Our Story

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Our Story

A Legacy of Faith and Excellence

East Valley Christian School (EVCS) has been serving families in the Bay Area for over four decades, providing an exceptional education that integrates Christian values with academic excellence. Our journey began with a vision to create a nurturing environment where students could grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally while developing the skills and character needed to become tomorrow's leaders.

What started as a small ministry has blossomed into a comprehensive educational institution serving students from toddlers through high school. Throughout our history, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing quality academics, a safe environment, and a caring staff who gradually but firmly establish moral and ethical values in our students.

Our Mission

East Valley Christian School exists to prepare students to be impactful leaders and responsible citizens, both in their communities and the broader world. We accomplish this by providing an exceptional education that integrates Christian values with academic excellence, fostering intellectual development and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Our Vision

East Valley Christian School envisions a community of students equipped with a strong academic foundation and empowered to serve and lead their community with excellence, integrity, and compassion.

Our History

The journey of East Valley Christian School began in 1980 when Bishop John G. Nelson founded East Valley Christian Preschool, initially known as "Kiddie Kountry." This preschool was created to offer early childhood education that integrates Christian values and teachings, providing a nurturing environment for young children.

Building on the success of the preschool, Bishop Nelson established East Valley Christian School (EVCS) in 1988 as a ministry of East Valley Pentecostal Church. The school was designed to support both church members and the broader community in raising children according to Biblical principles. The school's educational philosophy was grounded in Scripture, particularly the commandments found in Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6, and II Timothy 2:15, which emphasize the importance of teaching and guiding children in the ways of the Lord.

In 2012, EVCS was honored as "Best of the Bay," a testament to its excellence in education and community impact. The school celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018, reflecting on three decades of growth and achievement. Most recently, EVCS marked its 40th anniversary in 2020, highlighting our enduring commitment to faith-based education and our ongoing role in shaping the future of our students and the community.

Throughout our history, we have evolved from a small preschool to a well-respected educational institution dedicated to nurturing both the mind and spirit of our students.

Our Beliefs

The Bible

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and perfectly preserved Word of God. It is true in all that it teaches. As the flawless Word of God, it is our only authority for what we believe and how we live (2 Tim 3.15-17).

God & Jesus

There is only one God. The One God has revealed Himself to us as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that is, the One God manifested in and through an authentic human life. The fullness of the godhead dwells in Jesus bodily. To see Jesus is to see God. (Deut 6.4; John 14.9; Eph 4.4-6; Col 2.9; 1 Tim 3.16).

Sin & Salvation

Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom 3.23-25; 6.23; Eph 2.8-9).

The Gospel

The gospel is the good news that Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We respond through obedience—repenting (death to sin), being baptized in Jesus’ name (burial), and receiving the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues (resurrection). This pattern reflects the early church's experience (1 Cor 15:1–4; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3–4; etc.)

Christian Living

As Christians we are to love God and love others. We are to worship God joyfully and seek to live a life that is pleasing to him both inwardly and outwardly—in our thoughts, words, and actions. We are empowered to live a life pleasing to God through the Holy Spirit. As a Pentecostal faith, we believe that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit are at work in and for the church today and are available to all Spirit-filled believers (Mark 12.28-31; 1 Cor 12.8-1.

Join the EVCS Family

We invite you to experience firsthand the unique environment and exceptional education offered at East Valley Christian School. Schedule a tour today to meet our staff, visit our campus, and learn more about how we can partner with your family to help your child reach their full potential academically, spiritually, and personally.

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What Makes Us Unique

At East Valley Christian School, we offer a unique, accredited educational experience—standing as the only private Christian school in San Jose’s Evergreen area with top-tier WASC and SCSI accreditation. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers ensure personalized attention and frequent communication with families. We support students through key transitions, especially in middle school, and prepare high schoolers for success with flexible onsite and online options via our interactive Ignitia curriculum. Spiritual growth is central, with daily prayer, weekly chapel, and strong peer connections. Enrichment programs in Spanish, coding, and more round out our well-rounded education. For over 40 years, we've remained a trusted, values-driven part of the Bay Area community.