At East Valley Christian School, academic excellence isn't just a goal—it's our standard. For over four decades, we've provided students in the San Jose area with an exceptional education rooted in Christian values. Our commitment to academic rigor, personalized instruction, and character development has established EVCS as one of the top Christian educational institutions in Santa Clara County.
Parents seeking an academically challenging environment where their child can thrive spiritually and intellectually need look no further. Our distinguished academic program prepares students not just for college, but for life, equipping them with critical thinking skills, strong moral foundations, and the confidence to excel in an increasingly complex world.
Academic Excellence Rooted in Christian Values
East Valley Christian School stands apart by seamlessly integrating academic rigor with biblical principles. Our comprehensive curriculum meets and exceeds California state standards while incorporating a Christian worldview across all subject areas.
This integration means students don't just learn facts—they develop discernment and wisdom. They learn to think critically about information, analyze concepts through the lens of biblical truth, and apply knowledge ethically. This approach creates not just successful students, but thoughtful, principled young adults prepared to lead and serve.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our dual accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), affirming that our educational standards meet rigorous criteria for quality and effectiveness.
Curriculum That Challenges and Inspires
The EVCS curriculum is designed to provide students with both depth and breadth of knowledge. We utilize the BJU Press curriculum, renowned for its academic rigor and successful integration of faith and learning.
Our core academic subjects include:
- Language Arts: Our program develops strong readers, writers, and communicators through systematic phonics instruction, rich literature from diverse genres, comprehensive writing instruction, grammar and vocabulary development, research skills, and public speaking opportunities.
- Mathematics: Students build strong foundational skills and conceptual understanding through mastery of essential math operations, problem-solving strategies, real-world applications, and progression from concrete to abstract concepts, with opportunities for advanced math including algebra, geometry, and calculus.
- Science: Our science program cultivates scientific literacy and wonder at God's creation through hands-on experiments, STEM principles, scientific method, exploration of life science, physical science, earth science, and chemistry, and field studies that bring concepts to life.
- History and Social Studies: Students develop as informed citizens with a global perspective through chronological study of world and American history, understanding of government and economic systems, geography skills, cultural awareness, and current events discussions.
- Bible and Theology: The Bible is taught as a core academic subject with the same rigor as other disciplines, helping students develop a strong theological foundation and personal faith.
This comprehensive approach ensures our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.
Small Class Sizes: The EVCS Advantage
One of the most significant academic advantages at East Valley Christian School is our commitment to small class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio of just 15:1. This intentionally limited enrollment creates an optimal learning environment where teachers can truly know each student's strengths, challenges, and learning style.
Research consistently confirms the benefits of small classes for academic achievement. Our limited class sizes allow for:
- Personalized instruction tailored to individual student needs
- Greater one-on-one time between teachers and students
- More frequent and detailed feedback on assignments
- Increased opportunities for meaningful class participation
- Early identification and intervention for learning challenges
- Enhanced ability to challenge advanced students
This personalized approach helps explain why EVCS students consistently perform above grade level on standardized assessments and demonstrate strong preparation for higher education.
Technology Integration for 21st Century Learning
At EVCS, we recognize that today's students must be prepared for tomorrow's technology-driven world. Our classrooms incorporate modern technology as a tool to enhance learning while maintaining our focus on foundational academic skills.
Students benefit from:
- Age-appropriate access to educational technology
- Integration of digital resources across the curriculum
- Development of digital literacy and responsible technology use
- Coding and technology skills development through our specialized programs
- Research skills for the information age
This balanced approach ensures our students are both technically capable and critically discerning—able to leverage technology effectively while understanding its appropriate role and limitations.
Specialized Programs That Enhance Learning
Beyond our core curriculum, EVCS offers specialized programs that further enrich the academic experience and develop well-rounded students.
Spanish Language Program
Our Spanish program introduces students to language skills and cultural awareness from an early age. Through conversational practice, cultural celebrations, language media, and connections with Spanish-speaking communities, students develop practical language skills and global perspectives.
Coding Program
Our coding program develops computational thinking and digital creation skills through programming projects, game design, web and app creation, and hardware and robotics integration. Students learn to be creators, not just consumers, of technology.
After-School Academic Enrichment
Our after-school program extends learning beyond traditional hours with homework assistance, additional instruction in core subjects, and enrichment activities that reinforce classroom learning in engaging ways.
These specialized offerings ensure that EVCS students receive a comprehensive education that develops their unique gifts and prepares them for diverse future opportunities.
Measuring Academic Excellence: Results That Speak
East Valley Christian School's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in measurable outcomes. Our students consistently perform above grade level on standardized tests, demonstrating strong mastery of content across all subject areas.
Academic accomplishments of our students include:
- Consistently scoring above national averages on standardized assessments
- Strong performance in academic competitions and challenges
- Successful transition to rigorous high school programs
- College acceptances at prestigious institutions
- Scholarships and academic recognitions
These results confirm that our approach to education—combining academic rigor with Christian values in a supportive environment—produces students who are well-prepared for their next educational steps.
Faculty: The Heart of Academic Excellence
The exceptional academic program at EVCS would not be possible without our dedicated faculty of qualified educators who are both subject matter experts and committed Christians.
Our teachers:
- Hold appropriate credentials and certifications
- Receive ongoing professional development
- Model Christian character and values
- Demonstrate passion for their subject areas
- Build meaningful relationships with students
- Collaborate to ensure curriculum coherence
- Stay current with educational research and best practices
Many of our educators have been with EVCS for over a decade—some for multiple decades—creating a stable, experienced foundation for our school community. This remarkable tenure speaks to their dedication to our mission and the supportive community we've built together.
College Preparatory Focus
From elementary through middle school, our academic program is designed with college preparation in mind. We know that strong academic foundations in early years lead to success in higher education and beyond.
Our college preparatory approach includes:
- Development of strong study skills and executive function
- Emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving
- Writing across the curriculum to develop communication skills
- Research projects that prepare students for collegiate-level work
- Character development that fosters persistence and resilience
- Guidance in goal setting and educational planning
This intentional preparation ensures that EVCS graduates enter high school with the academic skills, work ethic, and character needed to excel in college preparatory programs and ultimately in university studies.
Parent Partnership: Supporting Academic Success
At East Valley Christian School, we recognize that academic success is a partnership between school and home. We actively involve parents in the educational journey through:
- Regular communication about student progress
- Parent-teacher conferences each semester
- Online portal access to assignments and grades
- Parent education opportunities
- Volunteer involvement in the classroom
- Family events that connect to curriculum
This collaborative approach creates a consistent learning environment where students receive aligned messages about the importance of education, responsible work habits, and Christian values.
Beyond Academics: Developing the Whole Child
While academic excellence is central to our mission, we recognize that true education develops the whole child. Our program balances rigorous academics with attention to spiritual formation, character development, physical well-being, and social-emotional growth.
This holistic approach ensures that students develop not only knowledge and skills but also wisdom, compassion, integrity, and resilience. Our graduates are known not just for what they know, but for who they are—young people of character prepared to make a positive difference in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About EVCS Academics
How does EVCS compare academically to other schools in San Jose?
East Valley Christian School maintains high academic standards that meet and often exceed those of other private and public schools in the San Jose area. Our dual accreditation through WASC and ACSI ensures our curriculum meets rigorous standards. Our smaller class sizes allow for more personalized instruction than is typically possible in larger school settings, and our integration of faith and learning provides a unique dimension to education that develops both intellect and character.
What standardized testing do EVCS students take?
EVCS students participate in the TerraNova standardized assessment, a nationally recognized test that allows us to measure student achievement against national norms. This assessment helps us identify both individual student needs and school-wide trends, ensuring continuous improvement in our academic program.
How do you accommodate students with different learning needs?
Our small class sizes allow teachers to differentiate instruction for varying learning needs. For students requiring additional support, we offer targeted intervention with specialized staff. For advanced learners, we provide enrichment opportunities that extend curriculum beyond grade level when appropriate. Our teachers work closely with parents to develop strategies that support each child's unique learning profile.
What technology resources are available to students?
EVCS provides age-appropriate technology resources across all grade levels. Younger students have access to classroom devices for specific learning activities, while older students utilize technology more extensively for research, digital literacy, and specific subject applications. Our technology program emphasizes responsible digital citizenship alongside practical skills.
How do you prepare students for transitions to high school?
Our middle school program is specifically designed to prepare students for the increased demands of high school. We focus on developing strong study skills, time management, and organization. Advanced coursework in mathematics and language arts ensures students are academically prepared, while our emphasis on personal responsibility and self-advocacy helps them develop the maturity needed for high school success.
Experience Academic Excellence at EVCS
We invite you to experience firsthand the academic excellence that distinguishes East Valley Christian School. Visit our campus, observe our classrooms in action, and speak with our teachers and current families about the difference an EVCS education makes.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about how our academic program can provide your child with an exceptional education rooted in Christian values—preparing them not just for college and career, but for a life of purpose, service, and impact.
