5th-8th grade Independent Study (VCS Academy)
Become an independent learner today!
Valley Christian School is pleased to offer a Private School Satellite Program (PSP), specifically tailored for families in grades 5–8 who are seeking a flexible, Christ-centered alternative to the traditional classroom. Our program is designed to bridge the gap between home-based learning and the robust resources of a premier Christian campus.
A Supportive Partnership
The VCS Independent Study program provides a structured environment where learning can flourish outside the regular classroom. We empower parents by handling the technicalities of education while providing the community and spiritual foundation VCS is known for. Our program includes:
Comprehensive Support: Access to professional record-keeping, standardized testing, and academic guidance.
Campus Integration: Students are not isolated; they can participate in on-campus classes and a variety of cooperative activities, including Athletics and Drama.
Spiritual Community: A program rooted in encouraging and supporting families who value a Christian worldview in every aspect of their child’s education.
Academic Expectations
To ensure academic excellence and a smooth transition into high school, our Middle School independent study follows a rigorous standard:
Curriculum Structure: The school year is divided into two semesters. Each course must follow the current curriculum, meeting a minimum of 200 minutes per week.
Course Load: Students in grades 5–8 are expected to carry the same load as on-campus students to ensure a well-rounded educational foundation.
Accountability: We provide regular feedback through progress reports and a final grade each semester, keeping students on track for success.
Whether you are looking for more time at home or a customized pace for your child’s middle school years, the VCS Independent Study program offers the perfect balance of independence and institutional support.
How it works
The Enrollment Process
To begin, each new student must complete our enrollment packet located under the admissions tab. Your application is considered complete once the following steps are finalized:
Documentation: Submission of all required records, including birth certificate, previous school transcripts, vaccination records, and personal references.
Fees: Completion of the initial enrollment fees ($450 per student).
Interview: Once your documentation is processed, we will schedule a personal interview between the student, parent/s, program coordinator, and the VCS administrator to ensure our program is the right fit for your family.
Personalized Academic Mapping
At Valley Christian, we believe "independent" doesn't mean "alone." Once fully enrolled, you will meet with our Program Coordinator to bridge the gap between home and school. During this meeting, we will map out a customized course of study tailored to your child’s individual needs.
This flexible roadmap can be designed as:
Full Independent Study: A complete home-based curriculum with VCS oversight.
Hybrid Learning: A blend of independent study combined with on-campus classes.
Enhanced Experience: Integrating home-based academics with campus athletics and extracurricular opportunities.
Curriculum
To ensure academic consistency and a smooth transition to high school, students in the VCS Independent Study program follow the same high-quality curriculum as our on-campus peers. By utilizing a combination of traditional textbooks and our online Learning Management System (LMS), students stay fully aligned with VCS academic standards while enjoying the flexibility of an independent schedule.
Reporting Progress
After an individual plan is in place, students and parents will meet with the Academy Coordinator at least 3 times during the semester to discuss progress and present current work samples. Grades will be turned in every 4 weeks to the Coordinator and must be verified with test/quiz scores, grade records, or in some cases, activity logs.
Parents and their student(s) will be required to participate in the Student-Led Conferences at the end of the first semester. During this meeting, each student will present a portfolio of work that may include graded tests, major written assignments, and work projects such as reports, art samples, or specific subject projects.
Chapel
Wednesday morning chapel is a requirement for all Valley students. VCSA students can be granted an exemption through attendance of a weekly youth group or church service. A Pastor’s signature on the Chapel Exemption Form will be required to qualify for this exception.
Dress Code (while on campus)
Chapel, standardized testing, and all other campus events during school hours require our students to be in school uniform to attend. Please see the VCS Handbook Parent for more specifics.
Attendance
Daily record keeping of attendance is required by parent and will be turned in at the end of each semester.
Benefits
Reputation for high standards and personal attention
Personalized education plans that help each student be successful
Participation in athletics, drama, cheer, and other programs at Valley Christian School (separate fees may apply)
Planned field trips and activities with the child’s grade level peers at VCS
Access to on-campus classes during school hours
Transcript service
Standardized testing
School photos, ID’s, and yearbook
Diplomas and graduation ceremony for all qualifying 8th graders
2026-2027 Fees
Returned Checks
$25.00 for any checks returned unpaid
Late Fees
$50.00 for late payment on any account
Miscellaneous Expenses
Other possible expenses are: seasonal sports fees, school uniforms, before school and after school, after school clubs/classes, cheer team uniforms, field trips and class trips, on-campus lunch (Ki’s or Koss Cafe) graduation fee, and other optional expenses. The cost of loaned textbooks for on-campus classes is included in the tuition.
Contact the office for more information about this program: 760-744-0207.