DESCRIPTION OF EXCELLENCE

Teachers of English seek to inspire students to delve enthusiastically into literature and literary nonfiction and encourage analysis through the lens of God’s truth. Through cultivating critical thinking in students, teachers also train them to express their ideas and beliefs in conversation and writing.

The English department offers three different types of courses: college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP). In a college preparatory English course, the workload and expectations are designed to prepare students for college-level coursework and beyond. Our honors courses are intended for students who are highly skilled and motivated in English and who possess a strong work ethic. AP courses allow students to take a college-level course in a supportive environment; students should expect the corresponding rigor and time required. 

Summer reading is required for honors and AP English students at the sophomore, junior, and senior levels.

DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Students are also encouraged to enter creative fiction and nonfiction works in local and national competitions. The most recent and notable accomplishments of Valley Christian student writers include national recognition from the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, the Ayn Rand Institute, and the Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO).

Valley Christian has also had particular success with multiple publications in Creative Communications.