The Valley School was organized in 1970 to provide an educational alternative for students in the greater Flint area. The founders’ priorities, which are still of major importance today, included:

• Low student-teacher ratio
• Acceleration for students where appropriate
• Strong emphasis on the arts
• An atmosphere of religious and ethnic tolerance

The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15 to 1 ,with no class containing over eighteen students. The emphasis on the arts as well as academics, the potential for acceleration and small class size have provided stunning results and some very proud Valley moments. Valley’s average test scores are consistently and substantially above the national averages of private, independent schools in both English and mathematics. Valley graduates have been accepted by the finest colleges and universities in the country.

Valley has always worked hard to maintain a diverse student body racially, ethnically, socio-economically and geographically. This diversification has enriched Valley students, as they learn to work and play with people who are different from themselves.
Valley is a member of ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, which is the predominant accrediting body for independent schools in the Midwest. Valley is also a member of NAIS, the National Association of Independent Schools, which sets standards for independent school conduct and operation.

The school is guided by the following philosophy:

• We welcome students of all nationalities, races, religious and economic backgrounds who demonstrate curiosity, character, vitality and the potential to succeed in a strong college preparatory program.
• We provide an atmosphere that is attuned to individual needs and differences, and we encourage self-awareness and respect for others.
• We emphasize dedication to the arts as a means of providing a creative approach to learning and to personal expression.
• We promote problem-solving and divergent thinking to help students learn to communicate and to utilize higher level thinking skills.
• We support community service, as a vital part of our program, believing one of the most important things we can teach our students is to actively care for others.
• We value the support our school program receives from parents, community members and various organizations.
• We recognize the need to attract, retain and enrich outstanding teachers who we value not only as instructors, but also as facilitators, mentors, advisors and friends.
• We feel that the best environment for students is warm and caring, where members of the school community develop close, long-lasting relationships and a sense of family.

The goal of Valley School’s college counseling program is to aid students in all aspects of the college admissions process. Our program focuses on four main areas:

• Test Preparation (ACT, SAT)
• College Research
• College Applications
• Financial Aid and Scholarships

Middle School. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary study, especially in 7th and 8th grades. Qualified middle school students are encouraged to participate in the Midwest Talent Search for Young Scholars (MTSY) in 5th and 6th grades and the Midwest Talent Search in 7th and 8th grades to give the students practice in this style of test taking. All students take the Stanford Achievement Tests in the 5th – 8th grades; this helps the school monitor student progress and gives students test taking practice.

9th grade. Students begin formal test preparation by preparing for and taking the PLAN. In 10th grade they take both the PLAN and the PSAT. First semester of junior year, they spend one class/week with a math/science teacher and one class/week with an English teacher, reviewing materials and working on specific test-taking strategies. They also complete registrations for the ACT, SAT, and SAT Iis as necessary. Test scores are reviewed, evaluated and follow-up testing scheduled as necessary.

Second semester junior year. Students are scheduled 1-2 periods a week with a college counselor. Time is spent researching colleges, working to meet individual needs and interests. A parent meeting is held to familiarize parents with the entire college application process. Valley tries to act as a support system throughout, including making suggestions for what the role of the parents should be, what parents should expect their own students to do, and what responsibilities the school will assume. The college counselor provides ideas for organizing the entire process. Students usually visit a college fair in the Spring and often plan a day of college visits where students can experience an actual on-campus admission appointment. Juniors finish the year by preparing resumes, personal statements, essay questions, and brainstorming summer activities.

Fall of the senior year. Students complete college applications, revise resumes and personal statements, ask for recommendations, and turn in everything to the college counselor for review. Our goal is to have all applications mailed before Thanksgiving.

Upon acceptance to various colleges, seniors process financial aid forms and any scholarship applications for which they qualify. The college counselor remains available to both students and parents for all the activities that bring the college admissions process to closure.

Headmaster

The Valley School is run by the position of Head of School, who is responsible for both the administration of the school's business responsibilities as well as managing the faculty and staff. Ms. Kaye Panchula serves as our Head of School.

Board of Trustees

The Valley School is a non-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees. Board members consist of parents, past parents, faculty, alumni, and community leaders. The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to see that the institution operates in the best interest of its students, teachers, and parents. Mrs. Karin Smith serves as our Board President.

Parents & Students

From it’s inception, The Valley School has relied heavily on the active involvement of its parents. The school was started by a group of parents who wanted a better educational option for their children and it has succeeded over the years because our parents have taken this role very seriously. A collaborative 3-way partnership between parent, student and Valley is the formula for a successful experience.

Faculty & Staff

The Valley School faculty and staff are a group of committed, experienced educators and professionals with varied career and life experiences.