Valley Preparatory School Redlands California

Valley Preparatory School seeks to enroll students who will benefit from its values, purposes, programs and who will, in turn, contribute to its varied community life through their attitude towards others, their sense of responsibility, and their interest in learning. Applicants for admission are evaluated to determine their ability and/or readiness to work within a traditional, structured program at a level comparable to that of the students already enrolled.


Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten

Preschool our three year-old program, and Pre-K our four year-old program, are both full-day programs (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), five days per week. Prior to admission, all applicants are scheduled for a classroom visit and observation. All parents are interviewed by the Headmaster as part of the application process.


Kindergarten, First and Second Grade

Children who reach their fifth birthday before October 1st are considered for kindergarten enrollment. Cautious and careful grade placement is of utmost concern at the kindergarten, first, and second grade levels. All applicants are scheduled for classroom visits and participate in regular class learning activities. During these pre-admission class visits, the teachers are asked to evaluate each applicant's physical, social, and emotional readiness for success in a structured environment. Former teacher recommendations are also helpful insights in the admissions acceptance process.


Grades Three through Eight

The admissions evaluation includes standardized testing of academic abilities. An applicant's visit and academic testing are done by appointment. All parents meet with the Headmaster during the admissions process. Decisions on admission will take into account the applicant's performance in the testing session, his/her performance record and citizenship in previous school, and information gained in personal interviews with parents and the applicant.


Tuition

Tuition at VPS is an all-inclusive fee that covers all professional services, educational materials and equipment, and various additional services such as testing and extra-curricular activities. The tuition does not cover the cost of before and after school day care, overnight field trips in the middle school, the uniform, or the optional hot lunch program.


Financial Aid

The school seeks to admit students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and to help reach that goal, offers a need-based Financial Aid program. Although families may apply for aid concurrently with their admission application, the admission process is in no way related to the ability to pay. Families applying for financial aid are asked to complete a confidential statement of their current financial circumstances and submit it, along with their most recent federal income tax return, to the Private School Aid Service, Lakewood, Ohio. The Service then provides the school with information about the family's ability to pay our tuition. The School then awards aid based on need and the financial aid budget as determined by the Board.


What else makes Valley Preparatory School such a unique educational alternative?

There are many defining characteristics of the Valley Preparatory experience, all of which are nurtured by the support of the entire school community, which includes students, faculty, staff, and parents.


Small Class Size

With an average class size of 13, Valley Preparatory teachers are able to provide personal and individual attention to each student's development and academic progress. Maximum class sizes in K through Grade 5 is 20 and in Grades 6-8 it is 25.


Experienced Faculty

The school is fortunate to have an outstanding group of individuals who firmly support the school's philosophies. The teachers are enthusiastic, well prepared in their subject matter and concerned for their students' welfare. Many have advanced degrees and are credentialed.


Communications

One of Valley Preparatory's biggest assets is a support system that is strong and based on clear communications between school and home. Parental participation is encouraged through many avenues including a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).


Values-Based Education

Valley Preparatory School is deeply concerned with instruction in values and has a firm commitment in which the basic values of honor, integrity, kindness, selflessness, and respect are upheld.


Leadership Opportunities

Clubs, sports, student government, and community outreach are some of the areas where students have an opportunity to develop leadership.


Diversity

Families from every race, religion, and national origin are welcome.


Geographical Area

Valley Preparatory School is becoming a center for education for several communities. The current student body includes students from Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Mentone, Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Crestline, Bloomington, Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Diamond Bar, Claremont and Beaumont.


Accreditation

Valley Preparatory School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). The school is fully accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).