Valley may be small, but our School Board has a mighty heart and passion for supporting families and helping kids discover their unique abilities to learn and achieve. Led by decades long directors Bill Wilson and Paul Voelker, plus Doug Elledge, Nancy Cocroft and Crystal Hubert, the Board’s willingness to move beyond traditional norms and direct the creation of innovative learning programs has resulted in a fiscally healthy, forward-moving school district.

Recently, the Board of Directors and administrators announced a rejuvenation of Valley’s 15-year-old innovative high school program (formerly “Paideia”) to fully engage and guide students in their choices and path towards independent adulthood.

At their June 18th meeting, the Board confirmed the program’s new name and identity: Valley EDGE High School Academy. “EDGE” represents the academy’s solid foundation in Educational instruction, its dedication to flexible, personalized Development and Growth for its students, and an abiding commitment to achieve overall student and program Excellence.

To help select the name, a survey went out to all students, staff, and families in the school community with a request for recommendations. Based on that input, Board members agreed ‘Valley EDGE High School Academy’ best represents the shared vision for the future of the program. District administrators welcome new and returning students seeking a school experience balanced with independent learning, accelerated progress, and the guidance they need to explore and discover their capabilities.

The Valley School District Board of Directors and program administrators are pleased to announce significant modifications to its innovative high school academic program starting next school year, changes that the Board is confident will provide students with personalized, flexible learning tracks and a solid foundation for their next life steps after graduation.

“We want to meet teens where they’re at, guide them through a flexible learning plan and connect them with resources to fit their individual interests and goals. This effort will also provide practical life skills and work experience to help them succeed as an independent adult, relevant to our current economic realities and modern work force,” shared Principal Karen Hay.

The program is designed to fully engage students by offering flexible, hybrid scheduling and a blend of academic options. While retaining the standard core subjects and rigorous College in High School credit options established through Central Washington University, the school is adding electives/choice classes, online courses, and will support work study or experiential learning through community/business partnerships. 

“We’re preparing a student-directed, planned progression of guiding steps to expand students’ knowledge and skill levels, and challenge students to intentionally embrace and empower their futures. We plan to be flexible with scheduling to support efforts towards gaining job experience so students can confidently enter the workforce, a trades training program, or post-secondary education – whatever their goals, we will figure out a way to support their personalized learning,” offered Principal Hay.

Last school year, the high school modified course requirements and added a variety of career-focused STEM Lab Kits for grade 11-12 students. A new Life Skills class where students earned a Food Handler’s Card and First Aid/CPR certification has been popular and will be expanded. The school will help pay for student Driver’s Ed courses. Additionally, a fitness room was created, along with Multi-Court building flooring improvements to expand P.E. course options. Grades 9-12 students will continue to have the option to participate in extracurricular activities, like sports at Jenkins High School, with transportation provided to Chewelah.

Become a Bear! Help us develop more opportunities to grow and make learning your best effort yet!

Exciting things are happening this summer at Valley EDGE High School Academy! Our campus is getting a facelift! Building exteriors are sporting a bright new paint color, with refreshed detailing and doors. A new sprinkler system is installed and grassy areas will soon be hydroseeded! We look forward to hosting students back on campus to experience a lush greenspace and hang out, play frisbee or cornhole, and enjoy the woodland surroundings.

A newly installed entrance sign for Valley EDGE Academy will mark the campus entrance and lead you along recently paved driveways, bus loop and adjacent overflow parking. Stay tuned for more updates in our high school academic program and campus projects!