Building God’s Faithfulness Since 1975
For fifty years, Valley Christian School has partnered with Christian families in Spokane Valley to provide a Christ-centered education that nurtures both faith and learning. From our founding in 1975 to today, our mission has remained the same: to equip students with strong academics, a biblical worldview, and Christ-like character that prepares them to serve God and others.
Christian education rooted in academic excellence and a Biblical worldview.
Derick Tabish
Head of School
Head of School
Welcome from the Head of School
Welcome to Valley Christian School. It is a joy to introduce you to a community where faith, learning, and family come together to prepare students for a life of purpose and impact for the Kingdom of God.
For more than fifty years, VCS has partnered with parents who desire a Christ-centered education for their children — one that nurtures both heart and mind. We believe that education is most effective when the school, home and church, work hand in hand, helping students grow in knowledge, character, and faith as they develop their God-given potential.
At Valley Christian, our mission is to provide a strong academic foundation built on a biblical worldview that inspires character and service. Within a close-knit community, students are known, encouraged, and challenged to pursue excellence in every area of life — spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. We count it a privilege to walk alongside families as they train up their children in the instruction of the Lord and prepare them to serve Christ in an ever-changing world.
We invite you to experience the Valley Christian difference — a place where faith is lived out daily, learning is pursued with purpose, and every student is valued as a unique part of God’s creation.
In Christ,
Mr. Tabish
Head of School
A Christian School for Christian Families.
Mission
Mission
We are a Christ-centered, loving school community, providing a high standard of education for Christian families, built on a biblical worldview, inspiring Christ-like character and service to God and the world.
We are a Christ-centered, loving school community, providing a high standard of education for Christian families, built on a biblical worldview, inspiring Christ-like character and a service to God and the world.
Core Values & Statement of Faith
Loving School
Community
VCS is a school community where we are learning to love one another as Christ loves us. We value and commit to be a distinctively caring academic community where people come alongside one another with support, encouragement, accountability and grace.
High Standard of
Education
VCS is committed to an academic rigor that exceeds the common expectations for educational attainment. We value educational standards that equip students to rise to the highest level of academic achievement given their unique talents and abilities.
Christian
Families
VCS values its partnership with families who acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and who share biblical values as born again believers.
Biblical
Worldview
VCS views the full extent of its curriculum and all of life through the lenses of God’s revealed Word. We value the opportunity to mentor students and teach the Bible as the absolute truth and foundation for everything said and done.
Christ-Like
Character
VCS values every effort to inspire and equip students to exemplify Christ and His teachings in all aspects of their lives.
Service
VCS values the promotion of selfless acts of generosity and service to one another and to a hurting and broken world in the name of and for the sake of Jesus Christ.
The Bible
God
Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit
Humanity
Salvation
Spiritual Growth
The Church
A complete doctrinal statement is available upon request at the school office.
Our Story of Faith and Growth
Valley Christian School was founded in 1975 as part of Pastor Tom Starr’s vision to provide families in Spokane Valley with a Christ-centered education. What began with just five staff members teaching thirty-five students has grown into a thriving community of more than six hundred students from preschool through 12th grade.
In 1978, the school was incorporated into the ministry of Valley Fourth Memorial Church, and by 1992, a homeschool program was added to support parents who chose to educate their children at home with the backing of certified teachers and enrichment opportunities.
Accreditation came in 1995 through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and was recognized by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Since then, Valley Christian has continued to meet rigorous standards of academic and spiritual development through multiple renewals and re-accreditations.
In 2001, the school became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Directors. Over the following years, VCS united all programs on one campus, first leasing the former University High School facility and then, in 2017, purchasing the 24-acre property as its permanent home.
Today, Valley Christian School celebrates nearly five decades of God’s faithfulness. From small beginnings, we have grown into a PreK – 12 community that partners with Christian families to develop students who are strong in faith, committed to learning, and prepared to serve Christ and the world.
Administrative Leadership
Valley Christian School is led by a dedicated team committed to advancing our mission of Christ-centered education. The Head of School oversees daily operations in partnership with principals and directors, supported by staff across academics, admissions, facilities, and development.
Derick Tabish
Head of School
Head of School
Joyanna Hill
Secondary Principal
Secondary Principal
Jennifer Christensen
Elementary Principal & Directed Studies Coordinator
Elementary Principal & Directed Studies Coordinator
Thane Gromlich
Director of Finance and Operations
Director of Finance and Operations
Justin Barrs
Development Director
Development Director
Maribeth Leach
Administrative Assistant & Communications Coordinator
Administrative Assistant & Communications Coordinator
Alyssa Burbank
Director of Admissions
Director of Admissions
Matt Barreiro
K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher
K-12 Athletic Director/PE Teacher
Jerry Hansen
Head of Facility Maintenance
Head of Facility Maintenance
Board of Directors
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Valley Christian School is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Directors made up of current and past parents who share a deep commitment to the school’s mission. The Board provides policy-level oversight using the Carver governance model, while entrusting daily operations to the Head of School.
Brent Pope
Board Chair
Board Chair
Michelle Mclees
Board Vice Chair
Board Vice Chair
Michelle Gotcher
Board Secretary
Board Secretary
Jaclyn Arnold
Board Member
Board Member
Brandon Hunt
Board Member
Board Member
Teachers and Staff
The teachers at Valley Christian School are the heart of our mission. Each one is committed to a personal faith in Christ, academic excellence, discipleship, and the development of a biblical worldview in every classroom. Together, our faculty and staff create a Christ-centered environment where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow in both faith and knowledge.