Parents searching for private schools with meaningful coding and technology programs in Santa Clara County want a school where technology is taught with purpose, where students learn to build and think rather than simply consume, and where skills developed in early elementary continue to grow in a structured, progressive way through middle school.
East Valley Christian School (EVCS), located in the Evergreen area of San Jose, offers exactly that. Coding instruction begins in transitional kindergarten and advances through eighth grade, supported by a dedicated after-school program, a student-run Coding Club, and a STEM Club with robotics and engineering challenges. The result is a complete technology education pathway, built into the school from the ground up.
A Technology Program Built for Every Grade Level
Coding Begins Before Kindergarten
EVCS introduces coding concepts to children as young as four and five years old in the transitional kindergarten program. This instruction is deliberately screen-free, using Space Rover sets to teach sequencing, directional reasoning, and cause-and-effect logic through hands-on manipulation. Children learn computational thinking by working with physical tools, which builds the spatial and analytical foundations that support later math and science learning.
Starting coding at this age does not pressure young learners. It gives them a meaningful head start by making the logic of programming intuitive before they ever encounter a screen-based coding environment.
Elementary School: Devices, Digital Literacy, and Coding Foundations
In the elementary years, technology education at EVCS becomes part of the standard school day. Every student in kindergarten through second grade is assigned an iPad, and every student from third through eighth grade uses a Chromebook. These are not shared cart devices. Each student has their own, creating genuine fluency with the tools they will use throughout their academic career.
Elementary technology education at EVCS includes:
- Age-appropriate coding and computational thinking instruction
- Keyboarding and foundational computer skills
- Educational software that reinforces core academic subjects
- Supervised online research skills built into the curriculum
- Digital citizenship and online safety woven into technology use from the start
This approach ensures that students are not just comfortable with technology. They understand how to use it responsibly, evaluate information critically, and apply it productively across subjects.
Middle School: Programming, Projects, and Digital Independence
The middle school program at EVCS builds on the computational thinking skills introduced in elementary, moving students toward genuine programming experience. The 1:1 Chromebook program continues, and technology integration deepens across all subjects.
Middle school technology learning includes:
- Introduction to programming and computational thinking through dedicated instruction
- Digital literacy and research skills applied across the academic curriculum
- Educational applications that support learning in every subject area
- Digital citizenship and online safety education at a more sophisticated level
- Balanced, intentional technology use that develops judgment alongside skill
Students in sixth through eighth grade also have access to the after-school Coding Club and STEM Club, where they can pursue more advanced projects in a collaborative, low-pressure environment. These clubs allow motivated students to go further than the classroom schedule permits.
The After-School Coding and Technology Program
One of the strongest technology offerings at EVCS is the structured after-school coding enrichment program, available to K–8 students as part of the broader After School Program. The program runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and includes a dedicated enrichment block from 4:30 to 5:15 PM, during which students rotate through coding instruction and Spanish.
Coding Program Curriculum
The after-school coding program at EVCS is structured to build genuine skills over time, not simply expose students to a tool. The curriculum progression moves students from foundational concepts to more advanced application:
- Visual, block-based coding introduces logical structure and sequencing without requiring students to memorize syntax
- Project-based challenges apply concepts to real outcomes immediately, reinforcing learning through creation
- Progression to text-based programming languages as students advance through the program
- Game design and development, which gives students a motivating, creative application for coding skills
- Web and app creation as students build confidence and technical range
- Hardware and robotics integration, connecting software logic to physical outcomes
- Collaborative tech solutions that ask students to build tools for actual school and community needs
The program also develops skills that extend well beyond technology: persistence, iterative problem-solving, creative thinking, and the ability to collaborate on complex multi-step projects.
Program Structure and Enrollment Options
The after-school program offers flexible enrollment to fit varying family schedules:
- Full-Time: Five days per week for families with consistent weekly needs
- Part-Time: Select days for families with variable schedules
- Drop-In: Occasional use with advance notice, subject to availability
The program also offers an early drop-off option beginning at 7:00 AM for families who need morning flexibility. Regular school hours run from 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM, with after-school care extending through 6:00 PM.
Clubs and Enrichment: Coding Club and STEM Club
Students looking to go beyond the standard program have access to two dedicated clubs through EVCS's clubs and leadership program:
Coding Club focuses on computational thinking and digital creation through:
- Programming projects and challenges that build skills progressively
- Game design and development
- Web and app creation
- Hardware and robotics integration
- Collaborative tech projects that solve real problems for the school and community
STEM Club broadens the technology experience through:
- Robotics and engineering challenges
- Coding and computer science projects
- Science experiments and competitions
- Mathematical problem-solving in applied contexts
- Real-world STEM applications
Both clubs are guided by faculty advisors who provide mentorship, ensure alignment with the school's educational standards, and communicate with parents about student progress and opportunities.
Why Accreditation Matters for Technology Education
When evaluating schools with technology programs in Santa Clara County, accreditation is an important indicator of program quality and accountability. EVCS is the only private Christian school in the Evergreen area of San Jose with both WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) accreditation. These are the highest levels of dual accreditation available in California.
WASC accreditation confirms that EVCS meets recognized standards for academic quality, appropriate resources, and continuous improvement. ACSI accreditation evaluates how effectively the school integrates its educational mission with program quality and character development. Together, they mean that the technology and coding programs at EVCS exist within a fully accountable, rigorously evaluated educational environment.
Diplomas and credits from EVCS are widely recognized. Students who build skills here carry credentials that reflect genuine educational standards.
Small Classes Make Technology Instruction More Effective
EVCS maintains an average student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, which is significantly lower than most public schools in the region. In technology and coding instruction, this ratio matters enormously.
Smaller classes allow teachers to:
- Identify quickly when a student is stuck on a concept and provide targeted support
- Give each student genuine time to work through challenges rather than waiting for help
- Facilitate collaborative projects with meaningful participation from every student
- Monitor responsible technology use closely and consistently
- Build the kind of mentoring relationships that turn short-term skill-building into long-term confidence
Students in a large classroom coding environment often fall behind without anyone noticing. At EVCS, every student is known, and no one slips through the cracks. Read about our teachers and staff here.
Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Accessibility
Quality technology education and small class sizes should not come with an unmanageable price tag. EVCS tuition is already significantly lower than many comparable private schools in the Bay Area, and the school is committed to making enrollment accessible for qualifying families through a range of assistance programs.
Available financial support includes:
- Go-Kids Program for qualifying families based on income and work or training status
- CalWORKs for eligible parents or caretakers
- Choices for Children, a parental choice subsidy program
- FACTS Scholarship Program
- The BASIC Fund Scholarship for first-time enrollees
- EVCS institutional scholarships based on demonstrated financial need
- Sibling discount of 10% for each additional enrolled child
- Flexible monthly payment plans
To explore current tuition rates and financial assistance options, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does coding instruction begin at EVCS?
Coding instruction begins in transitional kindergarten for children ages four and five. The program uses screen-free Space Rover sets to teach foundational concepts through hands-on play before students progress to device-based coding instruction in elementary school.
Does EVCS provide devices to students?
Yes. Students in kindergarten through second grade are each assigned an iPad, and students from third through eighth grade are assigned a Chromebook for use throughout the school year.
Is the after-school coding program included in tuition?
The after-school program is a separate enrollment from the regular school day. Contact the admissions office for current program fees and enrollment options. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying families.
What does the Coding Club focus on compared to the after-school program?
The after-school program provides structured, rotating enrichment for all enrolled students. The Coding Club is a more focused co-curricular experience for students who want to pursue programming, game design, web and app creation, and hardware projects in depth.
Is EVCS accredited?
Yes. EVCS holds dual accreditation from both WASC and ACSI, making it the only private Christian school in the Evergreen area with this distinction. This accreditation reflects the school's commitment to ongoing quality, accountability, and continuous program improvement.
How do I schedule a visit?
Contact the EVCS admissions team through the contact page or call (408) 270-2525. Tours are conducted by Principal Perez and include classroom observation, a campus walk, and time to ask questions about specific programs.
Visit East Valley Christian School
The best way to understand what a technology education at EVCS looks like is to see it in person. Our admissions team is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to schedule your visit and answer any questions about the coding program, after-school enrollment, or financial assistance.
Contact us today to schedule a tour.
East Valley Christian School 2715 S. White Road, San Jose, CA 95148 Phone: (408) 270-2525
