Introduction

Mission, Vision, and School Verse

Mission

Education with a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. 

Vision

Building kids into their God-designed purpose through education.

School Verse

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Statement of Beliefs

Statement of Beliefs

Below is an overview of our beliefs. For in-depth information, visit valorouschurch.com.

The Bible

• The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the sole basis for our beliefs.

• The Bible was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

• The Bible is truth without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it speaks.

• The Bible is completely relevant to our daily lives.

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit

• God is one, and God is three: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).

• God is the creator of the heavens and the earth.

• God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.

• God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. 

• Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

• God is good, loving, compassionate, faithful, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, holy.

• Jesus is both God and man, and is the only one who can reconcile us to God.

• Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life. 

• In order to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’ we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives. 

• Jesus established and is building His Church in preparation for His return. 

• Our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

• The Holy Spirit assures us of our relationship with Christ. 

• He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. 

• He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. 

• He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ. 

• The infilling of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers to equip them for witness and ministry. 

• The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts as enumerated in I Corinthians 12-14 and as manifested in the Early Church. 

• The Holy Spirit dwells within a Christian and helps them in their weakness and defends against the enemy. 

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to live an overcoming life and to become who God created us to be.

Salvation

• The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. 

• Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. 

• Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.

• When we put our faith in Christ, it triggers a spiritual chain reaction. We become the temple of the Holy Spirit, we become citizens of heaven, we are given eternal life, we are adopted and become children of God. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten.

The Church

• The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ.

• The Church is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. 

• The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. 

• The mission, privilege and responsibility of the Church is to share the good news with other people and bring them into the family of believers.

• God’s plan is that all believers regularly meet together for worship, fellowship, service, and instruction in the Word of God.

Baptism in Water

• Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that you love, trust, and have put your hope in Christ. Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

• Scripture teaches that all who repent and believe in Christ are to be baptized by immersion.

• Baptism is a public profession of faith in Christ. It’s a declaration to the world that we have died to sin and have been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life.

• We believe in baptizing children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief. 

• Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.

Communion

• The Lord’s Table consists of two elements: the bread and cup. These elements are symbolic of the body and blood of Christ. 

• Communion is a memorial of Christ’s sufferings on the cross and a celebration of our salvation. 

• Communion began on the annual celebration of Passover when Jesus told his disciples to remember his sacrifice as they ate the bread and drank the wine. 

• Holy communion uses bread as a symbol of the body of Jesus and wine (or juice) as a symbol of his blood. 

• The act of taking communion does not save us, it is an act of worship and remembrance. It’s an opportunity for a believer to examine himself and experience the forgiveness we possess in Christ.

School Values

Leadership: the ability to influence, guide, inspire, and develop people

• Leaders impact others by building trust and influencing them for good

• Leaders hold each other accountable and uphold one another to high standards

• Leaders fulfill their responsibilities and exceed expectations

• Leaders have an entrepreneurial mindset

• Leaders are strategic and visionary

Integrity: firm adherence to a set of moral principles; ethical behavior

• People of integrity do the right thing even when no one is watching

• People of integrity do the right thing even when it’s difficult

• People of integrity are the opposite of hypocrites

• People of integrity are trustworthy, honest, and responsible

Courage: the choice or willingness to take action in spite of fear; the mental or moral strength to withstand fear, difficulty, uncertainty, or intimidation

• Courageous people take risks and seize what is essential for spiritual growth

• Courageous people practice perseverance

• Courageous people feel fear, but make the choice to take action in spite of their fear

Strength: the ability to withstand great force or pressure; the capacity for exertion or endurance

• Strong people put on the full armor of God and pray in all circumstances

• Strong people stick to their goals

• Strong people have great stamina and practice endurance

• Strong people are confident in the face of adversity

School History

Under the direction of the Lead Pastor of Valorous Church, Clay NeSmith, the vision for a Christian school was put into action. After two years of prayer and planning, the school’s founder, Dr. Ann M. Black, established Ascent Christian Academy in 2018 as a ministry of Barefoot Church. In March of 2022 the church and school changed names to Valorous Church and Valorous Academy. The school was established as an educational ministry of Valorous Church to be a school that teaches leadership values and reaches out to the community while providing an engaging learning environment.

We are grateful for the history and heritage of Valorous Church, and we also know that God is positioning His Church for greater work in the future. It is remarkable to witness how He has planted the school in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a vibrant and growing community. We are proud of our school and we look forward to serving and growing with this wonderful community and its families.

School Name

Valor looks beyond itself. Valor inspires one to look forward toward a bigger, more meaningful existence. We are a school for the valorous.

Mascot

Valorous Academy’s mascot is a falcon. At Valorous Academy, the falcon represents ambitious thoughts, audacious hope, and aspirational courage. The falcon is the fastest-moving animal on Earth. They can be found in many types of habitats, including deserts, mountains, rivers and coasts, forests, and the tundra. Falcons are known for their speed, agility, and precision.

Accreditations, Certifications, Memberships, and Achievements

Accreditations: SCISA and Cognia

Valorous Academy is accredited by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). We received this accreditation in December 2020, and were officially voted in by the SCISA Board in May 2021. Information about SCISA can be found at scisa.org. 

In October 2021, Valorous Academy received additional accreditation through Cognia (formerly AdvancED).

In January 2026, we became a member school of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

AAA Safety Patrol

Valorous Academy is a member of the AAA Safety Patrol meaning that our students who apply and are accepted to this program will be trained for the proper drop off and pick up procedures in accordance with the AAA guidelines.

Dual Enrollment

High school students enrolled with Valorous Academy have the opportunity to take online dual enrollment courses through the following institutions: Horry Georgetown Technical College and Grand Canyon University.

Educational Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Approved Education Service  Provider

Education Service Providers are individuals or organizations approved by the South Carolina Department of Education to provide educational goods and services to ESTF students at the direction of their parent or guardian. We accept ESTF funds for student tuition and approved fees.

Exceptional SC

Students enrolled at Valorous Academy who have a disability (such as a physical, mental, or cognitive disability) are eligible to apply for scholarships through Exceptional SC. Exceptional SC is a non-profit organization which assists students with exceptional needs to attend independent schools by providing them with tuition scholarships. 

National Beta Club

Valorous Academy is a member of the National Beta club and will host induction ceremonies each year as necessary.

Title I 

Valorous Academy partners with Horry County Schools to provide additional educational assistance to eligible students. Title I tutoring is based on student need, not family or school financial status. Funds used are controlled by Horry County Schools and are designated for use in independent schools. 

Teachers of students who receive Title I tutoring will work with the tutors to determine the areas in which students need the most support. Tutors are not teachers; all work completed during tutoring should be supplemental. Tutoring is not a replacement for classroom lessons.

Title II

As an independent school, Valorous Academy is entitled to a certain percentage of Title II funds to be used as specified by the federal government and implemented by Horry County Schools. Title II funding is intended to support teacher and leader effectiveness through professional development, instructional coaching, training, educational resources, and other approved activities that improve student achievement.

Title IV

As an independent school, Valorous Academy is entitled to a certain percentage of Title IV funds to be used as specified by the federal government and implemented by Horry County Schools. Items and services provided through Title IV funding are property of the federal government and must be used as designated.

Parent Expectations of the School

In this handbook, the word “parent” is used to refer to a person who is the parent or legal guardian of a student and/or who has governance over the student.

Parents can expect that the school will strive to:

• act in a trustworthy, professional manner.

• teach respect and require appropriate behavior among students, between students and teachers, and among adults.

• communicate clearly to parents and students the school’s policies on academics, athletics, behavior, health and safety, and provide clear, timely, and honest information about their children in an atmosphere of care and concern for the welfare of students.

• help students at all levels to understand the importance of the communities they inhabit - family, classroom, school, neighborhood, and the larger world.

• provide a safe physical environment.

• provide an environment free from physical and verbal harassment.

• handle disciplinary matters in a manner consistent with the school’s policies and the interests of the whole school, while maintaining tact, civility, and care for the individuals involved.

• provide knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and gifted faculty to teach a challenging curriculum and instill biblical values and principles in their students.

• hold students to high academic standards while providing them with support as they face the challenges and difficulties of learning and developing.

• hold students to a high standard of behavior and provide appropriate discipline when such standards are violated.

• seek to partner with the family on academic and disciplinary matters.

• promote behavior in and outside of school that reflects age-appropriate maturity.

• teach biblical principles in an age-appropriate manner.

• teach students biblical responses to situations they find themselves in.

School Expectations of the Parent

The school expects that parents strive to:

• support the school’s values and policies at home.

• observe all the rules of the school and encourage the same of their students.

• be honest in all dealings with the school.

• model mature behavior.

• encourage respect toward other students, both old and new.

• encourage students to meet their teachers’ expectations by doing their own best work on all assignments, and not by making inappropriate use of tutors, family help, or internet resources.

• encourage their students to take personal responsibility for their actions. 

• partner with the school regarding discipline.

• ensure their home environment is appropriately safe.

• try to minimize family- and school-related stress.

• not tolerate behavior that unfairly advances the interests of one child over another, such as cheating, plagiarism, stealing, or lying.

• help to develop reasonable expectations for their children by celebrating children’s strengths while helping them improve in areas of weakness.

• maintain open lines of communication with teachers and administrators.

• ensure their students’ attendance at school is regular and on-time.

• maintain an up-to-date awareness of the school’s policies.

• be aware of the school’s organizational structure and chain of command; provide teachers and administrators with the information necessary to prevent, be aware of, and solve problems.

• communicate significant changes in family relationships and medical conditions to appropriate administrators and faculty members.

• be aware of and involved in their children’s activities in and outside the home.

• respect faculty professionalism, judgment, and commitment to their children’s education.

• expect a reasonable, not inordinate, amount of a teacher’s or administrator’s time.

• treat faculty members, staff, and administrators with respect for their time and commitments outside of school, understanding that it is inappropriate to expect communications in the evenings or on weekends.

• listen and respond constructively to faculty and administration comments and criticisms regarding their children.

School Expectations of the Student

The school expects that students strive to:

• be honest and sincere.

• respect and do their best to follow the rules of the school.

• be a leader in the communities they inhabit.

• take responsibility for their actions and accept both the intended and unintended consequences of those actions.

• treat members of the faculty and fellow students in a respectful and civil manner.

• listen to and respond positively to constructive criticism from teachers and parents.

• celebrate the achievements of all members of the community.

• do their best to meet the expectations established by their teachers.

• always do their best work.

• always do their own work.

• take responsibility for their own actions.

• help to keep the school environment clean and safe for everyone.

• be aware of and report any situations that might be dangerous or unhealthful.

• value learning as a lifelong endeavor.

• let their teachers know if they need help with school work or with any problems that arise at school.

• come to school well-rested and prepared to contribute to activities and classes.

• ask their teachers for help if they need it.

• grow in self-esteem and confidence.

• show kindness and respect for all members of the school community.

• develop themselves academically, spiritually, physically, and socially.

Student Expectations of the School

Students can expect that the school will strive to:

• model professional and respectful behavior.

• provide students with opportunities to practice leadership skills.

• respect the feelings and opinions of all members of the school community.

• communicate expectations clearly.

• enforce expectations appropriately and consistently.

• help to keep the school environment clean and safe for everyone.

• offer practical help to manage stress.

• investigate situations that might be detrimental to safety or health.

• assist students in achieving academic, spiritual, physical, and social growth.

• walk alongside students as they navigate their childhood and teenage years.

• seek to unify and partner with parents for the success of their child.

• help students discover their purpose through God’s plan.

• discipline with the aim of helping them become productive, mature, and respectful members of their family, church, school, and community.

Campus Description

Valorous Academy’s campus is located at 2096 Fire Tower Road in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina off of Robert Edge Parkway and Highway 31. We have four buildings offering us over 21,000 square feet of space (with 700 square foot classrooms) that house administrative offices, classrooms, and a lunchroom.

Valorous Academy, as a ministry of Valorous Church, also has access to the main church building for regular events such as chapel, as well as special events such as awards ceremonies and productions. Valorous Academy also has an outdoor playground for students up to 5th grade, multiple ponds, a walking trail, and outdoor grassy areas for PE, outdoor activities, nature walks, and more.

Contact Information

School Office

School Email: hello@valorousacademy.com

School Phone: (843) 548-8474

Principal

Name: Dr. Ann Black

Email: ann.black@valorousacademy.com

Assistant Principal

Name: Rachel Buckley

Email: rachel.buckley@valorousacademy.com

Administrative Assistant

Name: Kelsey Black

Email: kelsey.black@valorousacademy.com

Front Office Coordinator

Name: Michelle Isernia

Email: michelle.isernia@valorousacademy.com

Teachers

Class Dojo: send a private message to any of your child’s teachers through Class Dojo

Email: All Valorous Academy staff have emails which follow this structure: firstname.lastname@valorousacademy.com