Early Childhood Lower School Program (Ages 3 - 10)

Children learn in an atmosphere which is caring and supportive, where self-esteem is nurtured and individual excellence is encouraged. Children are grouped developmentally rather than by grade. Classrooms of ten to sixteen students are multi-aged. The age range for groups is two or three chronological years. This allows placement decisions to be based on the emotional, social, physical and academic development of the child. While our teachers can adjust academic curriculum in any classroom, we feel the rate of emotional, social and physical development cannot be hurried.

Objectives: The general objectives of the Early Childhood Program are to help children:

• Feel valued both as an individual and as a member of his/her group
• Learn to plan their day, organize work and complete work on time
• See the significance of their work for the future as well as the present
• Make decisions and choices, and deal responsibly with the consequences of those choices
• Become actively engaged in the learning process through a variety of experiences
• Become motivated, independent learners

The Academic Program: The nature of the school day changes as the child matures. Younger children are given more time to spend in free exploration and play-based activities. Older students are given more responsibility for budgeting and organizing time to fulfill daily work requirements.

The curriculum includes concrete activity based learning which lays the foundation for abstract thinking and reasoning. Many field trips enhance classroom learning to broaden the children’s understanding of the world about them. Elementary age children have homework assignments. Completion time should require ten to thirty minutes depending upon age level.

For older students each day involves instructional time devoted to reading, writing, spelling, mathematics and social studies. The lower school curriculum also incorporates classes taught by specialists. Each child has weekly classes in Basic Art, Science, Library Time, Music, Foreign Language, and Physical Education

Middle School (Grades 5 - 8)

Overview

Each student has a required core program of classes, but also has the opportunity to select from a group of elective options and is encourage to participate in various activities. We feel it is important for students to choose some of their own classes as it increases decision-making experiences and builds self-esteem, confidence and independence. Students also learn to take responsibility for their own actions and to live with choices.

Our middle school program concentrates on the acquisition of skills. Valley views strong skills as important building blocks for success in a high school program as well as life. Examples of important skills are: reading comprehension, effective written and oral communication skills, problem solving skills, logic and reasoning skills, group dynamics and leadership skills. And students are evaluated quarterly.

Advisor System

Since social growth and well being are very important, the middle schoolers actively participate in the advisor-advisee system. The advisor is the first contact when a problem is perceived and acts as a facilitator between outside counselors, diagnosticians, school administration, and the family. Advisors meet with the students weekly in a group setting and individually as needed.

Upper School (Grades 9 - 12)

Overview

The upper school curriculum is distinctly a demanding college preparatory program, the goal of which is to prepare students to succeed at selective colleges and universities. The basic philosophy of the school encourages students to reach further than they think they can and supports their pursuit of excellence. For example, students are encouraged to participate in the dual enrollment program with The University of Michigan – Flint and Mott Community College. In addition, because Valley schedules eight teaching periods per day, capable students frequently take two courses in a given department, such as two social science offerings, in the same semester.

All Valley upper schoolers benefit from the core curriculum as well as elective courses. Students may elect to work on the school newspaper, which was won numerous state level awards. The Art Department offers a wide range of classes not normally found in secondary schools. It does so by hiring professional artists from the community to teach their specialties on a part-time basis.
In addition, Students are expected to take leadership roles within the school and to build relationships within the school through the advisor-advisee system as well as seeking out opportunities outside of the school with Senior Projects.

The Valley School Art Program follows the National Standards for Art Education. The environment of the classes promotes creativity and freedom of expression. Students are evaluated on their participation, willingness to try new techniques, and the ability to see their projects through to completion. Students learn to look at and evaluate art to gain a greater understanding of art in society. Lower and Middle school students have Art Fundamentals twice per week where they focus on 2- and 3-dimensional projects in various media. Students also view artwork by famous artists and discuss style, technique and use of medium.

Eighth and Ninth grade students are required to take Art History and Design. Middle and Upper school students are required to have at least one art elective each semester. Students may choose from pottery, stained glass, mosaics, mural painting, mixed media, drawing, photography, watercolor painting, and independent study/portfolio for those interested in attending an Art School.