Colorado is full of impressively huge, new high schools. A quick tour through many of the public high schools in the Denver area will reveal beautiful gyms, weight rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, and labs. It seems only natural that parents would take one look around at the facilities, programs, classes, and activities that a huge public school has and think, “That’s what we want for my son or daughter.”

For smaller Christian schools, like VCHS, it is nearly impossible to compete with the endless stream of resources that a public high school can pour into its programs and facilities. So in the face of that kind of competition, why would anyone choose a small, Christian school?

It’s time to ask yourself an important question:

Which do you value more, “things” or environment?

Please check out Object #1to read up on the importance of an environment that is Christ-centered. Along with this it should also be noted that VCHS provides advantages that a large public high school simply cannot:

• Students are less likely to get lost in the shuffle. At a smaller school, teachers and administrators will often know the names of all of the students in the building. That kind of intimacy is often key in the academic and spiritual development of your son or daughter. VCHS is dedicated to making connections with all students. Relationships, not facilities, are what make a school excellent.
• Class sizes are smaller. Instead of classes of 30-45 that can be found at larger schools, most Christian schools have class sizes that are more in the 15-25 range. While class size is often overrated (the skill of the teacher is more important), your son or daughter will not just be “a number” at VCHS.
• Opportunities to participate in extra-curricular are greater at a smaller school. Simple math dictates that your son or daughter’s odds of “making a team” or “getting a part” are better if they are competing against less people. Many of the students take advantage of this unique situation and are involved in many different activities during their time at VCHS.
• We are a family. At a smaller school, students, parents, and teachers feel as if they are part of community in which they can take pride and have input. People know each other, and relationships become the foundation for the excellence of the school, not facilities and programs.
• Most Christian schools actually HAVE extremely adequate facilities and programs. It’s a misconception that because Christian schools are smaller and often have financial challenges, that they do not have good gyms, weight rooms, auditoriums, labs, activities, and programs. If you haven’t had a change to check out the facilities at VCHS, you should do so soon.

A caring, Christian environment that values each of its students as special children of God is a wonderful thing. When that environment is small enough that kids do not get lost in the shuffle, it’s even better.