APPLIED MATH, SCIENCE, & ENGINEERING INSTITUTE
Mission: To prepare the next generation of Christian STEM innovators.
Key Verse: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139: 8-9).
Facilities: 3D Printer Lab | Agri-Tech Garden | AMSE Lab | Innovation Center | Machine Shop | Ocean & Innovation Labs | Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
ACHIEVEMENTS
ELEMENTARY & JUNIOR HIGH
ACSI Math Olympics
• In 2023-2024 fourteen out of eighteen students received ribbons/medals in reasoning and computation.
• SOAR (Supporting Ongoing Achievement Responsively) Math students swept the top spots in grades 3-5 in 2019–2020.
Continental Math League (CML) Computer Science Math Competition
• In 2023-2024, one student was awarded the Western Regional Medal.
• The 2023-2024 fourth and fifth-grade SOAR team won first place in the Western Regional.
• Two of our students tied for the Western Regional Top Student Award in the 2023-2024 annual competition, and the team placed first regionally for the fifth year in a row.
Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS)
• In 2023-2024, seventy-eight percent of our students participating finished in the top 50%.
• Three fourth-grade students individually placed in the top 2% nationally. The team placed in the top 10% nationally in 2019-2020.
HIGH SCHOOL
• The MATE ROV Warrior Waves earned first place overall and first place for speech and communication in the Navigator division at the MATE ROV Monterey regional competition in April 2023.
• VCHS Math Team won first place in the 2024 Northern California MathLeague.org competition and were MathLeague.org National Champions in May 2022. This was the team’s third victory in five years.
• In 2024, the FRC Warriorborgs Robotics team advanced to the FRC Championships in Houston, Texas for the third year in a row.
• In 2021, the Avatar Quest team competed in Miami, Florida, as semifinalists in the $10M ANA Avatar XPRIZE challenge, creating an avatar system that can transport a human presence to a remote location in real-time.
• In 2019, the Ocean Quest team was awarded first place in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Bonus Round of the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE Competition, winning $800,000.
• SPACEX Falcon 9 carried seven custom student experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 for thirty days of experimentation and analysis in microgravity.
• The MATE ROV WarriorTides team placed fourth in the world at the 2024 MATE ROV World Championships with their uniquely designed, remotely operated underwater robot.
• A 2022 Esports team member was named National Champion in the High School Esports League (HSEL) 10-Minute Chess competition.
• In 2024, the Carbon Quest team was named a Top 100 XPRIZE team for its innovative approach to carbon removal.
• In 2024, the top Aeronautics students earned finalist distinction in the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit Aerospace & Aviation division.
• The Math Team named “Best Overall High School” in the nation in the 2024 American Statistical Association Fall Data Challenge.
• FRC Robotics won “Best Autonomous Scoring Robot” in the 2024 Arizona Regional Competition.
• In 2024, the Wildfire Quest team advanced as one of thirty qualified teams in the XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Wildfire Response.
DISCOVER AMSE | ELEMENTARY
Discover AMSE is the elementary branch of the AMSE Institute and introduces young learners to the world of math, science, and engineering. Designed to enhance the elementary school’s engaging math and science curriculum, we provide a variety of enrichment and after-school offerings to spark interest and lay the foundation for future success.
AMSE ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Agri-Tech (4th Grade)
Students participate in the Agri-Tech class, which introduces them to innovative farming methods such as hydroponics and vertical growth towers.
Quest for Space International Space Station (5th Grade)
This pioneering platform allows students to conduct various activities and experiments for analysis on Earth and in space on the International Space Station.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Agri-Tech (Kindergarten-2nd Grade)
Cultivate young gardeners’ natural curiosity and wonder while growing healthy habits for life in this hands-on program.
Math Team (3rd-5th Grade)
Through participation in the Math Team, students gain self-confidence and learn to tackle problems. Mentored by VCHS Math Team students, elementary team members gain new math skills and compete in local Math League tournaments.
Ocean Discovery (Kindergarten-3rd Grade)
Discover what lies beneath the ocean deep in our Ocean Discovery program. This hands-on experience builds curiosity and inspires a scientific understanding of ocean life.
Robotics (3rd-5th Grade)
The RoboQuest program introduces students to the exciting world of robotics through hands-on learning and engaging activities, where they will use their skills to build their own robots.
JUNIOR AMSE | JUNIOR HIGH
Junior AMSE provides junior high students with excellent facilities and unique opportunities to inspire future mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, all while preparing them for our Valley Christian High School AMSE Institute programs. We offer a variety of after-school programs and electives to enhance and expand on the comprehensive math, science, and STEM elective course offerings.
JOIN THE JUNIOR AMSE INSTITUTE
Members stay current on AMSE news and activities with no obligation to participate. Distinction is reserved for students participating in at least two AMSE programs or electives by the end of eighth grade. An AMSE pin of distinction will be presented to qualifying students for VCJH graduation.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Code Warriors
Code Warriors covers the basics and development of coding languages like C, C++, and Python, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced coders.
Health & Wellness
This health science initiative introduces students to various aspects of physical and mental health, providing opportunities to apply scientific principles to studying and interpreting health and disease.
ISS Space Program (7th-8th Grade)
The International Space Station (ISS) program offers pre-designed experiments, multiple data uploads to the ISS, and opportunities for students to analyze heat, radiation, conduction, and convection data in Earth and microgravity settings.
Math Team
The Math Team offers a comprehensive program featuring advanced-level activities emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical concepts, and preparation for high school mathematics.
MATE ROV (7th-8th Grade)
This program introduces ocean engineering by engaging students in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) program, where they design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to solve real-world ocean workplace missions.
Ocean Discovery
The Ocean Discovery program immerses marine biology and ocean engineering students through hands-on activities and experiences.
RoboQuest Robotics
RoboQuest introduces students to robotics fundamentals, emphasizing construction and problemsolving skills as they build their own robots and compete in tournaments.
AMSE INSTITUTE | HIGH SCHOOL
The AMSE Institute, provides students with a pipeline of inspiration, instruction, and experiences to help them become successful innovators and world-changers. Students receive unique training from industry professionals, helping them gain real-world experience and become future leaders. Our after-school programs uniquely complement the comprehensive math, science, engineering, and technology courses at VCHS.
PROGRAMS
The AMSE Institute offers twenty after-school STEM programs for high school students. While some programs require a full-year commitment, many are trimester programs. Most programs meet one to two days per week. The demand for AMSE programs is high, and the selection process varies between programs. Our goal is to involve all interested students. Some programs have no cap on student enrollment; however, placement in highly competitive, selection-based programs is not guaranteed.
REQUIREMENTS
We offer several levels of participation designed to offer distinct pathways for broad involvement and recognize high-achieving students in their respective fields. All incoming students are encouraged to apply for AMSE Membership, as it is required for program participation and will keep students up to date on STEM opportunities throughout the year. Students seeking an in-depth level of participation and graduation recognition should apply to be an AMSE Honors student. The AMSE Honors Fellow program is reserved for eleventh & twelfth grade students only. Please review the AMSE requirements charts on the following pages. AMSE participation requirements are to be completed over a student’s four years of high school and are not required annually.
APPLYING TO THE AMSE INSTITUTE
Step One: Apply to become an AMSE Member, AMSE Honors, or AMSE Artist Honors student. Applications are open year-round and can be accessed at vcs.net/amsehsapply.
Step Two: Apply for an AMSE program. Applications for specific programs open each summer and are available for a limited time. Additional application windows will open throughout the year for programs with available space in the following trimester or second semester.
Find the applications at vcs.net/amsehsapply
AMSE HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
THREE LEVELS OF INVOLVEMENT
AMSE Membership
AMSE Membership is open to all VCHS students. AMSE members will be eligible to apply for and participate in AMSE programs and receive invitations to special events and the newsletter.
AMSE Honors
AMSE Honors students enjoy the benefits of AMSE Membership while committing to higher standards in program participation, GPA, and research requirements. Students will receive a cord of distinction to wear on graduation day.
AMSE Honors Fellows
AMSE Honors Fellows experience elite opportunities designed for outstanding eleventh and twelfth-grade students to work alongside VCS program managers for a unique, year-long learning experience conducting specialty research in a specific field of interest.
AMSE Artist Honors
Students with a deep passion for both the STEM and artistic fields can apply for the AMSE Artist Honors program. This program allows students to participate in AMSE and Conservatory activities without overloading their schedules. For additional information, visit the Conservatory of the Arts web page at vcs.net/conservatoryapply.
AMSE REQUIREMENTS
AMSE INSTITUTE DISTINCTION REQUIREMENTS
AMSE RESEARCH PROJECTS
AMSE & BEI Programs
In-depth research activities
• Aeronautics Level 2 & 3
• Advanced Aeronautics
• Agri-Tech Level 2
• BEI Quest Incubator
• Health & Wellness Level 2 & 3
• Health & Wellness (Two semesters or trimesters of Physical and/or Mental Health)
• ISS Research Lab
• MATE ROV Team
• Robotics FRC Roboquest
• XPRIZE Healthspan
• XPRIZE Wildfire
High School Courses
Advanced research-based coursework
• Anatomy & Physiology Honors
• Advanced Business Honors
• AP Computer Science Principles
• Advanced Data Analysis
• Entrepreneurship Honors
• Scientific Research
Others
Alternate research opportunities
• Pre-Approved External Agency Internship
• Quest Summer STEAM Intensive
• Synopsys Science & Technology Fair
AMSE ARTIST HONORS
AMSE PROGRAMS
AERONAUTICS
There are two options available for involvement in the Aeronautics program, where students will explore the science behind flight through an investigation of the elements of aeronautics, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, launch systems, and flight mechanics. Students will learn about technologies in the growing field of aeronautical engineering. Level 1 is introductory for new students to the program. Advanced Aeronautics includes an in-depth research project that fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors and Honors Fellow students. The prerequisite for the advanced program is completing the Aeronautics Level 1 program.
AGRI-TECH
The Agri-Tech program is dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation while prioritizing sustainability. Students engaged in this program delve into cultivating the Agri-Tech Garden, a space designed to showcase cutting-edge agricultural technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Through hands-on experience, participants not only learn the practical aspects of these technologies but also explore their ecological impact. They study the intricate relationships between humans, organisms, and the environment, gaining insights into the management of soil, water, crops, diseases, pests, energy consumption, and waste production. By examining these critical elements, students develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and the role of technology in shaping future food production.
ASTRONOMY
The Astronomy program offers students a comprehensive introduction to astronomy, encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for astronomical study. Integrating disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and astrophysics, participants gain a robust understanding of celestial phenomena and the scientific principles governing them. Central to the program is the state-of-the-art VCS Observatory, recently upgraded to enhance observational capabilities. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and access to the observatory, both in-person and remotely, students engage in real-time exploration of the cosmos, applying their knowledge to observe and analyze astronomical phenomena firsthand. This immersive approach cultivates critical thinking and observational skills necessary for future studies and careers in astronomy and related fields.
CYBERQUEST
CyberQuest is a comprehensive program that provides students with a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity. The program comprises independent, hands-on labs that cover a range of cybersecurity topics and equip students with industrystandard tools. These labs and classes aim to teach wireless hacking, web application hacking, host hardening, network security fundamentals, and other valuable skills. CyberQuest 2 will expand on the skills learned in the introductory program.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Three distinct options are available for involvement in the Health & Wellness program. Each specialized program introduces students to various aspects of physical health, mental health, and emergency medicine and helps students prepare for college programs in the medical field, including allied health (such as physical therapy, dental hygiene, audiology, dietetics). Students will apply biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology principles to studying and interpreting human health and disease. Guest speakers and service projects are ways students will experience learning opportunities as they explore health career topics suited to their needs, aptitudes, and career plans.
Physical Health focuses on historical, lifestyle, and vector-born diseases, and genetic disorders.
Mental Health focuses on brain function in health and illness, including exploration of the brain anatomy and physiology that focuses on health and misbehavior.
Emergency Medicine teaches the Red Cross of America curriculum for first aid and CPR certification and provides background information to help students understand the best course of action in an emergency.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
The International Space Station (ISS) program offers two distinct participation options. Both teach engineering, circuitry, programming, and data analysis.
ISS Space Program: Designed for students interested in space science, this fast-paced, semester-long course includes two to three pre-designed experiments, multiple data uploads to the ISS, and the opportunity for data analysis. Students will analyze experiments on heat, radiation, conduction, and convection and compare the results on Earth and in microgravity. Students will receive guided instruction and a Quest for Space kit.
ISS Research Lab: This year-long program provides students with the opportunity to work in a team setting to conceive, design, build, test, integrate, and qualify computercontrolled custom science experiments that are launched to the ISS. The experiments are active on the ISS for thirty days. Each experiment module contains a digital camera and student-programmed microcontroller, and experiment data is sent to Earth for student evaluation. Participation fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors students. Prerequisites include completing the VCJH Space elective, VCHS ISS Space program, or previous VCHS ISS program experience.
MATH TEAM
The Math Team is a year-long program that allows students to further their math skills and meet other people who share their love and interest in math. Team members compete in local, national, and international competitions and attend seminars. Students will develop skills in collaboration and teamwork, improve their critical thinking, and expand their problem-solving strategies. Qualifying students can participate in the Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society.
AMSE PROGRAMS CONTINUED
MATE ROV
Discover ocean engineering through participation in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) program to apply STEM principles in the exciting field of underwater robotics. Students will design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to tackle missions modeled after real-world scenarios in the ocean workplace. MATE includes annual and regional competitions.
OCEAN DISCOVERY MAMMALS
Students will explore the exciting field of marine biology and study marine mammals through hands-on field activities and scientific exploration through data analysis. Students will learn about the different marine mammal groups. There will be labs on marine mammal skulls, abundance, distribution, movement patterns, and vocalizations. Students analyze real data collected from marine mammals and collect their own. Expert speakers and exciting field trips are planned to provide hands-on activities.
ROBOTICS
RoboQuest: This course in STEM robotics uses a hands-on approach to introduce fundamental robotics concepts, focusing on the construction and programming of individual mobile robots. Students will learn programming skills and problem-solving strategies and can design, build, and compete with their very own bot using the VCS proprietary program, RoboQuest. Students will compete in a district event in December and an annual championship event at Grand Canyon University.
FRC Robotics: The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Robotics program focuses on developing skills in software, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD). Students will participate in the fast-paced FRC competition season, allowing them to compete at the local, regional, and international levels. Participation fulfills the AMSE Research Project requirement for AMSE Honors and Honors Fellow students.
XPRIZE
On the heels of Team Ocean Quest’s 2019 victory in the NOAA Bonus Prize round of the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE competition, VCS consistently supports multiple student teams in XPRIZE competitions. Team Avatar Quest and Team Rainforest Quest completed their competition seasons, advancing to the semi-finals and qualifying round. Team Carbon Quest was named a Top 100 team. Current teams include Team Healthspan (centered on revolutionizing how we approach aging) and the XPRIZE Wildfire Quest Team (focused on developing integrated systems that can quickly and autonomously detect, assess, and suppress potentially catastrophic wildfires).
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
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