Student Life
Vail Christian Academy offers a variety of academic and non-academic enrichments for both Lower Academy and Upper Academy students. These enrichments include physical eduction, art, music, field trips, service learning opportunities, outdoor education, Chapel, ski days, and more. Our goal is to encourage our students to be well rounded ambassadors for Christ through these enrichment opportunities.
AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS
For families in need of extended care, VCA is pleased to offer a variety of after school Enrichment Clubs from 3:00-4:30 Monday through Thursday. Clubs offered vary each semester and cover a variety of interests and skills. Past clubs have included Boxing, Wood and Leather Working, Clay Crafting, STEM, Robotics, Arts & Crafts, Homework, Sports & Games, and more. VCA After school clubs are designed to help kids explore their personal giftings and develop new hobbies and passions. Costs range from $200-$275 for a 10-12 week session, based on the number of classes and the materials needed for each club. Enrollment opens three weeks prior to each club start date. Enrollment and payment can be made online through your ‘MY VCA’ parent portal or by check no later than the first day of your enrolled club.
CHAPEL
Chapel is a time to gather as a family once a week to worship Jesus and expand on topics and Bible verses that are being taught in class. Each week, different guest speakers, pastors, and leaders from the community share wisdom and encouragement through the Word of God. Once a month, we come together as an entire school to build and strengthen our relationships within our VCA family, celebrate student birthdays, and honor standout students. VCA Upper Academy students who participate in chapel band have the opportunity to lead worship. Parents and family members are invited and encouraged to attend chapel and join in worshipping and giving glory to God.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150:6
ELECTIVES
Because we are made in the image of our Creator, He gives us the ability and desire to practice creativity. The VCA academic experience is complemented by electives carefully designed to ignite creative fires more than just fulfill a requirement. Teachers bring their unique passions into the classroom and develop deep, caring relationships with students through their shared interests. Lower Academy electives include PE, Art and Music. Upper Academy students have the opportunity to choose their elective classes quarterly. Electives offered include, but are not limited to: Chapel Band, Yearbook, Nordic Club, Visual Arts, Student Ambassadors, and more! Lower Academy students participate in art, music and physical education.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Colossians 3:23
SKI FRIDAYS
VCA Ski Days are purposefully designed to give students the opportunity to be a light on the mountain. Upper Academy schedules 4-6 half day ski days throughout the winter months. Ski groups are determined by skill level and social dynamics. This gives students the opportunity to interact and build relationships across the grades. K-5 also has a handful of ski or winter activity days designed to encourage play and connection through fun activities like snow shoeing or sledding! Parents are invited and encouraged to chaperone ski days and can access the ski chaperone sign up through their ‘MY VCA’ parent portal.
Additionally, all students participate in the “Learn to Ski” program offered through Vail Resorts. This is a school wide learning opportunity where students have two day ski/snowboard lessons provided by Vail Resorts employees.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
SERVICE LEARNING
VCA values service learning opportunities for our students to reflect the love of Christ within our community. Lower Academy students participate in community clean up and other on campus service projects; Upper Academy students partner with local businesses and organizations for service learning throughout the Valley. This allows us to give back to our community and be a light in the Valley.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
CATERED LUNCH
As a small school, VCA does not have a traditional cafeteria. Students have the opportunity to order hot school lunches through Rustic Farm to Fork. Hot lunches are offered Monday - Thursday and must be ordered online through the school lunch program. Lunches can be ordered for the day, week, month, or for the entire semester. There is no day of ordering. VCA is a peanut-free school.
O2 OUTDOOR EDUCATION
O2 adventures provide off campus, experiential learning while strengthening social bonds with those participating in the activity. Each experience grows in frequency and duration as students progress through their middle school years. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students have the privilege of participating in VCA’s O2 program.
