Concentrations

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According to the Department of Education, fewer than 40% of students who enter college each year graduate within four years, with the majority taking six years to earn their degree. At Village Christian, students start the process of finding their spark while in high school. As part of their regular course work, students are placed into one of six Concentrations of their choosing and build their electives and other campus activities around their Concentration. This ensures students maximize their high school years by taking meaningful electives that help focus on potential career paths. Village Christian graduates enter college with the distinct advantage of having begun the exploration of their life's passion, delivering more value to the high school and college years.

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Entrepreneurialism and Global Leadership (EGL)

EGL students harness the entrepreneurial spirit and learn real business practices coupled with effective leadership skills for a global marketplace from actual entrepreneurs and business leaders. It is no understatement to say that our nation was built and is sustained by entrepreneurs who represent the backbone of the U.S. economy. Students in this concentration gain skills and knowledge that will serve them throughout their entire life. Perhaps most importantly, they reflect upon how they, as future leaders, can honor God through their work and leadership on a global platform.

Health and Environment (HE)

Students in the Health & Environment concentration understand the concepts of holistic health and the whole person, and that stewardship of our natural resources are foundational to the success of individuals, communities and enterprise. Alongside a strong service component, this concentration focuses on improvement and innovation in fields such as medicine, nursing, nutrition and exercise science. This is ideal for those interested in career path, such as environmental science, public health care worker, agriculturalist, land and water resources manager, organic foods, athletic trainer, physical therapist, and dietician.

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Ministry and Social Justice (MSJ)

In response to God’s call for justice and human dignity, the Ministry & Social Justice concentration strives to build capacity and compassion in students to serve the world in ways that provide measurable and sustainable difference locally, nationally and internationally in the areas of human rights and equality for all people. Students selecting this concentration will focus on ministry, education, social work, legal and relief and development. Careers include lawyer, educator, criminologist, and politician, counselors in various specialties, social worker, law enforcement, pastor, and international aid worker.

Performing Fine Arts, Media, and Entertainment (PFAME)

The Performing Fine Arts, Media, and Entertainment Concentration seeks to connect technical excellence and mastery with the creative expression of each student’s individual abilities and skills. The vision and goal of this concentration is to equip students to become communicators of beauty and truth in their chosen field. Potential career paths include: actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, composer, film director and producer.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

In today's global society, excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and its relevant resources is essential. In a world increasingly driven by these disciplines, a student’s ability to gain mastery in these areas and apply it to a global platform is becoming crucial. The STEM concentration leads to careers and research in positions such as biologist, engineer, computer programmer, architect, medical technician, dentist, veterinarian, geologist, biochemist, physicist, and robotics.

Visual Fine Arts, Media, and Entertainment (VFAME)

Believing that God is the Master Artist and has infused individuals with His creative spark, the Visual Fine Arts, Media, and Entertainment Concentration seeks to develop each student’s unique gift in this area. Through the history of the world, the arts have been a medium through which the story of humanity is told and celebrated. Whether it is as a writer, painter, sculptor or animator, students in this concentration will be part of that legacy of beauty and passion. Career paths in this concentration are in the areas of film, video, writing, 2D and 3D design, graphic arts, marketing, and public relations.

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Concentration Deans

Each Concentration is guided by a dean, whose role is to help students design and engage in Practicum experiences, meet with students regularly through seminar class, and fan the sparks of students' interests into a flame. Each dean has a strong academic background in their discipline, along with networks and field experience.

Completing a Concentration

In addition to the course requirements for graduation (the core A-G academic courses), students must successfully complete the four courses they selected for their concentration. Starting in the tenth grade, students must complete some Practicum experiences each year building to the requirement of 100 points by their graduation. They also satisfy a requirement for research in their concentration.

Honors Track

Students can challenge themselves even further by earning Honors Distinction. In order to complete a Concentration “with honors,” student must complete a Senior Project. In addition to the senior project, students must complete two of the following:

  • Earn 150 Practicum points (100 is the total need to complete a concentration)
  • Complete exemplary (“A”) research on at least one Concentration research paper
  • Take an AP class or other elective course within their concentration.
The Spark Symposium

In the spring, Village hosts an annual high school tradition: the Spark Symposium, the High School Open House.

This Concentrations® showcase event is modeled after a professional conference or symposium with live presentations,including keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and exhibit halls. Students present projects from their seminar classes, so attendance is expected for students. Parents and families are also invited.

The Concentration Program has four main components.

1. Core Courses

The base of all concentrations are the core academic courses, A-G high school graduation requirements, that all students need to be college-ready and eligible.

2. Additional Courses

Students select up to four additional courses to help prepare them for further study within their chosen concentration. For example, students in the Health and Environment concentration exceed the college prep minimum in math and science, while students in the Visual Arts and Media concentration take more courses in the Visual Arts. Students can also select from a variety of specialized online elective courses that focus on careers such as forensic science, veterinary medicine, sports and entertainment marketing, international business, and legal studies. One strength of the program is that students have room in their schedules to take courses outside of their concentration. For example, a student in the STEM concentration could complete all of the course requirements for STEM and be in the choir or on the yearbook as well.

3. Practicum

In addition to the classes students take, there are also hands-on learning experiences called Practicum. Parents and students know that extra-curricular activities are essential for college admission. These activities demonstrate leadership, development of interests, commitment, and the ability to delve deeply into an area of passion. Students also meet professionals in their field of interest; thereby developing their network of people that can foster their career interests. Practicum also helps students rule in/rule out potential careers and majors, provides excellent answers to typical admission essay prompts, and clearly demonstrates student ownership of their own growth.

4. Showcase / Projects

Junior Showcase events and Senior Projects provide even more opportunities to demonstrate independent and engaged learning, mastery of their subject, and intentional development of a student’s interests and passions. Showcase events include activities such as business plan pitches, art shows, engineering team competitions, science fair projects, and development of musician marketing pages. Senior Projects are typically individual projects selected by students that include development of a new skill, mentoring by an expert, formal research and writing, and a presentation to a panel of adults.