Christian school dedicated to a nurturing Christ-centered environment and a curriculum that integrates biblical principles. The school opened its doors in 1960 at Los Gatos Christian Church.
ENROLLMENT | 447
Average Class Size
24:1 14:1
VCS VISION
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence TM
INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND ACADEMICS
A core distinctive of Valley Christian Schools is the seamless integration of faith with academics. High-quality academic programs are coupled with thoughtful conversations, enabling students to incorporate their Christian faith into every aspect of their education. This comprehensive approach equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and values to excel in the next phase of their educational journey as they navigate a dynamic world.
EXPERIENCE
15+
ENRICHMENT OFFERINGS
School-day classes in academics, the arts, and athletics.
OUR CAMPUS
Our Leigh Campus boasts newly remodeled classrooms with flexible seating and fully movable furniture, including desks, chairs, and storage modules. The carpeted floors add a homey, comfortable ambiance. Each classroom is equipped with exercise bikes and 1:1 technology. The campus also features a state-of-the-art science lab, library, and dedicated rooms for art, band, and music. With safety as a priority, our facilities are secured and monitored by advanced surveillance systems.
WARRIOR MASCOT
Walley the Warrior is Valley Christian Schools’ official mascot, named by our students after our founder, David Wallace. You can catch Walley at our sporting events or promoting our student-run store, Walley’s.
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
U.S. Department of Education - National Blue Ribbon School
APPROACH
VCS is celebrated for its exceptional academic programs that merge a nurturing environment and rigorous standards with a strong Christian foundation, equipping students for success in higher education and life. We use a unique educational framework, the A3 approach, which stands for Academic Excellence, Artistic Beauty, and Athletic Distinction. This holistic model aims to develop well-rounded students who excel not only in their studies but also in their creative and physical pursuits. This strategy ensures that our students are well-prepared with the knowledge, skills, character, and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
MEET OUR PRINCIPAL
“We are training our students to become effective, independent learners.”
I am privileged to serve as elementary principal at Valley Christian Schools. I taught high school English for several years, served in administration for seventeen years, and have seen all four of my children attend VCS. These multiple perspectives help me fully appreciate our amazing school. What I value most is the faith-based approach in all we do, the sense of community, and the K-12 scope of our programs. As an employee and parent, I can share from experience that this is a special place.
I am beyond grateful to lead a staff of experienced educators. From the classroom to the science lab, the band room to the athletic field, we have highcaliber teachers who put together quality classes to help our children discover their talents and develop their skill sets. Our students have unparalleled opportunities to unlock their passions in many areas. The educational opportunities are just one of the many qualities that make the Valley Christian campus stand apart.
Our educators’ strength, combined with our parents’ commitment, promotes an environment where students thrive.
It is exciting to hear how our parents, students, and teachers work together to create a rich culture and community. Events like our annual Pancake Breakfast, Jog-A-Thon, junior high transition events, and the End-of-Year Party help create lasting memories. Our efforts make a difference, as the sense of community fosters connection, joy, and belonging.
Sincerely,
Gabe Guven, EdD Principal Valley Christian Elementary School
ADMINISTRATION
Principal, Dr. Gabe Guven, gguven@vcs.net, (408) 362-2641
Vice Principal, Mrs. Lauren Maslyar, lmaslyar@vcs.net, (408) 362-2624
CARING • FUN
ACADEMICS
At VCES, faculty and staff foster a caring learning environment that is patient, encouraging, and tailored to the unique needs of each and every student.
SCHOLARS CREATORS INNOVATORS
Teachers challenge students at their individual levels through differentiated instruction, project-based activities, and the most up-todate and effective digital learning tools. The core academic program includes Bible, reading, language, writing, math, science, and social studies, and is designed to meet and exceed California state standards in the various academic disciplines. An extensive offering of enrichment classes and after-school programs, created to identify and nurture each student’s God-given potential, enhances the general curriculum.
STUDENT STORY
Being in the Valley community teaches me to care for and help others. You will learn a lot and make many friends at Valley.
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
NWEA MAP GROWTH ASSESSMENT
Each year, students second through fifth-grade score well above the national average for both Mathematics and Language Usage on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP Growth Assessment.
STAR READING
Students score well above the national average for reading comprehension.
IPAD PROGRAM
We are committed to utilizing the most effective digital learning tools. In kindergarten through third grade, students use iPads as interactive instructional devices, while all fourth and fifth graders use Chromebooks.
KINDERGARTEN CURSIVE
All students learn cursive beginning in kindergarten using the Slingerland methodology. This approach allows students to become proficient writers as they move through the elementary years.
CHALLENGE SUCCESS
Partnering with Challenge Success, a national educational organization, VCS’ mission is to create more balanced workloads, raise student engagement, and actively support the students in their pursuit of the biblical definition of success. Part of the initiative has included revisiting the homework policy to eliminate busy work, allowing for much needed downtime in the evening and resulting in positive overall changes both emotionally and academically for the students and their families.
VCES admits students with a wide range of academic abilities, prioritizing a diverse student body that represents many different talents.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
MATH OLYMPIAD
Select fourth and fifth graders meet weekly to prep for the worldwide Math Olympiad.
SOAR MATH
In lieu of traditional math class, selected fourth and fifthgrade students meet with a math specialist to learn an accelerated math curriculum and to prepare for various math competitions.
LIBRARY
Students meet with the school librarian twice a month. The focus of Library class is to learn the basics of library science and make reading selections based on the students’ interests and reading levels.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Spanish is taught weekly to all students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade. Instruction in colors, shapes, and numbers begins in kindergarten. By upper elementary, students are forming short sentences and increasing their vocabulary to include places in the community, months of the year, and days of the week. There is also exposure to the Hispanic culture through various projects.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer science aims to teach basic computer skills to develop 21st century learners. With the emergence of countless digital learning tools, students must be able to operate in an increasingly digital world. The curriculum focuses primarily on computer fundamentals, digital citizenship, and basic coding.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SOAR
K-12 SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Our students are on a Quest for knowledge, guided by caring teachers and supportive friends, to discover who God created them to be. Our specifically designed K-12 programs give students more opportunities than they ever thought possible, providing hands-on experiences in STEM, business and entrepreneurship, the arts, and athletics. Students will enter Valley Christian Junior High confident in who they are and prepared with the skills to think creatively and critically.
SPECIALIZED
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Through our AMSE and BEI classes, students develop creative-thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. These offerings introduce the concepts of STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills grounded in biblical principles.
ARTISTIC BEAUTY
The Kidservatory introduces elementary students to the exciting world of creative arts with enrichment classes, after-school offerings, private lessons, art exhibitions, and seasonal performances. Our K-12 faculty come from some of the finest conservatories in the world, including The Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Peabody Institute.
ATHLETIC DISTINCTION
The Athletics program strives to teach wellness concepts and physical skills that inspire students to embrace a proactive and healthy lifestyle. Valley Christian High School coaches and student-athletes mentor elementary students in various sports, incorporating lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork.
STUDENT STORY
I believe Valley Christian is the most advanced school that I have ever seen. I think it is a school that is really focused not only on education but Christianity. I also think it is very versatile. BEI made me realize creative ways to use everyday resources and how, in small ways, you can help others. In band, I learned so much music, had so many unique opportunities, and shared so many memories.
5 1st 14 $8K+
SOAR Math Team Won the Western Regional CML
Raised for Charity in BEI
Conservatory Areas of Emphasis
Sports Offered in Physical Education
DISCOVER AMSE
Applied Math, Science, & Engineering
Discover Applied Math, Science, and Engineering (AMSE) is the elementary branch of the AMSE Institute, which provides students with a K-12 pipeline of inspiration, instruction, and experience so that they might become successful innovators and world changers.
Designed to enhance the elementary school’s engaging science and math curriculum, Discover AMSE allows students to pursue their interests, laying the foundation for future success in these disciplines in junior high, high school, and beyond.
• First and second graders learn the importance of caring for the earth by tending a garden and growing vegetation in our Agri-Tech program.
• In our after-school Ocean Discovery program, kindergarten through third-grade students discover what lies deep beneath the ocean’s surface, furthering their scientific knowledge.
• Math Team participants learn to tackle problems by working with high school mentors in this after-school program. These third through fifth-grade students learn self-confidence while competing in local Math League competitions.
• Third through fifth-grade students can participate in the RoboQuest program, designed to introduce students to the exciting world of robotics through hands-on learning and engaging activities where they will use their skills to build their own robot.
DISCOVER AMSE SCIENCE
Life science, physical science, and Earth science units come alive as elementary students engage in hands-on experiences that reinforce the topics they learn. This program excites students’ interest in the discipline of science by teaching a more complete understanding of scientific concepts and reinforcing their knowledge of God’s Truth as revealed in the physical world.
DISCOVER AMSE AWARDS
ACSI Math Olympics
• Fourteen out of eighteen students received ribbons/medals in Reasoning and Computation
Continental Math League (CML) Computer Science Math competition
• One student was awarded the Western Regional Medal
Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS)
• 78% of students participating finished in the top 50%
DISCOVER BEI
Business, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation
The Discover Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (BEI) program starts by believing that every student is creative and has unique talents to share.
Students develop their creative-thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills through BEI programs. These offerings provide hands-on, project-based learning opportunities grounded in biblical principles while introducing the concepts of entrepreneurship.
As students learn to “serve others,” all the proceeds are donated to a Christian charity, and the value of giving to others is embedded into the curriculum. BEI high school students mentor, instruct, and guide our budding entrepreneurs and innovators during the after-school programs.
ACADEMICS
Creative Design Thinking (Fifth Grade)
Creative Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach that is at the heart of entrepreneurship and innovation. This elective class introduces the concept of creative and hands-on problem-solving through a five-step design thinking process.
PROGRAMS
• Lemonade Day - This experiential, hands-on after-school program helps third through fifth-grade students develop their entrepreneurial mindset by starting and operating a lemonade stand.
• The Young Expressionists - Valley Christian High School students provide after-school and summer programs in a variety of subjects including story creation, creative writing, science, and character design.
KIDSERVATORY Conservatory of the Arts
The Kidservatory introduces elementary students to the exciting world of creative arts, with school-day enrichment classes, after-school offerings, private lessons, arts exhibitions, and seasonal performances.
• Integrated curriculum with classes in art, music, and choir for all grade levels
• K-12 faculty from some of the finest conservatories in the world including, the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and the Peabody Institute
• All students graduate learning to play an instrument
• Multiple performances in theatre, dance, and music throughout the year
• Student Visual Arts show every year on the elementary campus
• Exciting after-school offerings
SCHOOL-DAY ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Artistic instruction is an integral part of the day-to-day school program. Each class meets with a music teacher for weekly general lessons, and by fourth grade, each student participates in the “Fourth Grade Wheel.” Instrumental instruction is part of the artistic, specialized program during the regular school day. Various vocal and instrumental groups perform several times a year at events throughout the community, such as Christmas at the California and the VCS Festival of the Arts.
ART
All K-5 students receive a foundation in visual art. Students showcase their work at the annual art show, and selected art is used in VCS publications, such as the all-school Christmas card and program illustrations.
K-3 MUSIC
All kindergarten through third-grade students meet weekly for vocal and general music instruction. Through the Orff Schulwerk approach to student learning, students learn rhythm, beat, melody, and participate in class with xylophones, conga drums, and various small, unpitched rhythm instruments. Student performers also sing at the annual Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts concerts.
FOURTH GRADE MUSIC WHEEL
Students participate in a year-long rotation of offerings in the performing arts, including orchestra, choir, drama, and band.
FIFTH GRADE MUSIC
All fifth-grade students select an instrument to play for the entire year.
ATHLETICS
Physical Education & Sports
We strive to teach wellness concepts and physical skills that will inspire students to embrace a proactive and healthy lifestyle.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students participate in PE twice a week, with a unique motor lab for kindergartners to further develop their motor skills. Some of the units of study include jump rope, bowling, tennis, foursquare, basketball, volleyball, softball, and physical fitness. All students are encouraged to participate and increase their dexterity.
FITNESS BIKES
We are committed to creating a classroom environment that speaks to the needs of active young learners – especially the need to move. All classrooms have a kid-sized fitness bike that is available for use throughout the day. Several teachers use standing desks and core strengthening sitting options. Both students and teachers integrate time to take ‘body breaks’ throughout the day.
MARCH MADNESS
One highlight of the school year for many students is the double-elimination March Madness Tournament in the spring. Students learn the value of teamwork, a healthy competitive spirit, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.
FIFTH GRADE BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL
Our Fifth Grade Basketball program runs from November to January and is offered three days a week for both boys and girls. Each team plays approximately three to five games during the season and is drilled on the fundamentals. This is a great opportunity for students to improve their skills and test them in competition.
LITTLE WARRIOR NATION
Little Warrior Nation (LWN) is an exciting extracurricular opportunity for all our students to learn the fundamentals of various sports. VCHS coaches and high school student-athletes from the different athletic disciplines work with our elementary students to teach skills and share devotions, testimonies, and lessons on teamwork and sportsmanship.
THE INSIDE LOOK
The Inside Look program offers fourth and fifth-grade students a unique opportunity to experience game day for VCHS student-athletes in football, basketball, and baseball. Each sport provides a distinctive experience, and all young Warriors will gain a deeper appreciation for the effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship required to participate on a high school team.
Athletics Lookbook
Athletics Website
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Students thrive in a Christ-centered learning environment as dedicated teachers motivate and inspire them. All students are encouraged to grow in their personal relationship with God and foster the Way of the Warrior values: wisdom, honor, sacrifice, and courage.
WAY OF THE WARRIOR
The goal of Spiritual Formation is to point people to Jesus, fulfill God’s call through education, and aim to reach Silicon Valley and beyond. Our well-rounded education extends beyond classrooms and test scores, integrating character and identity formation into all academic pursuits. In 2022, VCS launched an initiative to focus on building faith, character, and virtues. We call it the Way of the Warrior.
The Way of the Warrior ethos has the following qualities:
• Wisdom: Pursue wisdom in education (Proverbs 1:7).
• Honor: Own your thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and actions (2 Corinthians 10:5).
• Sacrifice: Seek the heart of Christ (Philippians 2:2-8).
• Courage: Embrace resilience (Philippians 1:20).
These virtues are foundational for students and transformational for our VCS family. Imagine the impact of a Warrior Nation that demonstrates wisdom, honor, courage, and sacrifice in all thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. We believe the Way of the Warrior can shape how we lead, serve, and impact our world.
FORMATION
• Biblical perspective integrated into every subject
• Bible classes that teach stories, themes, and emphasize Bible verse memorization
• Engaging weekly chapels with student-led prayer, praise and worship, and messages to help students grow in their relationship with God
• Multiple service projects (Past events include writing letters to military members, participating in the fire department’s toy drive, donating bug nets, donating turkeys to City Team, and coordinating a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank)
• Fifth-Grade Girls’ Bible Study
• Opportunity to connect with campus pastor or chaplain for prayer and encouragement
4 Service Projects Available Per Year
STUDENT STORY
Chapel is one of my favorites because I like the Bible lessons. I like the nice, funny, and kind teachers.
+ HONOR
“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,” (Revelation 7:9).
We embrace the importance of fostering a sense of sincere belonging that mirrors the biblical definitions of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to treating all individuals as equal image-bearers of Jesus Christ, valuing and promoting a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
We affirm ethnic diversity as part of God’s original and eternal design for humanity, recognizing its significance in knowing and honoring God and serving His purposes.
Biblical unity is a continuous process of spiritual formation and kingdom discipleship for the entire VCS family. Through mindful and intentional events and programs, we respect and connect our backgrounds, experiences, heritages, and cultures.
vcs.net/biblicalunity
BIBLICAL UNITY SACRIFICE
We build biblical unity by offering the following:
• Cultural education and family-friendly celebrations throughout the year
• Healthy Relationships Curriculum and the development of programs to sustain those healthy relationships based on biblical design
• Parent focus groups that value the role of parents as they are active facilitators of significant conversations
• Parent partnerships to build connections and create a safe environment
• Biblical unity counseling
• Monthly articles that provide pastoral insight and guidance
• Prayer groups to uplift and encourage all members
• Active listening that is rooted in humility, grace, and repentance
• Intentional appreciation of our diverse traditions and perspectives
Psalms 139:14 states that God created our innermost being, and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him.
God designed us to have thoughts, emotions, and gifts, all packaged in a physical body. Each part of us needs care and attention to ensure we thrive and live the life He created us to live. The Wellness team promotes understanding of these qualities and teaches how to care for and honor them.
We desire to provide the following:
WELLNESS +COURAGE
Pastoral care for the whole person
Opportunities for our community to care for each part of their being
Resources for social, emotional, and spiritual support
Healthy coping strategies embedded in curriculum at all campuses
Social emotional learning strategies included in the school day
Support for parents and investment in relationships with them
Throughout the year, we host a variety of exciting events designed to bring our community together for fellowship and fun. We kick off the school year with our annual Pancake Breakfast, a favorite for many families, as the campus transforms into a festive, joy-filled environment. Another beloved tradition is our annual Elementary Football Night, where families gather to cheer on our Big Warriors to victory.
Additional events include Back-to-School Night, Movie Night on the Skyway Jumbotron under the stars, themed days, Spirit Week, Jog-A-Thon, and more. A highlight for students is the annual End-of-Year Party, a celebration that marks the conclusion of a year filled with hard work and learning. The theme changes every year, offering students the chance to enjoy food, games, competitions, and the ever-popular dance-off!
At VCES, we believe it’s important for students to create lasting memories both inside and outside the classroom—moments they will cherish for years to come.
BELONGING STUDENT LIFE
STORY
I like that when I go to school, I’m going somewhere that isn’t home but feels like home. I’m happy because I have friends there, nice teachers, and it feels good.
STUDENT
COMMUNITY
Students take part in a range of group learning experiences during the school year, such as field trips and after-school programs. These activities offer chances to connect with other VCES students and build potential mentor relationships with students from the Skyway Campus. We believe that these experiences are essential in the process of nurturing a strong sense of safety and belonging within our community.
Here are some of our events:
• New Family Warrior Welcome
• Pancake Breakfast
• High School Sports Nights
• Market Day
• Family Fun Night
• Third Grade Grandparents’ Day
• Knight of Passage/Night to Shine (Junior High Transition Celebration)
• Donuts with Dad
• Muffins with Mom
Parents are invited to get involved at VCES by joining our Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship (PTPF).
AFTER-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
EXTENDED CARE
Our nurturing extended-care staff provides before and after-school care available on all school days and most holidays.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We consistently strive to meet the diverse needs of growing Silicon Valley families through our wide range of after-school programs. Developing young minds have so many interests, and we offer a variety of specialized classes for students to discover and develop their passions in academics, arts, and athletics.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Lemonade Day, LEGO Club, RoboQuest Derby, Agri-Tech, Ocean Discovery, Cooking & Tastebuds Kitchen, Money $marts, Elementary Math Team, Debate
ARTISTIC BEAUTY
Adventures in Art, Stitch of Mine, Dance Express, Fun with Drums, Guitar and Ukulele, Kids on Keyboards, Kids on Strings, Musical Theatre
ATHLETIC DISTINCTION
Golf, Junior Cheer, Little Warrior Nation, Tennis, Pickleball
LITTLE WARRIOR NATION (LWN)
LWN is an exciting extracurricular opportunity for VCES students to learn the fundamentals of various sports from some of the best coaches and high school athletes in the state of California. For grades K-3, our elementary physical education staff leads all-sports camps throughout the year. The fourth and fifth graders participate in clinics with our high school coaches and athletes. Highlights include an “Inside Look” at the students’ high school team of choice and an opportunity to sit on the sidelines at games. Through the LWN, VCES students learn firsthand what it means to be a spirited Valley Christian Warrior.
BECOME A WARRIOR.
Valley
VISIT CAMPUS
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
valleychristian vcs_warriors
