West Valley Christian School

An Intentional Balance of Academic Excellence, Faith, and Joyful Learning

Dear Prospective Family,

When families first consider West Valley Christian School, they often arrive with a single, essential question: “Will my child be known, challenged, and genuinely happy here?”

What they discover—often within the first few weeks—is a school culture that is structured yet joyful, academically rigorous yet deeply human, and faith-centered without ever feeling performative.

Our students tell us time and again what they love most about WVCS: the teachers who truly know them, the weekly chapel that is energetic and student-led, the elective and enrichment classes they eagerly anticipate, and the sense of belonging that permeates our campus. At West Valley Christian School, children don’t just attend—they belong.

A Culture of Engagement, Not Compliance

At WVCS, students are not simply managed; they are engaged. In the elementary grades, students experience a balanced rhythm of focused academics, purposeful enrichment pull-out classes, daily outdoor play on a beautiful, well-maintained playground, and two thoughtfully planned field trips each year that reinforce classroom learning through hands-on, real-world experiences.

In middle school, students benefit from a structured academic environment paired with reasonable homework loads and the freedom to explore a range of electives. They also participate in field studies and overnight trips, designed to build independence, confidence, and community. These experiences deepen relationships between students and teachers, extending learning and character formation well beyond the classroom walls.

To ensure this balance remains healthy, WVCS conducts anonymous student surveys three to four times per year (grades 4–8). These surveys allow students to provide feedback on academic load, social climate, sense of belonging, and access to trusted adults—helping the school maintain rigor while protecting student well-being.

Faith That Is Lived, Not Forced

Faith at WVCS is thoughtfully woven into the daily life of every student. Weekly chapel—cited consistently as a highlight—includes teaching, singing, movement, skits, and student leadership. It is joyful, reverent, and authentic, creating moments that students anticipate each week.

Middle school Bible instruction is intentionally structured to encourage honest questions and meaningful discussion. Sixth graders meet together, while seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls meet separately twice a week. This approach allows students to engage deeply with spiritual, social, and emotional topics in ways that are age-appropriate, often strengthened through retreats, trips, and service experiences.

Academic Strength, Differentiation, and Signature Programs

At WVCS, academic rigor begins with precision, not pressure. We measure student growth with Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessments three times per year, enabling teachers to identify strengths above grade level, pinpoint skill gaps, and track progress over time. This data informs instruction and is shared with families, giving them clear insight into growth beyond grades alone.

Support is built into every classroom. Elementary students benefit from both a teacher and a teacher aide in each class, ensuring individualized attention in classrooms of 22–25 students. One-on-one or small-group interventions, along with IXL integration aligned to NWEA data, target skill gaps directly. Middle school students who require additional help participate in Individual Academic Support periods, where they can reassess quizzes, receive guided study assistance, and strengthen organizational and academic habits. Students who excel academically are challenged appropriately and consistently transition into honors and advanced courses at the high school level, including UC-approved tracks.

STEM That Is Hands-On and Real-World

Our STEM program is experiential and design-driven, giving students the opportunity to engage in projects that bring physics, engineering, and innovation to life. In our STEM lab and Makerspace, students build maglev track systems to explore magnetism, force, and motion; construct wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity; design and race EV cars while studying circuitry, torque, and energy transfer; and create drag racers to test acceleration, friction, and optimization. They also engage in structural engineering projects, designing trusses, foundations, and load-bearing systems.

These classroom experiences are reinforced through field trips and off-campus projects, allowing students to see science, engineering, and sustainability in real-world contexts. Middle school electives extend this foundation with offerings in digital animation, media production, robotics, DJ sound engineering, entrepreneurship, ASB leadership, yearbook, art, dance, and strength and conditioning—fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence while exposing students to practical applications and future pathways.

Arts, Athletics, and Talent Discovery

At WVCS, students flourish across academics, athletics, and the arts. They participate in choir, theater arts, dance, visual arts, and school-wide productions, with signature events such as Grandparents Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas and Easter programs showcasing their leadership and confidence. Athletics—including basketball, cheer, flag football, soccer, and volleyball—emphasize character and effort as much as competition. Students are encouraged to explore, lead, and grow, without waiting to “earn permission” to belong.

Experiential Learning: Field Trips and Overnight Excursions

Learning at WVCS extends far beyond the classroom. All elementary grades participate in two field trips each year, carefully designed to complement classroom learning and developmental readiness. Beginning in upper elementary and continuing through middle school, students participate in overnight educational experiences that foster independence, teamwork, leadership, and confidence.

Signature trips include:

  • 4th Grade overnight experience
  • 5th Grade Outdoor Education at Astro Camp (Idyllwild)
  • 6th Grade Outdoor Education with TreePeople in the Santa Monica Mountains
  • 7th Grade Aquarium of the Pacific field study
  • Catalina Island Outdoor Education
  • 8th Grade Washington, D.C. trip, integrating history, civics, leadership, and faith These excursions are formative milestones that families and alumni frequently cite as key moments in growth, maturity, and lasting confidence.

A Campus That Is Secure Without Feeling Closed

Safety at WVCS is visible, intentional, and calm. Our campus operates with two armed security professionals (who service Jewish organizations) stationed at the single, controlled entrance, no open side gates, and fully supervised carline procedures. Faculty and staff receive regular training in disaster response, fire drills, emergency protocols, and active shooter preparedness. Emergency communication is immediate through all-school text alerts, supported by email and website updates. Parents consistently report that the campus feels safe without ever feeling restrictive, allowing students to learn freely and parents to feel peace of mind.

Transparent Communication and Community Partnership

At WVCS, families never have to guess what school life looks like. We encourage parents to explore our Instagram and YouTube channels, as well as our website, which is filled with curriculum highlights, enrichment insights, and student experiences. Parents are invited to participate in elementary class parties, select field trips, school-wide performances, and select middle school trips. Boundaries are clear and healthy, ensuring that classrooms remain focused while families remain engaged.

A Final Word to Families

Families who choose West Valley Christian School often say:

“There were no unpleasant surprises—only good ones.”

Here, expectations are clear, support systems are visible, faith is authentic, joy is present, and learning extends well beyond the classroom walls. WVCS exists to partner with families in raising confident, capable, and spiritually grounded young people—ready for the next step, and rooted in who they are.

Warmly, West Valley Christian School Leadership Team