VALA NC's Core Values

OUR CORE VALUES

At VALA NC, learning is guided by strong values that shape both how we teach and how students grow. Our Core Values reflect our commitment to academic excellence, integrity, inclusion, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Together, they help create a supportive learning environment where students are empowered to learn with purpose and develop strong character.

Academic Excellence

At VALA NC, academic excellence means helping every student grow, achieve, and reach their full potential. We hold high expectations for all learners while providing the support, instruction, and encouragement they need to succeed. Our teaching is grounded in research-based practices and enriched through STEAM learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.

We believe excellence is not about perfection—it is about progress, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Through meaningful feedback, reflection, and challenging learning experiences, students are encouraged to think deeply, set goals, and take pride in their learning.

What Academic Excellence Looks Like for Students and Families

High expectations for all students, with support to help every learner succeed
Strong, evidence-based instruction aligned to state standards and best practices
STEAM-integrated learning, connecting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to real-world applications
Clear learning goals and success criteria, so students understand what they are learning and why
Regular feedback and reflection, helping students grow and improve over time
Challenging and meaningful coursework that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence
Opportunities for enrichment and acceleration for students ready to go further
Support systems for students who need extra help, ensuring no one falls behind
Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity
High-quality assessments that measure understanding, not just memorization
Preparation for college, careers, and lifelong learning

Why Academic Excellence Matters

Academic excellence prepares students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. At VALA NC, students learn to think deeply, ask questions, apply knowledge, and persevere through challenges. By combining high standards, supportive instruction, and STEAM-rich learning experiences, we help students develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in school and beyond.

Accountability and Integrity

At VALA NC, accountability and integrity guide everything we do. We believe trust is built through honesty, transparency, and responsible decision-making. As a public charter school, we are committed to careful stewardship of resources, clear communication, and ethical practices in all areas of our work.

At the same time, we intentionally teach students to develop integrity in their own learning and behavior. Because virtual learning requires independence and responsibility, students learn how to manage their time, complete work honestly, and take ownership of their choices. These values help prepare them not only for academic success, but also for life, college, and future careers.

What Accountability and Integrity Look Like for Students and Families

Honest and transparent communication about school expectations, performance, and policies
Responsible use of public funds, with strong oversight and ethical financial practices
Clear academic expectations and grading practices, so families understand how progress is measured
High standards for academic honesty, including originality, proper use of technology, and ethical behavior
Support for students in developing responsibility, time management, and self-discipline
Guidance on digital citizenship, especially in online and AI-supported learning environments
Clear rules and fair procedures, applied consistently to all students
Opportunities for reflection and growth, helping students learn from mistakes
Family partnerships, encouraging open communication and shared responsibility
Leadership accountability, with administrators and board members monitoring performance and compliance

Why Accountability & Integrity Matter

Accountability and integrity create a school culture built on trust, fairness, and respect. When students understand expectations and feel supported, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning and act responsibly. At VALA NC, we model ethical leadership while helping students develop strong character, sound judgment, and lifelong habits of honesty and responsibility.

Student-Centeredness

At VALA NC, students come first in everything we do. Being student-centered means we design learning around each child’s strengths, needs, interests, and goals; not around a one-size-fits-all model. We believe students learn best when they feel known, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their education.

Our approach prioritizes both academic growth and personal well-being. By listening to students, partnering with families, and using flexible, responsive teaching practices, we create learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and motivating. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals, reflect on progress, and develop confidence as independent learners.

What Student-Centered Learning Looks Like for Students and Families

Learning is designed around individual strengths and needs, not a single pathway for everyone
Personalized goals and learning plans that help students grow at their own pace
Student voice and choice, allowing learners to explore interests and make meaningful decisions
Flexible learning pathways, including enrichment, support, and acceleration options
Attention to student well-being, including social, emotional, and academic support
Strong relationships with teachers, who know students well and provide guidance and encouragement
Active engagement, where students participate, collaborate, and take responsibility for learning
Opportunities for reflection and goal-setting, helping students track progress and celebrate growth
Family partnerships, with open communication and shared support for student success
Respect for each learner, fostering confidence, belonging, and motivation

Why Student-Centeredness Matters

When students feel heard, supported, and valued, they are more motivated to learn and more confident in their abilities. A student-centered approach helps learners develop independence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. At VALA NC, this focus ensures that every student is empowered to grow academically, socially, and personally—preparing them for success in school and in life.

21st Century Skills

At VALA NC, we prepare students not only to succeed in school but to thrive in college, careers, and an ever-changing world. Our focus on 21st-century skills ensures that students develop the knowledge, habits, and abilities needed to solve complex problems, think creatively, work with others, and use technology responsibly.

These skills are intentionally taught and practiced across all subjects, especially through STEAM learning, where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics come together in meaningful, real-world applications. Students learn by doing, reflecting, and improving, building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

What 21st Century Skills Look Like for Students and Families

Critical thinking and problem-solving, helping students analyze information, ask thoughtful questions, and design solutions
STEAM-integrated learning, where students apply science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to real-world challenges
Data literacy and analytical reasoning, including interpreting data, identifying patterns, and making evidence-based decisions
Creativity and innovation, encouraging original ideas, design thinking, and inventive approaches to learning
Digital literacy and responsible technology use, including online safety, ethical use of AI, and effective use of digital tools
Effective communication skills, such as speaking, writing, presenting, and listening clearly and respectfully
Collaboration and teamwork, helping students work productively with peers in diverse groups
Self-directed learning and time management, empowering students to plan, organize, and take ownership of their learning
Adaptability and resilience, preparing students to adjust to change and learn from challenges
Ethical decision-making and character development, guiding students to act with integrity and responsibility
Career exploration and readiness, including exposure to real-world careers, problem-solving tasks, and professional expectations

Why 21st Century Skills Matter

Today’s students will enter a world shaped by rapid technological change, innovation, and global connections. Academic knowledge alone is not enough. At VALA NC, students learn how to think, collaborate, and adapt—skills that support success in higher education, the workplace, and life.

By embedding 21st-century skills into daily instruction and STEAM-based learning experiences, VALA NC helps students become confident problem-solvers, ethical leaders, effective communicators, and lifelong learners ready to thrive in the future.

Respect, Equity, and Inclusion

At VALA NC, we believe every student and family deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and respected. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where all learners can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Respect, equity, and inclusion guide how we teach, communicate, and build relationships. We celebrate diversity, promote empathy, and ensure fair access to learning opportunities so that every student has what they need to succeed. Our school culture emphasizes kindness, understanding, and ethical behavior in both in-person and virtual spaces.

What Respect, Equity, and Inclusion Look Like for Students and Families

A safe and welcoming school culture, where students feel accepted and supported
Respectful communication, encouraging kindness, empathy, and understanding
Inclusive learning environments that value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences
Equitable access to learning opportunities, resources, and support services
Support for diverse learning needs, including academic, social, emotional, and language supports
Clear expectations for respectful and ethical behavior, both online and offline
Positive digital citizenship, promoting responsible and respectful online interactions
Strong family partnerships, built on trust, communication, and mutual respect
Fair and consistent policies, applied with care and transparency
Opportunities for student voice, helping learners feel heard and valued
A culture of belonging, where differences are seen as strengths

Why Respect, Equity, and Inclusion Matter

When students feel safe, respected, and included, they are more engaged, confident, and ready to learn. At VALA NC, we believe equity means giving each student the support they need to succeed—not treating everyone the same, but responding thoughtfully to individual needs. By fostering empathy, fairness, and inclusion, we prepare students to become respectful citizens and responsible leaders in a diverse and connected world.

Together, these core values guide everything we do at VALA NC. They shape how we teach, how we support students, and how we partner with families and the community. By grounding our work in academic excellence, student-centered learning, accountability and integrity, respect and inclusion, 21st-century skills, and accessible, high-quality education, we prepare students for far more than academic success.

Our goal is to help students grow into responsible, ethical, and engaged citizens who think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and act with empathy and integrity. Through meaningful learning experiences, strong relationships, and high expectations, students develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.

These values also foster a lifelong love of learning. Students learn how to set goals, reflect on their growth, adapt to new challenges, and continue learning beyond the classroom. At VALA NC, education is not just about mastering content—it is about developing character, purpose, and the ability to contribute positively to society throughout life.

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