Mission, Vision, and Core Values
The mission of Valley Christian School in partnership with each parent is to develop Christ-centered thinkers, with a heart for god, equipped to excel in all aspects of life.
The mission of Valley Christian School is realized through the vision set forth in our biblical training, the academic program, extracurricular activities, service projects, and day to day encounters between faculty, staff, and students. Our vision is to grow students who are developing as Jesus did in Luke 2:52:
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
This vision, with the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, will produce students who have completed our program and graduate with the following core values:
- Developing the Christian mind; has a Biblical world view and knows one’s proper place in the world
- Has a thirst for truth and righteousness and accepts criticism
- Demonstrates the ability to think critically and problem solve
- Manages time well and desires excellence in school work
- Has a godly appearance and is physically fit
- Confesses Jesus Christ as Savior and desires to please Him
- Admits wrongdoing and is willing to forgive
- Respects the authority and property of God and man
- Cooperates, encourages, and is gracious to others
- Is poised and expresses self well
- Practices servant-leadership; able to lead and follow
Philosophy Of Christian Education
The educational philosophy of Valley Christian School is God-centered and is based on the belief that God’s laws, principles, ethics, and standards are absolute truth (John 17:17), that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (II Tim. 3:16), and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Luke 3:22) and the Creator (John 1:3) (Psa. 18:35) and Sustainer of all things.
Each child is viewed as a separate and unique creation of God. Therefore, every child is accepted and loved. Every child is an individual with his or her own rate of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual maturation; therefore, the school environment will influence each child differently. All children will grow in all areas of development through play, academics, school activities and programs, and interaction with the people and objects in their environment. Very young children do not need to be forced to learn. They are motivated by their own desire to understand the world, and thus they learn experientially.
The goal of Valley Christian School is to provide a loving and nurturing Christian perspective that will foster a God-inspired confidence and a child’s acceptance of his or her role in life at home, at school, at play, in the community, and at church.
This philosophy will be the guiding vehicle for applying biblical principles to teaching practices. All philosophies of subjects, policies of the school and of the school board, curriculum materials, and teaching methods at Valley Christian School shall conform to this philosophy of Christian education.
Certain objectives have been established in order to implement this philosophy:
- To teach that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, thus developing attitudes of love and respect toward it. Students are expected to obey the principles taught from God’s Word. (2 Timothy 3:15–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21)
- To teach biblical character qualities and provide opportunities for the students to demonstrate these qualities. Students are expected to imitate Christ in their attitudes, words, and actions. (1 Samuel 16:7; Galatians 5:22–23)
- To teach the students respect for and submission to authority from God’s perspective. Students are expected to honor those in positions of authority. (Romans 13:1–5; Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 6:1–3)
- To help students develop a Christian worldview by integrating life, and all studies with the Bible. Students are expected to consider God’s Word as it relates to all subject matter. (2 Peter 1:3)
- To help students develop their identity as unique individuals created in the image of God and to attain their fullest potential. Students are expected to work diligently and to the best of their ability. (Psalm 139:13–16)
- To teach students to treat everyone with love and respect as unique individuals created in God’s image. Students are expected to honor fellow students. (Philippians 2:1–4; Ephesians 5:21)
- To encourage parents to realize and shoulder their responsibility for the spiritual, moral, and social education of their children. Parents are expected to partner with Valley Christian School in training their child in all areas set forth in Luke 2:52. (Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Proverbs 22:6)
Statement of Faith
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).
- We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).
- We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35, His sinless life (Hebrews 4: 15, 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His Resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His Ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).
- We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God's grace and through faith alone are we saved (John 3:16–19, 5:24; Romans 3:23, 5:8–9; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5).
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the
lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and
they that are lost unto the resurrection of condemnation (John
5:28–29).
6. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 2:12–13, Galatians 3:26–28). - We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13–14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19–20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18).
History
The leadership of the Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church and a
small group of parents from the community started the Valley
Christian School in 1974. It now provides classes for preschool
through sixth grade students.
The school remains a ministry of Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian
Church, receiving invaluable support through the provision of
facilities and financial contributions.
Valley Christian School is operated by a Board of Directors
representing the Christian community.
Christian School Affiliations
Association of Christian Schools International
Valley
is a new member of the Association of Christian Schools
International. ACSI is a network of schools around the world who are
committed to providing the best possible learning experience for
students.
Their mission is to "enable Christian educators and schools
worldwide to effectively prepare students for life." As you can see,
their mission is in line with that of VCS. Please take a few minutes
to view their website at www.acsi.org.
MidAtlantic Christian School Association
Valley
Christian School is a member of the MidAtlantic Christian School
Association. A conference is held each fall in Lancaster, PA. We
also attend Board/Administrator Conferences hosted by the
Association of Christians Schools International.
Philadelphia Biblical University
We
frequently place student teachers from Philadelphia Biblical
University. The university supports our philosophy of education and
appreciates the practical experience that their students receive
when they come to Valley and see theory in action.