Spanish III Honors is designed to prepare students for success in Spanish IV and AP Spanish through rigorous and immersive language study. The course emphasizes advanced reading and writing skills, while continuing to refine speaking and listening abilities. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish grammar and significantly expand their vocabulary. Literary analysis and cultural studies are key components, enabling students to exchange information accurately and authentically in Spanish. Assignments and assessments are more challenging, with a faster-paced curriculum that fosters critical thinking and advanced language use.

AP Spanish Language and Culture is an immersive course taught entirely in Spanish, and fluency in the language is required for success. This course prepares students to excel on the AP Spanish Language exam by integrating advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through authentic Spanish-language sources. Students explore regional accents and cultural diversity by engaging with multimedia resources such as radio broadcasts, online content, and literature from various Hispanic countries. Current events and topics relevant to Hispanic life deepen their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. The course emphasizes mastery of advanced grammar, along with extensive practice in written and spoken communication, ensuring students are well-prepared for the highest level of language proficiency and cultural understanding.

SPEECH/DEBATE PAIRING The semester-long courses Speech and Debate are paired. Students who enroll in Speech will automatically be enrolled in Debate.

Designed to improve students’ ability to function in any speaking situation, this semester course emphasizes the basic concepts of speaking as a transfer of understood messages, particularly as communication between a single speaker and an audience. Students will learn how to prepare and present extemporaneous speeches and develop active listening skills as well as negation skills imperative for the business world. In addition, students plan persuasive speeches and receive training in research methods. This course is excellent for building presentation skills.

SPEECH/DEBATE PAIRING The semester-long courses Speech and Debate are paired. Students who enroll in Speech will automatically be enrolled in Debate.

The debate course covers basic principles and techniques of argumentation and persuasion, including both classical and contemporary theories and approaches with emphases on message construction, critical thinking, analysis, and presentation.

Students learn how to develop reasoning skills and practice formal and informal argumentation and persuasion. While the course content includes an analysis of standard debate techniques (Parliamentary, cross-examined, Lincoln-Douglas) requiring two matched sides for and against a proposition. The emphasis of this course is on the argumentative mode of persuasion that enables an individual to reach decisions based on good reasoning and evidence.

The Scientific Research Course is designed for students with an interest in careers in the biological sciences involving research. Through the process of developing, designing and conducting a science research project students learn valuable research skills. These skills include but are not limited to the reading of primary literature, problem solving, critical thinking and focused curiosity. Students practice science communication skills and are expected to communicate their research and results at the Synopsys Science and Technology Championship presented by the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association. The BSL-1 laboratory course is designed for mammalian cell or model organism research questions. Discussion topics include analysis of claims, false claims, career opportunities, peer-review, model organisms, cell culture, biotechnology, and basic lab skills and research equipment. Interested students will need to fill out an application and meet with the instructor to discuss proposed research prior to acceptance into the class.

Additional Expectations: Students keep a laboratory notebook with regular entries, meet the deadlines for written checkpoints, topic talks, and research proposals. The course models a research community including participating in peer review of student projects. Self-motivation and a desire to complete research is a key component to student success in this course.

AP Psychology at VCHS introduces the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes using a Christ-centered framework for integrated “soul care” grounded in the restoration and wholeness that God desires for all of His children. This discipline provides Christians with tangible tools to implement Biblical instructions such as “taking captive every thought,” (II Cor. 10:5) to “not conform to the patterns of this world,” (Rom. 12:1), and how to love ourselves and love others (Matt. 22:39).

Students will learn about practical tools learned through psychology to live those truths out, along with the founding psychologists and foundational theories such as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including Biblical ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Additional Expectation: This is a college-level course, so students must be prepared for complex texts, fast-paced content, and college-level assessments.

Note: Class size is limited and priority will be given to upperclassmen.

Applied English and Bible Fundamentals course equips new VCHS International students with advanced academic English skills and knowledge of the Bible. The class is comprised of two components: academic English and Bible. The English component of the class helps students develop language skills through social communication, group discussions, and presentations. The Bible component of the class explores and identifies the overarching themes of the Bible and teaches students key events and characters in the Old and the New Testaments.

Designed for elected ASB President appointed Vice Presidents and appointed representatives, this course provides foundational training in student leadership, emphasizing vision-casting, budgeting, event coordination, and effective communication. Students cultivate a positive school culture, strengthen school spirit, and promote belonging while modeling the values of Valley Christian High School through purposeful, creative, and integrity-driven leadership. ASB Student Government students organize rallies, dances, community events, cultural celebrations, and oversee both spirit weeks: Homecoming in the fall and Warrior Warz in the spring. As a leadership course, ASB requires significant time outside of class. Students will earn 15 hours of non-profit community service.

Additional Expectations: Students are required to attend all ASB functions, including school dances and evening events. Students have frequent lunch time responsibilities, including ticket sales and organizing lunch time activities. Many evening events require additional time (setup the night before, arriving early and staying late for setup and cleanup, etc.).

This course develops leadership skills, organizational knowledge, and school spirit aligned with the mission of Valley Christian High School. Students work closely with administration, represent their peers, and collaborate on projects that enhance the high school experience. Coursework emphasizes communication, policy development, social engagement, and strategic planning, all within a Christ-centered framework of service. Student Government members help shape policy, strengthen communication channels, and organize key events including Culture Week, Fall Fest, and Peppermint Praise. As a leadership course, this class requires significant time outside of class. Students will earn 15 hours of non-profit community service.

Additional Expectations: Please be aware that Student Government has significant time commitments, both during class and often during lunch or outside of school hours. Members are required to contribute an average of 75–100 hours over the course of the school year, and these hours are tied to your grade. Therefore, we encourage you to carefully consider your course schedule, extracurricular activities, job schedule, and family responsibilities before applying.

This course explores how communication shapes community and identity, emphasizing leadership rooted in a Christian worldview. Students examine culture, narrative, and voice while practicing responsible, grace-filled communication. Partnerships with ASB, Yearbook, and Student Government provide hands-on leadership opportunities to amplify student voice and positively influence school culture for all students. As a leadership class, this course requires significant time commitment outside of class. Students will earn 15 hours of non-profit community service hours.

Additional Expectations: Please be aware that Civic Leadership & Communication has significant time commitments, both during class and often during lunch or outside of school hours, and these hours are tied to your grade. Therefore, we encourage you to carefully consider your course schedule, extracurricular activities, job schedule, and family responsibilities before applying.