Valor Christian to be honored in nation’s capital
Information and photo provided by Valor Christian High School
The United States Department of Education announced in September that Valor Christian High School (Valor) will be one of 335 “exemplary high performing” schools receiving the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award. Valor is one of six schools in Colorado receiving the award, and is the only private school awarded.
“It is a tremendous honor … I am very proud of our student body, our outstanding faculty, and the supportive Valor community for the level of excellence that is exhibited each day on our campus,” said Kurt Unruh, Valor head of school.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program celebrates some of the most skilled and effective educators in the country. Elementary and middle level schools are recognized more frequently than high schools because it is incredibly difficult for a high school to rise to the level of performance required to be honored. In the 33-year history of the award, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award to a Colorado private high school only four times, with no other Colorado high school having held this designation since 2008.
The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) selects 50 private schools nationwide for nomination to the U.S. Department of Education. Private schools must rank in the top 15 percent on national standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, to be considered for nomination.
In addition to the highest level of academic success, this year’s nominating body considered overall school excellence. Valor Christian High School is being recognized for its low student-to-faculty ratios, student diversity with equitable success, high graduation rates, 99 percent college acceptance rate, and sizable opportunities for financial aid. The school also demonstrates excellence in core and elective curriculum, instructional methods, assessment techniques, community relations platform, professional development, and overall leadership philosophy. One hundred thirty seven of the 917 students currently enrolled reside in the 80108 zip code.
The U.S. Department of Education is hosting a recognition ceremony November 9-10 at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kurt Unruh and Dr. Gary Fisher will accept the award for Valor.
For more information, visit www.GoValor.com.
