

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page! Click on any of the following categories to find answers to your questions — and please always feel free to contact us directly.
-
What is Valor’s denomination?
Valor is an independent, non-denominational, Christian school. We are committed to being a school that brings glory to God by being a model of educational excellence, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills, and, most importantly, by helping students cultivate their potential in Christ. Please read our Statement of Faith to learn more about what we believe.How is faith incorporated into your programs?
Everything we do at Valor, from classroom instruction to student-teacher interactions to community outreach, is guided by a desire to honor God and follow the teachings of Scripture. We start our day and special events in prayer. Bible is taught at all age levels as a core subject, and all topics are studied in light of biblical truth. All students in TK-8th grade attend weekly Chapel, 6th and 7th graders attend a five-day Faith and Science camp at Hume Lake, and 8th graders participate in a four-day Mission Trip.Do you have to be a Christian to attend Valor?
No, you do not have to be a Christian to attend Valor. However, all faculty and staff are born-again Christians who profess a belief in and demonstrate a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the one and only source of salvation. In addition, all staff are actively involved in their church community. -
What makes Valor Christian Academy special?
Our FAITH, ACADEMICS, and COMMUNITY are what make Valor a special place. Valor Christian Academy is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and God’s love with every student and family we serve as well as with the greater South Bay community. Our students are equipped with the skills they need to be successful in high school, college, and beyond by our excellent academic program, which emphasizes hands-on learning and development of critical thinking skills. Our Valor community of students, parents, and staff is hard-working, caring, and encouraging—and we have a lot of fun together!How can I reach the front office?
You can call (310) 798-5181 or email us here.What age range does Valor serve?
Valor serves infants through 8th graders. We currently have approximately 75 preschool students and 215 elementary/middle school students enrolled.What are your hours of operation?
Our main office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Our Preschool is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Elementary and Middle School instructional and before/after hours can be found in the Handbooks linked below.When do your holidays take place?
Please see our Preschool and Elementary & Middle School Calendars linked below. Holidays and other non-school days are similar year-to-year.When was Valor established?
The history of Valor Christian Academy dates back to 1977, when Pastor Wilbur Wacker and Calvary Church of the Coastlands (now known as Coast Christian Fellowship) established Coast Christian Schools. In 2012, Coast Christian Schools became independent from Coast Christian Fellowship, formed its own school board, the Valor Christian Academy Board of Trustees, and changed its name to Valor Christian Academy.Is Valor accredited?
Yes, we have maintained full accreditation from WASC from 1987 to the present.Is Valor an ACSI school?
Yes, Valor is an active member of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).How can I donate to Valor?
Thank you for asking! You can make a tax-deductible contribution to Valor here. -
What are the learning outcomes for Valor students?
Students who attend Valor Christian Academy will progress toward achieving the Expected School-Wide Learning Results, or ESLRs. This is accomplished through a rigorous and challenging academic program taught from a biblical foundation, with opportunities for all students to serve, collaborate, and practice creative problem-solving. You can read our specific ESLRs here.What are your class sizes?
Please contact our Preschool Director for current class sizes here.
Our Elementary/Middle School classes have an average of approximately 22 students. Early elementary classes that approach our maximum capacity have a classroom aide in addition to a full-time instructor. The following are our class size limits:Transitional Kindergarten: Up to 17 students
Kindergarten: Up to 22 students
1st – 8th Grade: Up to 25 studentsHow do you teach your students to be courageous leaders?
Preparing Courageous Leaders is more than our tagline at Valor Christian Academy, it is the way we approach education and character development. We challenge our students to do what is right and good, even when it is difficult. We expose them to the needs in our community, and we equip them to offer real help. We mentor students in the development of leadership skills, and we celebrate them when they exemplify what it means to be a courageous leader. We have a Student Honor Council, composed of classroom representatives for all grade levels and run by elected Middle School Student Honor Council Officers. Our middle schoolers also participate in quarterly Community Service, and our 8th graders go on an annual 8th Grade Leadership Retreat.Is there a dress code? Are uniforms required?
We require uniforms, which are purchased through Norman’s Uniforms. Details about our uniform policies can be found in our Family Handbooks linked below.How do you handle behavior issues and bullying?
We are committed to making Valor a safe learning environment for all students. Please find details about our discipline and bullying policies in our Family Handbooks linked below.Do you accept students with IEPs and 504 Plans?
Yes, as long as we are able to accommodate a student’s needs with the resources we currently have available. We do not have a special education or resource program.Do you offer speech therapy or other special services?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide speech therapy or other special services. However, we will work with you to help your student receive these services during regular school hours through the outside services you are able to arrange.How does Elementary/Middle School recess and lunch work at Valor?
All students have recess in the morning and lunch close to noon. Students are grouped by age. The following groups have recess/lunch together: TK and Kindergarten; 1st-2nd grade; 3rd-5th grade; 6th-8th grade. Snacks must be brought from home. We have C&R (Care and Recreation) staff on the playground with the students during recess and lunch.Do you offer hot lunch?
Yes, hot lunch can be purchased from ChoiceLunch.What are your age requirements for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten?
To be eligible for Transitional Kindergarten, a student must turn 5 by
December 31st. To be eligible for Kindergarten, a student must turn 5 by
December 1st. -
Are teachers credentialed? What is their experience and training?
All preschool teachers meet educational and training requirements established by the State of California. All elementary and middle school teachers have a bachelor’s degree, and some also have a master’s degree. All elementary and middle school teachers have teaching credentials from California, other states, or ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Elementary and Middle School teachers participate in annual professional development. All Valor staff are regularly trained for emergency response and first aid.Are Valor’s teachers Christians?
All faculty and staff are born-again Christians who profess a belief in and demonstrate a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the one and only source of salvation. In addition, all staff are actively involved in their church community. -
How do you communicate with parents?
We consider it essential to have open communication with the families we serve throughout the year. Our methods of communication include, but are not limited to, the following for our Elementary and Middle School:- Back to School Night: Introduce staff, review policies, meet with classroom teachers, Q&A.
- Friday Flash: Valor’s weekly newsletter emailed from the front office, highlighting our Mission, ESLRs, character traits, student achievements, events, and other important information.
- Weekly Teacher Letters: Teachers in TK through 5th Grade write a weekly letter to their parents (emailed or sent home as a hard copy) updating them on important classroom developments and student achievements, as well as sharing assignments and homework. Middle school teachers provide similar information by means of an online Google calendar, as well as by posting assignments in our online gradebook, FACTS SIS.
- Google Classroom: This system is used by Middle School teachers in the classroom for instruction, as well as for monitoring of student work, to offer feedback, and for communication.
- Email: In addition to weekly Teacher Letters and the Friday Flash, school administrators email families important reminders about admissions information, immunizations, schoolwide events, etc.
- FACTS SIS: The online student information system we use to track enrollment, record grades, produce report cards, and allow parents to make updates to their contact and other important information. This system also allows for email communication between parents and teachers as well as visibility of each class’s gradebook.
- ParentAlert: Allows for administrators to send schoolwide text messages to staff/families regarding important reminders as well as urgent information.
- Parent–Teacher Conferences: These face–to–face meetings take place at the close of the first semester for all students in TK through 5th Grade, and Middle School as needed, to discuss student progress, achievement, and areas for growth. Teachers and parents are also free to request conferences at any point in the year if a meeting will help improve a child’s school experience. These meetings help build trust and a strong relationship between teachers and parents.
- Family Handbooks (linked below): Updated annually, the Family Handbooks provide a clear delineation of school policies to parents and students. These handbooks are emailed to families and are available via the school website under the “Resources” tab.
- PTF Meetings: PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) meetings with all elementary/middle school staff and parents are held quarterly to share information about upcoming events, financial updates, and service opportunities.
- Open House: An annual event for current families to visit classrooms, speak to teachers, view student work, and visit the classroom and teacher for the upcoming school year.
- Website: Our website has information regarding school policies and procedures, helpful links, and upcoming events.
- Social Media: Valor maintains social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, in which school events and student accomplishments are highlighted. Many parents participate in our private Valor Family Facebook group, in which parents can share posts, information, photos, celebrations, encouragement, prayer requests, etc. with each other and with staff. Many teachers implement the use of social media apps (such as Bloomz) for grade–level communication between teachers and parents.
Do you have a PTA?
Yes, we have a parent-teacher association we call the PTF, or Parent Teacher Fellowship. The PTF is composed of all elementary and middle school staff and parents of enrolled students. It is run by a board of elected parents in coordination with our Principal/Head of Schools. The PTF organizes fundraising and community events throughout the year and contributes to projects that benefit the students and staff of Valor.Is there an annual volunteering or fundraising commitment?
We have an annual PTF Fundraising Commitment of $400 per family per year due in May. This amount can be reduced to $200 by volunteering for 10+ hours on school approved activities. We encourage all families to volunteer if they are able to, but there is not a volunteering requirement.What type of volunteer opportunities does Valor offer?
- Morning Valet Line
- Lunch Attendant
- STEAM Class Assistant
- Young at Art Docent
- Book Fair
- Field Trip Chaperones
- Fundraiser Preparations
- Class Parent
- PTF Board Member
- Special Events Coordination
- Middle School Sports Team Volunteers
-
Does Valor use Common Core curriculum? Is your curriculum Christian?
As a private school, we are able to select curriculum that best fits the needs of our students. Some of our curricula draw from Common Core standards, while others do not, as we select curriculum on a subject-by-subject basis. When possible, we use curriculum from Christian publishers. We do not use any curriculum that conflicts with biblical teachings. All subjects are taught from a biblical worldview and Bible is taught as a core subject at all grade levels. For details about curriculum used for specific ages/subjects, please select one of the “Request Information/Tour” options below and submit our information request form.Does Valor conduct standardized testing?
Yes, we conduct standardized testing using Iowa Assessments.Do you have a STEM or STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) program?
Yes, we have a full-time STEAM teacher and STEAM program for students enrolled in TK-8th grade. Learn more about our STEAM program here.Do you offer foreign language?
Yes, we have a full-time Spanish teacher. Students study Spanish once per week in TK through 2nd grade and twice per week in 3rd through 5th grade. Students in TK-2nd grade also study Italian. Spanish, Italian, and Latin are offered as electives in 6th-8th grade.Do you have an athletic program?
Yes, we have a full-time Athletic Director who runs our PE program (TK-8th grade) and Sports program (6th-8th grade). Students in 6th-8th grades can participate in our seasonal sports: Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer. Valor is part of the South Bay Athletic League, and we also host meetings of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Learn more about our Athletic programs here.Do you have a music or art program?
Yes, we have both! Preschool students participate in a weekly music class provided by Music Rhapsody and art is incorporated into daily activities. Students in TK-8th grade study art as part of our STEAM program, and they can participate in after school music classes, including violin and piano, offered at different times throughout the year.Do you have a library?
Yes, we have a library and a librarian on staff. Students in Preschool (3 year-old class) through 5th grade have a weekly scheduled time at the library. All students in TK-8th grade can check out books. Our library also sponsors two Book Fairs each year. Proceeds from the Book Fairs are used to purchase new books for our library. Learn more about our library here.What are your Middle School electives?
We offer a variety of electives that rotate throughout the three years of Middle School, including Mechanical Engineering, Honors Math, Personal Finance, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Shakespeare, Chapel Band, Speech, Yearbook, Art Appreciation, Fine Arts, Study Skills, and more.What types of co-curricular/extracurricular activities and field trips do you offer?
We offer a variety of co-curricular/extracurricular activities and field trips that complement our curriculum throughout the year, including the following:PRESCHOOL
-
-
- Music class
- Special summer activities
-
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
-
-
- STEAM, foreign language, computer skills, and typing
- Approximately two off-campus field trips per year (1st-5th grade)
- Optional After School Classes including Sign Language, Violin, Piano, Bricks for Kids, Basketball, and more
-
MIDDLE SCHOOL
-
-
- A robust offering of electives as described above
- Off-campus community service and team-building events
- Approximately two off-campus field trips per year
- Reality Student Apologetics Conference
- 8th Grade Leadership Retreat
- Five-day trip to Hume Lake (6th and 7th grade)
- Four-day local Mission Trip (8th grade)
- Middle School Team Sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer
- Optional five day-trip to Washington, D.C.
- Optional After School Classes including Sign Language, Violin, Bricks for Kids, Basketball, and more
-
We also offer an after school program called C&R (Care and Recreation) for TK-8th grade.
-
-
What is your enrollment process?
PRESCHOOL
The best way to start the enrollment process is to get in touch with our Preschool Director by filling out this contact form. Our Preschool Director will then follow-up with you to answer any questions you might have and offer to set up a time for you to visit Valor for a tour. If there is space in the desired class, our Preschool Director will give you an application and guide you through our admissions process.ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
The best way to start the enrollment process is to get in touch with our TK-8th Grade Admissions Director by filling out this contact form. Our Admissions Director will then follow-up with you to answer any questions you might have and offer to set up a time for you to visit Valor for a tour. Our Application and Enrollment process, including costs for our application, entrance assessment, enrollment, and tuition can be found here.What is your tuition?
You can find tuition rates for all of our programs on our main menu in the Tuition tab.When does Open Enrollment begin? When can I apply?
We enroll in Preschool throughout the year depending on availability. Open Enrollment for TK-8th grade begins in early February—please check our Google Calendar for the exact date. Students can also apply to enroll in TK-8th grade for the current year, pending availability, up until the start of the 4th Quarter.Do you offer Shadow Days?
Yes, we offer Shadow Days for students in TK-8th grade. For students in early elementary, TK-3rd grade, we limit Shadow Day visits to one hour. For more information, please contact our Admissions Director by selecting the “Request Information/Tour” link below.Do you offer financial aid or have scholarships?
We do offer need-based financial aid. You can learn more about our financial aid program and find a link to our financial aid application here. We do not currently offer scholarships, however, we are in the process of raising funds to make this possible.What types of discounts do you offer?
We offer the following discounts:- Sibling Discount, Preschool: siblings of an enrolled student paying full tuition receive a 7.5% discount on tuition balance after enrollment fees have been deducted.
- Sibling Discount, TK-8th Grade: siblings of an enrolled student paying full tuition receive a 5% discount on tuition balance after enrollment fees have been deducted.
- Pay-In-Full Discount: Families paying in full receive a 5% discount on tuition balance after enrollment fees have been deducted.
- Pastor Discount, TK-8th Grade Only: Please contact our Admissions Director using the “Request Information/Tour” form linked below for details.
Can I speak to current Valor families to learn about their experience at your school?
Yes, we will be glad to put you in touch with current Valor families. Please select one of the “Request Information/Tour” options below and our Preschool Director or Admissions Director will follow up with you. -
What do you do to ensure a safe campus?
- Valor Christian Academy strives to provide students and staff with an environment that is physically safe and clean. We have extensive emergency preparation and emergency response protocols, created in coordination with local police authorities and other experts.
- Valor has always fostered a positive, encouraging atmosphere, and we believe that a proactive approach to bullying will best prepare our students for continuing success at Valor, in high school, and beyond. Learn more about this topic on our Anti-Bullying Program webpage.
What are your Covid-19 protocols?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continually review our protocols to ensure that they reflect the latest developments in scientific understanding of the COVID-19 virus as well as the recommendations of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. To learn more about how Valor Christian Academy keeps students and staff safe, please see our Covid-19 Protocols page here or contact our office at (310) 798-5181. -
What do students do after Valor?
During students’ 7th and 8th grade years, we offer a special High School Information Night, featuring parents of Valor alumni attending various local private and public schools. These parents share their experiences and offer suggestions to current Valor families to help them make the right decision for high school. Our administration and teachers assist families with materials needed for high school applications. Our students go on to great success in both private and public high schools, often taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses, achieving top honors, and being accepted into competitive universities. If you are a former Valor student, please keep in touch with us via our Alumni page on Facebook—we want to hear about your latest adventures!
Beliefs
Read our Statement of Faith
Request Information/Tour
All Programs
Apply Now
All Valor Programs
Family Handbook
Preschool
Family Handbook
Elementary School
Family Handbook
Middle School
Calendar
Preschool
Calendar
Elementary & Middle School