VCSI English classes are built around primary source material. Our emphasis will be on reading and comprehension skills which will support a student’s ability to articulate and write concepts not only in English class, but across their instruction. We will review notable Christian philosophers and authors. In addition, there will be works that challenge us to think and reflect on our assumptions and given understandings. Students will strengthen fundamental basic skill sets in the middle school, and expand with a global perspective, 21st century skill set in the high school. The English learner will then be prepared for college requirements during their AP Literature class and AP Language class for 11th and 12th graders.
Saxon Math is used in middle school instruction up through 8th grade Pre-Algebra. This builds on the work that will be done through Saxon in the elementary. Saxon has an emphasis on building skills and math vocabulary which we find is excellent preparation for the high school math classes. In the Algebra through Calculus sequence we will be using a combination of Prentice Hall and Engage New York. The material is fundamental and well recognized for its emphasis on next steps. The math sequence will culminate for a student in an AP Calculus class.
Our science classes will build upon students scientific understanding of the world while integrating a Christian perspective. VCSI will use curriculum from Holt-McDougal. There will be an emphasis placed on hands-on learning with an integration of global perspective. Students will participate on field trips which will connect their learning to real world concepts. Qualified students in the Biology will have an opportunity to receive college credit from Portland Community College. VCSI also offers an Engineer Your World Science class and college credit is available through University of Texas. This class equips students to utilize thinking skills required of engineers to solve real world problems. The projects will directly support our global education emphasis while earning students college credit.
History should be a foundational topic for any school and for most a western perspective is offered. At Valor, we will seek to look through history with an unfiltered global perspective. Students will be introduced to Ancient Civilizations, Western Civilizations and United States history in the middle school. In the high school, we will build on these foundations with Geography through our global educational missions, Western Civilizations, and United States Government. The history strand will culminate in Advanced US History and Advanced Government.
Our Bible classes will be the foundation of our learning. These classes will incorporate servant leadership, being a person on mission, and discovering purpose in Christ. Our missions curriculum equips students with the essential skill set of global leadership. In middle school, VCSI emphasizes deeper knowledge and understanding biblical content and context, biblical history, surrounding the time of Christ. In high school we will unpack and discover topics together like The Life of Christ, Scripture and Canon, The Book of Hebrews, and more. All of our Bible classes will incorporate our global missions’ emphasis.
Spanish 1
Students are provided an opportunity to immerse in both the spanish language as well as cultural heritage of the hispanic community. Students will demonstrate understanding of basic and useful Spanish vocabulary, present tense verb conjugation, as well as, cultural and historical background that makes the language so dynamic. The class will culminate with numerous opportunities to engage in communication in bilingual and spanish only conversations, as well as, student demonstration of written vocabulary. At the conclusion of your course you will be well on your way to becoming a true hispanohablante!
Spanish 2
In Spanish 2 we get to build on the foundation learning acquired through Spanish 1. Over the course of the year we will work to expand our vocabularies, learn how to speak in the past tense, and become more adept with the fluent expression of our own ideas. Along the way we will make the world our classroom, and engage with high school students in the Spanish city of Salamanca as pen pals, practicing our written Spanish, and learning about similarities and differences between each of our cultures.
High School Physical Education
Physical Education at the High School level is required for one year, and is an elective for additional years. We will incorporate various professionals into our physical education class. Some opportunities students will participate in will be Cross Fit, Tae Kwon Do, etc. We will build on team and individual sports. In addition, students will engage in Circle of Champions, and weight lifting. At the end of each unit students will be given written assessments or oral assessments to demonstrate proficiency.
Advanced PE
Advanced physical education class will be for upper class students only. Students will use weight room facilities to learn about proper techniques and form. Student will work a variety of body areas through different individual programs. Requirements: Must be 16 years old.
Health
One year of Health is required at the High School level. Students will gain understanding about the different systems in the body, personal hygiene, nutrition, fitness, drugs and alcohol. All topics will be presented from a Biblical worldview and parents will be notified in advance when sensitive units are being taught with an outline or overview of how it is being presented. The Health class will prepare students to better understand nutrition and how food choices affect their development and growth. Students will investigate disease pathways, environmental hazards, and some first aid.
Yearbook
Our yearbook team will be a fun focused group of students which will be responsible for taking the photos and organizing our school’s yearbook. Students will develop their graphic design skills and photography abilities. This class will be responsible for putting together the memories for the whole school. Students will develop leadership and art skills.
High School Mock Trials
Students will be introduced to the National Mock Trials Competition as part of the Classroom Law Project. Students will explore the appellate court system. Students will then prepare for court procedure by researching facts and legal arguments. Students will assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictional criminal or civil trial and will go through a complete procedure in a real courtroom with a real judge. Students will develop public speaking skills and efficient critical thinking skills to create compelling dialogues. Requirements: Instructor Approval
High School Science Team
Our competitive science team competes in several different competitions including E-Cybermission, MATE-Underwater Robotics, Envirothon, and LEAF. E-cybermission: Students participate in an online science and engineering fair. Students complete the task at school and submit a write-up for the national competition where they can win individual saving bonds. MATE: Students collaborate as teams to create an underwater robot. Each team will participate in the MATE competition to complete assigned robotic tasks. Students will work on programming, marketing, speaking, and graphic design skills. LEAF: Students build a light-weight electric plane to contend for which plane can carry the most weight with the lightest frame. This fun competition happens in December in Seattle. Students will collaborate as a team while acquiring valuable tool skills and science concepts. Envirothon: The Oregon Envirothon is an exciting, fun way for high school-aged students to learn about the environment through hands-on field experiences that demonstrate knowledge of natural resources.
Student Government
Our student government is formed of students selected by their peers to support student activities and school culture throughout the school year. Students will meet weekly as part of the leadership team to create and support student activities and cultivate student culture which is reflective of the school mission. Elections will be held yearly for these positions. Requirements: Elections
High School Internship Program
Our high school internship program will be open to students following the completion of their sophomore year. As students start the process of looking into colleges and plans beyond high school, having an opportunity to learn skills and apply classroom knowledge is a vital foundational piece. An internship is an opportunity to apply what you as a student have learned in the classroom to a professional setting. Most junior students will elect to do an internship over the summer, but there are opportunities for internships during the academic year for those students who can fit it into their schedule. Students can participate in a formal internship program through an organization or create their own internship experience with the help of an advisor. To receive high school credit internship classes must be set-up prior to the start of the internship and will require additional documentation. Requirements: Instructor Approval
High School Music Performance
Students will engage in intermediate music theory and performance. Students will discover and explore introductory concepts used in music sequencing, notation and recording. No prior musical experience is needed. However, prior training on an instrument or voice is helpful.This is an instructional class in the development of lifelong performance skills. The class provides a unique opportunity to participate with other students in concerts throughout the year. The class provides useful instruction in vocal technique. Class diction, tone quality, and interpretation of the music are stressed. Students will have an opportunity to play a musical instrument or participate in a vocal performance.
High School Worship Band
This morning class will be perform weekly as the worship band for our secondary chapels. Students will develop their performance skills and then use them as worship leaders during chapel. This class will provide a Godly foundation in performance and the worship arts.