CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS
Mission: To discover and develop the extraordinary God-given talent of young artists to proclaim the arts as an expression of God’s love among the varied cultures of the world.
Key Verse: “In the beginning God created…” (Genesis 1:1).
Facilities: Black Box Theatre | Ceramics Room | Custom Music Classrooms | Dance Studio | Main Theatre | Piano Lab | Practice Suites | Proscenium Arch | Recording Studio | Rehearsal Hall | Scene Shop | Screening Room & Post Production Facility
conservatory.vcs.net
CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS
The Conservatory of the Arts encourages students to discover and develop their extraordinary God-given talents as they proclaim the arts as an expression of God’s love.
ACHIEVEMENTS
• We are proud to be an All-Steinway School, providing students access to more than 20 Steinway and Steinwaydesigned pianos in state-of-the-art practice rooms and teaching studios. Conservatory pianists are recognized for their amazing artistry and technical skill as they perform globally in venues of prominence, such as Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Poland, and the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Aneesh Chaganty (’09) has made a strong mark in film as a director and co-writer. His debut feature, Searching (2018), won two Sundance awards and captivated audiences worldwide. He went on to write and direct the thriller Run (2020), and co-wrote Missing (2023), the standalone sequel to Searching. As of 2025, Chaganty is set to write and direct Doppelgänger, a psychological thriller acquired by Skydance and produced by Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media and Search Party—another major step in his rising career.
• Tori Evans (’10) embarked on a global journey as a member of the renowned dance team accompanying music sensation Taylor Swift during her acclaimed Eras Tour across different countries.
• Valley Christian earned several accolades in the 2025 DownBeat magazine Student Music Awards. The Jazz Ensemble won the High School Outstanding Performance in the Large Jazz Ensemble category, Joshua Prabhakar (’26) received the Outstanding Performance Award as a High School Jazz Vocal Soloist, and Jeremy Yip (’29) earned an Outstanding Performance Award as a Junior High School Baritone Saxophonist. The DownBeat Student Awards, considered the most prestigious in all of jazz education, are announced annually in June.
• Meining Wu (’27) earned first place and the Andrys Basten Award at the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) Contemporary State Finals and was selected for CM Panel Honors, performing at the MTAC Convention in summer 2025.
• Kayla Lee (’26) and Lumi Kim (’28) performed at Carnegie Hall during the summer of 2025 as part of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO)-USA and NYO2 orchestral programs, respectively, which work alongside the NYO and top members of orchestras and conservatories across the United States.
• Aiden Kim (’27) was named a 2025 National Young Arts Award Winner in Classical Music/Violoncello, recognized among the nation’s top young cellists. He also won the California Youth Symphony (CYS) Young Artist Competition, earning a solo performance with the CYS Senior Orchestra during the 2025–2026 season, and participated in the renowned Music@Menlo Young Performers Program in summer 2025.
• Valley Christian had 11 high school students selected for the 2024–2025 California All-State Honors Ensemble for Bands, and four selected for the California All-State Honors
Ensemble for Strings. The Band representation was the highest of any private school in the state and sixth overall among all California high schools. Students earned their spots through a rigorous audition process that identifies the top student musicians across California.
• The Performing Indoor Ensemble (PIE) traveled to the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, in April of 2024 and earned first place in the Scholastic A division with a score of 94.025. PIE has been invited on a two-week tour across China as part of a cultural exchange program in collaboration with Joy Educational Travel.
• The 2024-25 Vivid Dance Team won 37 regional titles and 11 first-place team awards. In addition, they captured two National Titles at Contest of Champions in Orlando, Florida.
• Pablo Molano (’22) performed a piano concert tour through Central America, has a scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music, and was a featured participant in the Art of the Piano festival.
• Adrina Hsieh (’24) received the top sixth Soloist National Title at the Contest of Champions in Orlando, Florida, first place Dancer of the Year in 2023, second place Dancer of the Year at the West Coast Elite Dance Competition in 2024.
• Jeremy Darrow (’24) received DownBeat’s Original Composition - Large Ensemble Student Music Award for his composition “I’ll Take What I Can Get.”
• The Theatre’s performances of The Addams Family in 2022 and Into the Woods in 2024 earned nominations for Best Overall Production at the Rita Moreno Awards. In addition, Vedanth Ramachandran (’25) earned a nomination for Best Lead Actor for his role as Lonny in the 2025 production of Rock of Ages: Teen Edition
• The Visual Arts department was well represented at the New Museum Los Gatos’ Art Now 2025 Exhibition. Anisa Fitzgerald (’25) won the top prize as “Best in Show,” while Mia Kagita (’27) and Yuna Lee (’28) earned first and second place in Printmaking, respectively. Julia Lee (’27) received the Judge’s Recognition.
• Sophie Aknin (’15) earned the role of Lydia in the Broadway production of Beetlejuice, a highly acclaimed show known for its innovative storytelling and dynamic performances. This achievement marks a significant professional milestone, joining the ranks of accomplished performers on Broadway’s prestigious stages.
• Thirteen Visual Arts students were recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 2025. These students collectively earned seven Gold Keys, four Silver Keys, and 11 Honorable Mentions. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are one of the nation’s longest running and most esteemed programs recognizing creative teens.
• The High School String Ensemble Honors program was invited to perform at the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference in 2026.
KIDSERVATORY | ELEMENTARY
Unlocking the Creative Potential in Every Student
The Kidservatory introduces elementary students to the exciting world of creative arts with school-day and after-school enrichment, private lessons, art exhibitions, and seasonal performances.
SCHOOL-DAY ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Artistic instruction is an integral part of VCES. Each student participates in music and art weekly during the regular school day. Vocal and instrumental groups perform several times yearly at events throughout the community, such as Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts.
VISUAL ART
All K-5 students receive a foundation in visual art. Students showcase their work at the annual art show, and selected art is used in VCS publications, including the all-school Christmas card and program illustrations.
KINDERGARTEN THROUGH THIRD GRADE CHOIR/MUSIC
All K-3 students meet weekly for vocal and general music instruction utilizing the Orff Schulwerk approach to student learning. Students learn rhythm, beat, and melody. Learning is reinforced with hands-on participation in class with xylophones, conga drums, and various small, unpitched rhythm instruments. Student performers also sing at the annual Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts concerts.
FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE MUSIC WHEEL
Students participate in a year-long rotation of performing arts, including strings, drama chorus, keyboards, and band.
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Students have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the arts after school through the Kidservatory program. Music, visual art, theatre, and dance classes are taught by experienced and inspiring Conservatory faculty. Engaging electives like Fun with Drums, Adventures in Art, Musical Theatre, and Dance Express are just a few of the many after-school enrichment classes offered on the elementary campus.
JUNIOR CONSERVATORY | JUNIOR HIGH
Exploring and Developing Creativity
The Junior Conservatory invites young artists to further develop their God-given talents with a full range of visual and performing arts disciplines. In a program of unmatched quality and breadth, the Junior Conservatory provides the foundational training required for successful and seamless matriculation to the high school Conservatory of the Arts.
DANCE ARTS
The Dance Arts department is designed to serve students with wideranging abilities, offering beginning through advanced dance classes. Junior High Dance Arts offers a competitive dance team experience through “The Company” performing at regional competitions and premiere venues. Learners can expand their knowledge and mastery of various dance styles, including jazz, ballet, hip-hop, world dance, lyrical, and contemporary.
MUSIC ARTS
The Junior Conservatory Music department provides entry-level through advanced instruction in strings, band, percussion, piano, and choir. Students have the chance to participate in overnight travel opportunities as they represent VCJH in music competitions and festivals statewide, enjoying performances in high-caliber concert venues.
THEATRE ARTS
Junior Conservatory Theatre Arts focuses on cultivating a love for theatre through fun and engaging activities. Students are introduced to all aspects of theatre, including performance and technical theatre, with studies in acting, voice and movement, technical design, and production.
VISUAL ARTS
Junior Conservatory Visual Arts provides inspiration and instruction in painting, drawing, and ceramics in state-of-the-art facilities. Students showcase their work at art shows and festivals.
STEAM ODYSSEY
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) Odyssey teaches students how to harness and unleash their innate creativity, enabling them to become adept problem solvers. Imagine the intimidation of being confronted with a challenge that demands an innovative solution. Now, envision fearlessly tackling that problem. That challenge and problem-solving ability is precisely what participants will acquire. STEAM Odyssey emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and other essential skills. The Conservatory partners with Odyssey of the Mind to offer a meticulously crafted program to foster the growth of students across all learning levels. This partnership nurtures each student as both an individual learner and a collaborative team member, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS | HIGH SCHOOL
Where Artists Thrive
The High School Conservatory serves as a dynamic and thriving community dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of its students by continuously encouraging them to explore and surpass their creative limits. This immersive experience not only enhances their artistic abilities but also equips them with invaluable skills relevant to the real world, enabling them to confidently pursue their future aspirations.
CONSERVATORY HONORS PROGRAM
The Conservatory has a three-tiered program: Honors Member, Honors Artist, and Honors Fellow, plus an option to combine applied math, science, & engineering (AMSE) and Conservatory with the AMSE Artist Honors program. These programs allow the Conservatory to create distinct pathways for recognizing the top high-achieving students in their respective fields while broadening the scope of student involvement. For detailed information and applications, go to vcs.net/conservatory
HONORS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION
The Conservatory Honors Program creates a multi-year pathway for artistic progress. The Honors Program has four tracks to meet students’ unique needs and goals.
Requirements
Graduation Cord No Yes Yes Yes Declaration of Discipline (Dance Arts, Media Arts, Music Arts, Theatre Arts, or Visual Arts) Yes Yes Yes
Courses
3 6 Discipline-Specific Extracurriculars (art shows, media festivals, dance & theatre productions, private lessons, etc.) View each discipline for specific extracurricular requirements.
View each discipline for specific extracurricular requirements.
Two Annual Fellows Projects Yes
*Members: Choose one course or extracurricular per year.
CONSERVATORY HONORS MEMBER PROGRAM
Conservatory Honors membership is a yearlong commitment open to all high school students with no additional course requirements beyond the requisite VCHS requirements. Honors membership calls for students to participate in one Conservatory class or extracurricular activity (see requirements below) per year. Students will receive invitations to Conservatory special events, be placed on the information email list, and be eligible to apply for and participate in select programs and activities. Students may apply for membership at any time and can renew membership yearly.
Requirements:
1. No Declaration of Emphasis.
2. Participate in one Conservatory-approved class or extracurricular activity. Choose either Option One or Option Two to fulfill this requirement.
Option One: Become a Patron of the Arts by taking a Conservatory class.
Option Two:
Participate in a minimum of one of the following groups or events:
• Fall Film Production
• Spring Film Production
• Fall Theatre Production (Performance/Tech)
• Spring Theatre Production (Performance/Tech)
• Advanced Vocal Ensemble
• Symphonic Chorale
• Open Air Ensemble
• Performing Indoor Ensemble
• Fall Dance Show (Performance/Tech)
• Spring Dance Show (Performance/Tech)
• National Honors Society of Dance Arts
• National Art Honor Society
• Visual Arts Show
AMSE ARTIST HONORS
The AMSE Artist Honors distinction is extended to students with a deep passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the Arts, creating a path to participate in key components of both honors programs. As an AMSE Artist Honors participant, students automatically receive AMSE and Conservatory membership.
Students interested in pursuing AMSE Artist Honors status must complete a separate application.
AMSE ARTIST HONORS REQUIREMENTS
DANCE ARTS
The Dance Arts department boasts one of the area’s most extensive dance programs, offering courses in various styles, including jazz, ballet, hip-hop, world dance, lyrical, and contemporary. This department produces several annual mainstage productions and is home to the nationally-ranked VIVID Dance Team.
DANCE ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three dance classes in the same genre
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Participation in one VCS dance show per year
• One VCS dance show choreography project each year in the program
• Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program
DANCE ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three dance classes in the same genre
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Participation in one VCS dance show per year
• Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program
DANCE ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete six classes - four in dance technique and two in a different genre of choice
• Participate on the VIVID Dance Team for at least two years
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least two dance shows per year
• Participate in two VCS dance show choreography projects each year in the program
• Participation in the National Honors Society of Dance Arts each year in the program
• Take technique classes at an outside studio for at least two hours weekly
• Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events
• Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory dance arts fellowship projects each year in the program
MEDIA ARTS
The Media Arts department offers courses focused on live-action filmmaking and screenwriting. Students gain practical experience with top-tier equipment while being expertly guided through industry-standard techniques for crafting compelling narratives. This hands-on training empowers students to develop their skills and capabilities in line with professional standards, fostering their proficiency in visual storytelling.
MEDIA ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three media arts classes in succession of emphasis
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete a media arts project each year in the program, as outlined by the advisor
MEDIA ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three media arts classes in succession of emphasis
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Participate in one media arts extracurricular activity each year in the program
- Attend a VCS quarterly film festival and write a one-page essay on the experience
- Participate in an advanced applied filmmaking production
• Complete a media project each year in the program
MEDIA ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete six media arts classes
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Participation in the technical aspects of at least two VCS productions each year in the program
• Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events
• Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory media arts fellowship projects each year in the program
MUSIC ARTS
The Music Arts department ignites a passion for creativity, fosters artistic expression, and cultivates exceptional talent through a rich curriculum, expert guidance, and cooperative learning. With nationally ranked competitive ensembles and soloists, opportunities abound for students of all abilities with a broad range of classes, including band, choir, orchestra, piano, guitar, music theory, and worship & production.
MUSIC ARTS - HONORS ARTIST & AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAMS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three music performance classes over four years
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete a minimum of twelve hours of private instrumental or vocal lessons each year in the program
MUSIC ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete four music performance classes over four years
• History and Music class
• Either a piano class or AP Music Theory (Piano students will take AP Music Theory)
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete a minimum of twelve hours of private instrumental or vocal lessons each year in the program
• Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events
• Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory music arts fellowship projects each year in the program
THEATRE ARTS
The Theatre Arts department favors a holistic theatrical education with well-rounded training in all production and performance aspects. In classes and after-school productions, students hone acting, design, and technical theatre skills.
THEATRE ARTS - HONORS ARTIST & AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAMS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Three theatre classes in sequence with no emphasis
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least one Fall, Spring, or Summer VCS Theatre production each year in the program
THEATRE ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Four theatre classes in sequence with no emphasis
• Two additional classes in theatre, dance, and/or choir
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Involvement in performance or technical aspects of at least two VCS Theatre department productions each year in the program
• Private voice and/or studio dance training or a leadership role in technical theatre for a VCS production
• Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events
• Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory theatre arts fellowship projects each year in the program
VISUAL ARTS
The Visual Arts department allows students to explore various art forms, including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. Our state-of-the-art visual arts complex includes natural light-filled classrooms and creative studio spaces, which provide students with the optimum environment for art production. Students are provided with advanced art materials and resources that enable them to explore creativity in new and exciting ways.
VISUAL ARTS - HONORS ARTIST PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three visual arts classes over four years
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Off-site art experience essay each year in the program
• Art portfolio each year in the program
VISUAL ARTS - AMSE ARTIST HONORS PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three visual arts classes each year in the program
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete one AMSE Artist in Visual Arts project each year in the program (choose a project at sfmoma.org/series/open-studio).
VISUAL ARTS - HONORS FELLOW PROGRAM
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete three visual arts classes, including AP Art History over four years
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS:
• Art portfolio each year in the program
• Off-campus art experience essay project each year in the program
• Serve as a Conservatory ambassador, showcasing talents at special activities and events
• Complete two Valley Christian Conservatory visual arts fellowship projects each year in the program
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
