Academics

Educational Philosophy

Christian Education

Valorous Academy aspires to see students achieve academic excellence and leadership advancement in all they do. The goal of Valorous Academy is to bring a biblical worldview into our curriculum, projects, guidelines, and regulations. It is the hope and desire of the administration and staff that each student has a strong respect for the philosophies and purposes of Valorous Academy.

Bible-based education requires three components in order to make a successful school career for students: the home, the school, and the church. Valorous Academy partners with the family and the church to build the student’s character, leadership, biblical knowledge and application, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, all while placing the highest value on the importance of gaining a solid educational foundation.

Valorous Academy is a ministry of Valorous Church, and is the extension of the church and home working together to bring a biblical perspective through God’s principles to every academic discipline. For this reason, we employ only teachers who have come to the acceptance of Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. We want to ensure all teachings at Valorous Academy come from adults whose lives represent having a relationship with Jesus.

When the family and school are in agreement and working together, the outcome will be the development of men and women who are firmly grounded in truth and are able to fully lead out as they enter adulthood.

Structure

Valorous Academy is a ministry of Valorous Church and consists of two divisions:

• Valorous Academy (3K - 12th Grade)

• Valorous College (Adult)

Valorous Academy is further divided into the following subdivisons:

• 3K (part-time preschool for three-year-olds)

• 4K (full-time pre-kindergarten for four-year-olds)

• Elementary (Kindergarten - 5th grade)

• Middle School (6th - 8th grade)

• High School (9th - 12th grade)

Curriculum

Proverbs 10:14 (NLT): "Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster."

The Bible says that the wise accumulate knowledge—it is a true treasure. 

Bible study is a recognized part of the curriculum at Valorous Academy. We use a variety of methods to accommodate each student’s individual learning style.

For core classes, the basis of our curriculum is Abeka, and secondary Bible classes use Summit Ministries. Elective and enrichment teachers use a variety of curricula dependent upon their subject, schedule, and grades taught. Teachers are encouraged to expand upon the base curriculum depending on the needs of their class. Valorous Academy values projects which demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a given subject.

School Materials

Students may be assigned textbooks, workbooks, readers, novels, or other materials in various subjects and classes. These materials are school property and must be returned by the student at the conclusion of the class. If the item has been lost, is damaged due to student action or irresponsibility, or is otherwise unusable due to student action, the parent will be charged for the replacement cost of the item.

Grading

Students can expect their teachers to be fair and consistent in their assessment of student work. Students can also expect to be given sufficient opportunities to demonstrate learning and progress.

Grading Scale - Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Introduction

Kindergarten and 1st grade receive skills-based report cards. Rather than assigning traditional numerical or letter grades, skills-based reporting communicates each student’s progress toward specific grade-level learning goals.

Teachers evaluate students using classroom work, assessments, observations, oral responses, and demonstrations of learning. Scores reflect the student’s current and most consistently demonstrated level of understanding at the time of reporting. Because instruction develops throughout the year, some skills may not be assessed during every grading period.

Grading Scale

• 4 - Exceeds Expectations: The student consistently demonstrates an advanced level of understanding and independently applies the skill in new or more challenging situations.

• 3 - Meets Expectations: The student consistently demonstrates the expected skill independently.

• 2 - Progressing/Developing: The student demonstrates the skill inconsistently or with occasional support, prompting, or additional practice.

• 1 - Beginning/Emerging: The student is beginning to demonstrate the skill and requires frequent support, prompting, or additional instruction.

• Blank: The skill has not yet been taught or was not formally assessed during the current grading period.

A rating of 3 indicates successful grade-level performance. A 4 is not the equivalent of an “A,” nor does a 2 automatically indicate failure. Skills-based ratings describe a student’s current stage of learning and help families understand areas of strength, growth, and needed support. Because these ratings reflect demonstrated skills rather than accumulated points, they are not calculated as traditional percentages.

Grading Scale - 2nd - 12th Grade

Grades of Excused (E)

A grade of E, or Excused, may be given when a student has an excused absence and misses an assignment that cannot reasonably be made up. Examples may include participation in a group activity, in-class discussion, lab activity, or other assignment that depends on being present.

A grade of E does not count against the student and does not affect the student’s class grade, final grade, or GPA.

Makeup Work Due to Excused Absence

Students who are absent are responsible for checking with their teacher, Google Classroom, FACTS, or other class communication tools to determine what work was missed during the absence.

For excused absences, students will be given one school day for each day absent to complete assignments that were due during the absence. For example, if a student is absent for three school days, the student will have three school days after returning to complete the missed work.

During the allowed make-up period, the assignment may be left blank in the gradebook or marked as Missing, depending on the teacher’s gradebook procedures. If the assignment is marked as Missing during the make-up period, it is considered temporary.

If the assignment is not completed within the allowed make-up period, the Missing grade may remain in the gradebook and be calculated as a zero.

Grade of Missing (M)

A grade of M, or Missing, may be given when a student does not turn in an assignment by the due date and the missing work is not the result of an excused absence.

Late and Missing Assignments

Students are expected to complete and submit assignments on time. Meeting deadlines is an important part of academic growth and leadership development. Timely work helps students build responsibility, accountability, time management, and respect for the learning process.

A grade of M, or Missing, may be given when a student does not turn in an assignment by the due date. An M is equivalent to a grade of zero (0) until the assignment is submitted and graded, if the assignment is still eligible to be accepted.

1. Lower Elementary (Kindergarten - 2nd)

No automatic percentage deduction. Focus on completion, parent communication, and building habits.

2. Upper Elementary (3rd - 5th)

10% deduction per day late, with teacher discretion.

3. Middle School (6th - 8th)

10% per school day late, up to a maximum deduction of 25%, with teacher discretion.

4. High School (9th - 12th)

10% per school day late, up to a maximum deduction of 30%, with teacher discretion. Teachers may set stricter deadlines for major assignments, projects, or end-of-quarter work.

If missing work is not completed within the timeframe given by the teacher, the M may remain in the gradebook and be calculated as a zero (0).

Repeated late or missing assignments may result in parent communication, academic support, loss of eligibility for certain activities, or other school-level interventions.

Notice of Poor Academic Progress

When a teacher anticipates assigning a report card grade of D or F, the teacher will alert the student’s parents and the administration about the student’s academic difficulty prior to the end of the grading period. Such notice may be in the form of a Class Dojo message, email, or phone call. When possible, this notice will be given prior to the term report card, so the student has time to improve their standing in the course.

Failing Grades

A student may receive a grade of F on their final report card for failure to complete the requirements of a course.

Academic Probation

A student may be placed on academic probation if it appears possible that the student will complete the year with an F average in a course, two D averages, or a greater number of failing or near-failing grades.

Students on academic probation must:

• be in school no later than 8:00am and remain in school until the official end of the day.

• remain on campus during the day, even if they are a student driver with permission to leave campus.

• attend study hall as required.

• commit to staying in close touch with their teachers and the guidance counselor.

• arrange for special help at least once each week in every course in which a grade of D or F was received.

Students on academic probation may not participate in extracurricular activities, other than the before and after school care program. They may attend extracurricular meetings, but cannot participate in games, competitions, productions, or other similar events.

Students on academic probation will have their grades checked at minimum once per week. If, at the time of the check, the student has raised their grades to passing and their teachers believe they can maintain their grades, the student will be taken off academic probation.

If a student does not improve their grades and/or does not show any effort to improve their grades, the student may face disciplinary action such as in- or out-of-school suspension or withdrawal from the school. Students in K-8th grade may not be promoted to the next grade, and students in 9th-12th grades may not receive credit for the courses failed.

Homework

Valorous Academy seeks to use homework purposefully and appropriately, because the school believes that family time, recreation, extracurriculars, and rest are vital parts of a student's life. Homework should support student learning, provide meaningful practice, reinforce classroom instruction, prepare students for upcoming lessons, or contribute to larger assignments and projects.

As a general rule, homework is assigned on an as-needed basis and should not be given as busywork. The amount and frequency of homework may vary by grade level, subject, course expectations, and student need. Older students should expect more independent work outside of class than younger students.

Students are expected to complete homework assignments by the deadline given by the teacher. Homework may be assigned for practice, review, remediation, enrichment, project completion, test preparation, or other academic purposes.

Failure to complete homework may affect the student’s grade according to the school’s late and missing assignment policy. Repeated failure to complete homework may result in parent communication, academic support, loss of eligibility for certain activities, or other appropriate interventions.

If a student demonstrates an ongoing pattern of refusal to complete assigned work, the school may require a parent conference and develop a plan for improvement. Continued failure to meet academic and behavioral expectations may result in further administrative action.

Testing

Iowa Assessments

Valorous Academy administers Iowa Assessments Form E Core to all Kindergarten - 12th graders annually. These tests cover the subjects of Mathematics and English/Language Arts. Families can expect to receive scores from these tests six to eight weeks following the test administration week.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Students in 3rd, 6th, and 9th grade are given the CogAT annually. 

PSAT/NMSQT

All students are required to take the PSAT/NMSQT in either 10th or 11th grade. 11th graders who take the test may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

8th graders may take the test to qualify for the SC Junior Merit Scholars Program. 

In addition, the test may also be offered to additional grade levels when appropriate. 

Use of Scores 

Standardized test scores are used to assist the school with assessing student strengths and weaknesses and monitoring student, class, and school progress from year to year. Standardized test scores do not necessarily decide whether a student is promoted, placed, or retained at the end of the school year, however they may help the school and parents make informed decisions regarding the student’s next class schedule.

On testing days, the parent is expected to set their student up for success by ensuring they get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy and filling breakfast, have all supplies required for the day, and are equipped with the de-stressing techniques which work best for them. 

Testing days are full school days. After testing is completed, students will resume their normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. Missing a testing day are unexcused absences without a permitted reason for the absence.

Promotion, Placement, and Retention Guidelines

Valorous Academy desires for each student to be placed in the grade level, class, and academic setting that best supports the student’s growth and success. Decisions regarding promotion, placement, and retention are made carefully and prayerfully, with consideration of the whole student.

Promotion to the next grade level is based on the student’s academic progress, mastery of grade-level expectations, classroom performance, attendance, maturity, teacher recommendations, standardized assessment results, and overall readiness for the next level of instruction. No single factor will necessarily determine promotion or retention.

Placement decisions may be made when a student enrolls at Valorous Academy, transfers from another school, completes placement testing, or demonstrates a need for a different academic setting. Placement may be based on age, prior school records, transcripts, assessment results, academic readiness, developmental maturity, and the school’s ability to appropriately meet the student’s needs.

For lower grade levels, students must meet the school’s age and admissions requirements before being placed in a class. Meeting the minimum age requirement does not automatically guarantee placement if the school determines that the student is not yet developmentally or academically ready for the requested grade level.

3K Age Requirement: A student should be three years of age on or prior to the day they begin attending the program. 

4K Age Requirement: A student should be four years of age on or prior to September 1. The student must be fully toilet trained and completely independent in the bathroom without the help or presence of a teacher. Pull-Ups or similar training pants are not allowed.

Kindergarten Age Requirement: A student should be five years of age on or prior to September 1. The student must be fully toilet trained and completely independent in the bathroom without the help or presence of a teacher. Pull-Ups or similar training pants are not allowed.

Retention may be considered when a student has not demonstrated sufficient academic, developmental, or social readiness to move successfully to the next grade level. Retention is not intended as a punishment, but as an opportunity to strengthen foundational skills and support future success.

When retention is being considered, the school will make reasonable efforts to communicate concerns with parents or guardians before the end of the school year. The school may recommend academic support, intervention, summer work, tutoring, or other steps before making a final decision.

In some cases, a student may be promoted with academic conditions or recommendations, such as summer work, tutoring, additional support, or continued monitoring during the following school year.

For middle and high school students, promotion and placement may also depend on course completion, credits earned, academic performance, and readiness for the next level of coursework. High school students must meet all graduation requirements in order to receive a Valorous Academy diploma.

Final decisions regarding promotion, placement, and retention are made by school administration, in consultation with teachers and parents/guardians when appropriate. Valorous Academy reserves the right to determine the grade level, course placement, and academic setting that best supports the student and the school’s educational program.

Graduation Requirements

High school students must obtain a minimum of 26 credits to graduate from Valorous Academy. These credits reflect the courses that must be taken by high school students to receive a high school degree from Valorous Academy. Please see the chart below for details on the credits required to graduate.

To receive a diploma from Valorous Academy, a student must be enrolled continuously at Valorous Academy for at least 6 months.

A credit constitutes a one-year course. A half-credit is given for semester-long courses, unless the student is in a specialized accelerated course. 

English:           4 credits

Mathematics:           3 credits

Science:   3 credits

American History:   1 credit

Other Social Studies:      2 credits

Physical Education:       1 credit

Computer Science:       1 credit

Foreign Language*:        2 credits

Electives**:             9 credits (4 credits must be Bible & Leadership courses)

Total:       26  credits***

*At the discretion of the student and the Guidance Counselor, units of the same foreign language may be substituted for two of the following three units: one unit of science, one unit of mathematics, or one unit of social studies. Although the State of South Carolina and Valorous Academy only require one unit for graduation, nearly all 4-year colleges and universities require two units of a foreign language and some require three units.

**Electives may be any course which the student has not taken for a credit in a separate category and is a high school level course. For example, if a student has already received three credits in Mathematics, they may take a fourth Mathematics course as an elective credit. Students are required to take Bible & Leadership class each year they attend Valorous Academy, but students who transfer from a different high school may substitute one or more of these credits, equivalent to the number of years of high school completed. 

***This is the minimum number of credits required for graduation. Valorous Academy recommends that students meet with the administration to create their course schedule, determine if their intended college or career plans may require additional courses to be taken, and to see if there are courses available that pertain to the student’s interests, talents, or skills, even if that course is not required for graduation.

VirtualSC

Valorous Academy partners with VirtualSC to expand academic opportunities for our students through high-quality online coursework. VirtualSC provides access to Honors, College Preparatory, and Credit Recovery courses, allowing students to personalize their academic pathway while maintaining alignment with Valorous Academy’s graduation requirements and academic standards.

Eligibility

VirtualSC courses are available to:

• High school students (9th - 12th grades)

• Middle school students (6th - 8th grades) with academic counselor approval

Enrollment decisions are based on academic readiness, course history, demonstrated responsibility, and the ability to manage independent coursework.

Course Offerings

Students may enroll in VirtualSC courses for:

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses

• College Preparatory courses

• Credit Recovery (as determined by administration)

• Honors course

Course availability is subject to VirtualSC offerings and Valorous Academy approval.

Approval Process

All VirtualSC enrollments must be:

• Reviewed and approved by the Academic Counselor

• Approved by school administration

• Aligned with the student’s academic plan and graduation requirements

Students may not enroll independently in VirtualSC courses without prior approval.

Expectations & Responsibilities

Students enrolled in VirtualSC courses are expected to:

• Maintain consistent progress and meet all assignment deadlines

• Communicate regularly with the VirtualSC instructor and school counselor

• Demonstrate academic integrity and responsible online behavior

• Balance VirtualSC coursework alongside on-campus classes

Parents/guardians are encouraged to monitor student progress and support time management at home.

Academic Monitoring

Valorous Academy administration and counseling staff will monitor student progress in VirtualSC courses. Failure to maintain satisfactory progress, meet deadlines, or demonstrate readiness for online learning may result in:

• Removal from the VirtualSC course

• Adjustment to the student’s academic schedule

• Additional academic supports or interventions

Grades & Transcripts

Grades earned through VirtualSC:

• Become part of the student’s official academic record

• Are calculated into GPA in accordance with school policy

• Must meet Valorous Academy standards to receive credit

Dual Enrollment

High school students have the option of taking dual enrollment courses through any of the following colleges:

• Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC)

• Grand Canyon University (GCU)

• Valorous College

Courses taken and passed through a dual enrollment program at any of the above colleges will count toward the student’s credits for graduation at Valorous Academy as well as toward the student’s required college credits. If a dual enrollment course is dropped or failed, the course will not count toward the student’s high school credit requirements.

The student is responsible for ensuring the college credits earned are applicable for the college they intend on attending after graduation. Parents are responsible for the fees, if applicable, required by the college through which the student is taking dual enrollment courses.

Communication with the college is the responsibility of the student. Students enrolled in dual enrollment courses may remain on the Valorous Academy campus during the school day to complete their coursework. Students should meet with the Assistant Principal to ensure they have periods during the day during which they can independently complete dual enrollment coursework. Dual enrollment classwork may be worked on during Study Hall, breaks, and/or at home. All assigned classes will be taken as regularly scheduled.

The grades in which a student can take dual enrollment courses depends upon the college they are attending. Typically, colleges will only take 11th and 12th grade students, but at the student’s request and/or the approval of the school administration, they may accept younger high school students. Acceptance is dependent on the policies of the college.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Quarterly  progress reports and report cards will be made available to parents on the FACTS Family Portal at specified times throughout the year, to give an accurate indication of the progress, or lack thereof, being made. The academic grade is based upon the average for daily work, quizzes, tests, and projects. Additional marks reflect effort and conduct.

Library

Valorous Academy provides students with access to Discus: South Carolina’s Virtual Library, a service of the South Carolina State Library. Discusoffers South Carolina residents access to a wide variety of educational resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, read-alongs, reference materials, periodicals, videos, research databases, tutoring, and age-appropriate resources for elementary through high school students. More information is available at scdiscus.org.

Discus serves as an important part of Valorous Academy’s library and research opportunities. Students may use its resources for independent reading, classroom assignments, research, academic support, and other school-related purposes. Teachers may provide students with instructions, login information, or direct links to specific Discus resources.

Students are expected to:

• Use Discus responsibly and for appropriate educational or personal reading purposes.

• Select materials appropriate for their age, reading level, and family expectations.

• Follow copyright requirements and properly cite information used in schoolwork.

• Keep any school-provided login information secure.

• Avoid sharing, copying, downloading, or distributing materials in ways not permitted by the resource provider.

Because Discus includes resources from many publishers and providers for users of different ages and backgrounds, not every resource reflects the beliefs, values, or positions of Valorous Academy. The availability of a resource through Discus does not constitute an endorsement by the school. Teachers will make reasonable efforts to review materials assigned for classroom use; however, families are encouraged to remain involved in their student’s independent reading and research selections.

Students must also follow the school’s Technology Policy and any terms of use established by Discus or its individual resource providers. Access may be limited or revoked if a student misuses the platform or its resources.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities vary from year to year. Registration for these activities will open at appropriate times during the school year.

Participation in extracurricular activities depends upon the student’s age, grade, and behavior. Students who are failing one or more classes will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities, including athletics. Students who are suspended or cause behavior issues may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until improvement is demonstrated.

Summer Programs

Valorous Academy offers a summer camp for rising K-6th grade students. Details regarding this program are announced in the spring.

Middle and high school students may apply to volunteer and/or work at the K-6th Summer Camp program. They may also apply to intern with Valorous Church to work in one of the many ministry areas and experience the inner workings of the church.