Kindergarten

Establishing a Christ-centered foundation in education

Kindergarten2025-11-22T07:30:15-08:00

Where Your Child’s Journey Begins

At Valley Christian School, our Kindergarten program lays a strong academic and spiritual foundation for your child. We integrate a biblical worldview throughout our curriculum, fostering a love for learning in a nurturing, faith-based environment.

Building foundations in faith and joy in learning.

Why Kindergarten at VCS?

Starting your child’s educational journey with Valley Christian means providing them with a strong foundation built on faith, learning, and care. Our kindergarten program is designed to nurture curiosity and creativity in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. With reasonable class sizes and dedicated teachers, every child receives the personal attention they need to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

From hands-on activities that spark curiosity to values-based lessons that guide character development, our kindergarten program is the perfect place for young minds to thrive. At Valley Christian, we’re committed to partnering with families to inspire a lifelong love of learning in every student.

Valley Christian School’s Approach to Learning in Kindergarten

Play-Based Learning

Our hands-on activities encourage exploration and creativity, allowing children to learn by doing. Through structured play, our kindergarteners develop problem-solving skills, social interaction, and self-confidence.

Faith-Centered Education

Faith is woven into daily learning, teaching kindness, respect, and a love for God. Through Bible stories, songs, and prayers, students learn core Christian values that help shape their character.

Foundations in Literacy and Math

We provide a strong start in reading, writing, and math through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Our literacy programs focus on phonics, vocabulary, and early reading, while our math lessons develop number sense and foundational skills.

Social and Emotional Growth

Kindergarten is a time to learn how to share, take turns, and communicate feelings. Our teachers guide students in developing social skills and self-awareness, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning environments.

Creative Expression and Physical Activity

Art, music, and movement are central to our curriculum, allowing children to express themselves and explore new talents. With daily opportunities for physical activity, our students build coordination and a love for active play.

Discovery Through Science and Nature

Our program introduces students to the wonders of science and nature, fostering curiosity about the world around them. Through simple experiments and outdoor exploration, children learn basic scientific concepts and develop an appreciation for God’s creation.

Meet the VCS Kindergarten Teachers & Staff

  • Matt Barreiro

    K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher

    K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher

  • Lena Fomenko

    Recess Supervisor/TA

    Recess Supervisor/TA

  • Jami Backell

    K-12 Choirs & Elementary Music

    K-12 Choirs & Elementary Music

  • Breanna Scott

    Recess Supervisor/TA

    Recess Supervisor/TA

  • Ashley Short

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

  • Brenda DeJong

    K-12 PE & Secondary Health

    K-12 PE & Secondary Health

  • Debbie Reese

    Librarian

    Librarian

  • Terry Neve

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

  • Matt Barreiro

    K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher

    K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher

  • Lena Fomenko

    Recess Supervisor/TA

    Recess Supervisor/TA

  • Jami Backell

    K-12 Choirs & Elementary Music

    K-12 Choirs & Elementary Music

  • Breanna Scott

    Recess Supervisor/TA

    Recess Supervisor/TA

  • Ashley Short

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

  • Brenda DeJong

    K-12 PE & Secondary Health

    K-12 PE & Secondary Health

  • Debbie Reese

    Librarian

    Librarian

  • Terry Neve

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

Is VCS right for your child?

Take a tour of our campus and discover how VCS develops your child’s academic and spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Guide to Starting Kindergarten with Confidence

What age does my child need to be to enroll in Kindergarten at VCS?2025-05-05T07:50:55-07:00

Children must be 5 years old by August 31 of the school year to begin Kindergarten.

Is Kindergarten a full-day program?2025-11-19T11:53:04-08:00

Yes, Valley Christian offers a full-day Kindergarten program Monday through Thursday from 8:15-3:15 with a three- or four-day option.

What curriculum is used in Kindergarten?2025-11-19T11:53:27-08:00

We use Abeka curriculum for phonics and math, and incorporate a Writer’s Workshop model to develop literacy skills. Bible integration is woven throughout all subjects.

How is Christian faith incorporated into the classroom?2025-05-05T07:51:44-07:00

Kindergarten students participate in daily Bible lessons, prayer, and weekly chapel. Biblical values and Christ-like character are modeled and encouraged throughout the day.

What specials or enrichment classes do Kindergarteners attend?2025-05-05T07:52:01-07:00

Students enjoy weekly classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, and Computer Lab, giving them a well-rounded early learning experience.

How do you support social and emotional development?2025-05-05T07:52:16-07:00

Through structured routines, guided play, and intentional character-building, students learn responsibility, respect, and cooperation within a loving classroom environment.

Will my child be prepared for 1st Grade?2025-05-05T07:52:30-07:00

Yes. Our Kindergarten program is designed to build strong academic readiness while nurturing spiritual growth and social maturity, equipping children for success in 1st grade.

Directed Studies

Supporting Every Student’s Success

At Valley Christian School, we recognize that every child learns differently. Our Directed Studies Program is designed to come alongside students who face unique academic challenges, ensuring they have the tools and support to reach their God-given potential.

Through individualized assessment and planning, the Directed Studies team works with students, parents, and teachers to identify specific learning needs and implement strategies for success. Whether through targeted skill development, modified classroom instruction, or guided independent study, we help students strengthen core academic abilities while remaining engaged in the classroom community.

VCS serves students with mild learning differences, providing individualized plans for approximately 5–10% of the students with unique needs. Our coordinators collaborate with teachers to ensure classroom accommodations and long-term academic growth.

While we strive to meet a wide range of learning needs, we are not equipped to serve students requiring extensive special education services. Families whose children need more comprehensive resources are encouraged to explore available public-school support services.

Every student is created with purpose. We’re committed to helping each one learn, grow, and thrive.

See what families are saying about Valley Christian School

Crystal Stavenjord

Class of 2001

Crystal Stavenjord

Class of 2001

The challenging curriculum at VCS helped prepare me for the challenges, big and small, that I have faced in many areas of life.

The challenging curriculum at VCS helped prepare me for the challenges, big and small, that I have faced in many areas of life.

Maddie Johnson

Class of 2019

Maddie Johnson

Class of 2019

My teachers knew me so well and chose to get to know me. Some teachers went as far as inviting my entire class over for pizza and games. VCS was a community where teachers were intentional, students felt included, and had a sense of belonging.

My teachers knew me so well and chose to get to know me. Some teachers went as far as inviting my entire class over for pizza and games. VCS was a community where teachers were intentional, students felt included, and had a sense of belonging.

Amy Poston

Amy Poston

We've been happy with our son being at VCS. We like what he is being taught and the values that are important to us. We're really pleased with how things are going academically. VCS is a really good fit for our family.

We've been happy with our son being at VCS. We like what he is being taught and the values that are important to us. We're really pleased with how things are going academically. VCS is a really good fit for our family.

Kelly Welsh

Class of 2004 & VCS Parent

Kelly Welsh

Class of 2004 & VCS Parent

VCS prepared me so much for college and life. I was amazed at how unprepared a lot of my college classmates were. Students reached out to me to help write their papers, proof their papers.

VCS prepared me so much for college and life. I was amazed at how unprepared a lot of my college classmates were. Students reached out to me to help write their papers, proof their papers.

Kelly Welsh

Class of 2004 & VCS Parent

Kelly Welsh

Class of 2004 & VCS Parent

I am amazed at how my daughter’s academics are far ahead of her peers. The academics are superior.

I am amazed at how my daughter’s academics are far ahead of her peers. The academics are superior.

Jim Fields

Former VCS Parent & Board Member

Jim Fields

Former VCS Parent & Board Member

The teachers of VCS were an amazing and Godly influence on the lives of our children.

The teachers of VCS were an amazing and Godly influence on the lives of our children.

VCS Parent

VCS Parent

As soon as we walked in the door, this school felt like home. My husband and I visited a few schools in the area when our oldest was ready to start kindergarten, and we loved the community feeling at VCS. When I showed up to an event with my kindergartner, preschooler, and baby, several of the older students made conversation with me and my kids and generally helped us all feel welcome. That speaks to the kind of character that this school nurtures. These kids are already shining their light!

As soon as we walked in the door, this school felt like home. My husband and I visited a few schools in the area when our oldest was ready to start kindergarten, and we loved the community feeling at VCS. When I showed up to an event with my kindergartner, preschooler, and baby, several of the older students made conversation with me and my kids and generally helped us all feel welcome. That speaks to the kind of character that this school nurtures. These kids are already shining their light!

VCS Parent

VCS Parent

We really appreciate the caring staff, close family feel, and emphasis on Christian values.

We really appreciate the caring staff, close family feel, and emphasis on Christian values.

Rami Messier

Rami Messier

VCS welcomed our kids. Every student is noticed, they're not just a number. VCS' curriculum is built around Jesus. To partner with a school that emphasizes that is rewarding.

VCS welcomed our kids. Every student is noticed, they're not just a number. VCS' curriculum is built around Jesus. To partner with a school that emphasizes that is rewarding.

VCS Alum

VCS Alum

My experience at Valley Christian School was fantastic. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to get to know their students better. Teachers are concerned about the wellbeing of their students and do what they can to help them succeed. I appreciate Valley Christian School and the impact they've had on my life.

My experience at Valley Christian School was fantastic. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to get to know their students better. Teachers are concerned about the wellbeing of their students and do what they can to help them succeed. I appreciate Valley Christian School and the impact they've had on my life.

Have you taken a personalized tour of our campus?

Schedule your personal tour today!

Let us show you what Valley Christian School can offer your child and your family. If these days or times don’t work for you, please call (509) 290-6428 to schedule a tour.

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  • Meet teachers and staff

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