By: Donna Duperron
Walking toward the entrance of Valor Christian Academy, I could hear the laughter and sense the happiness coming from the preschool area. Entering the front office, I was greeted, and my photo was taken and scanned onto a visitor’s badge that I was asked to wear.
Natisha Echevarria, Principal and Head of Schools welcomed me and introduced me to faculty members and staff as we walked to her office. It was evident that she was passionate about the students at Valor Christian Academy by her enthusiasm in talking about the school.
As a former Valor teacher with 20 years of teaching experience, Echevarria connects and guides prospective parents from preschool to eighth grade through the admissions process. Additionally, she collaborates with staff members to promote the school’s mission of preparing courageous leaders throughout the community and surrounding areas.
“Valor Christian Academy is a WASC accredited private transitional kindergarten through 8th grade school. Our mission is to provide each student with an uncompromising Christian education devoted to academic excellence in a family-friendly, safe, and nurturing environment,” explained Echevarria.
As I walked through the school campus with Echevarria, several students acknowledged her presence and wanted to ask her a question. She took the time to address each student and often knelt so to hear them better or to respond in a compassionate way. Entering classrooms, bulletin boards were creatively filled with students’ work on display and resources to enhance a child’s learning experience were often seen.
As I learned more about Valor Christian Academy, I was impressed with the ‘beyond the classroom’ opportunities students have. “Elementary students participate in STEAM and foreign language classes and computer skills. Middle school students participate in off-campus community service and team building events, take approximately two off campus field trips a year, and can select to participate in team sports. As part of the study of U.S. History, our 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital with our biennial Washington, D.C. Trip. Additionally, eighth grade students attend a leadership retreat and go on a four-day local mission trip,” commented Echevarria.
Valor Christian Academy offers a number of after-school enrichment programs for students that stimulate the mind and body. Classes change quarterly, so there are plenty of opportunities to try new classes. “Classes offered may include heartstring violin, American sign language, Novaes Jiu Jitsu, Bricks 4 Kidz, chess, mad science, and watch me draw,” explained Echevarria.
As part of Valor Christian Academy’s mission to develop servant leadership, the Student Honor Council (SHC) is an important part of student life at Valor. From elected officers to class representatives, students learn the responsibilities of decision making and overseeing programs to improve the student life of the campus. Students from TK-8th grade also learn about the importance of being a school citizen and learn to appreciate the privilege of voting as part of the democratic process.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce thanks Valor Christian Academy for being a valued member. You truly do prepare courageous leaders throughout the community and surrounding areas by your rigorous academics, STEAM program, credentialed faculty, and extra-curricular activities. Additional information on Valor Christian Academy can be found at valorchristianacademy.org.