FAQ's
MVCS was founded in 1974 as an extension ministry of College Heights Kindergarten which is located on Wofford Street in Las Cruces. For eleven years we were known as College Heights Christian School until the date of our incorporation (1985) when we changed our name to Mesilla Valley Christian Schools.
2. Is MVCS accredited? Are the teachers certified?
MVCS is one of the few private schools in New Mexico to be accredited through three separate professional agencies for excellence in education. All of our teachers hold certification through the Association of Christian Schools International and many also with the State of New Mexico.
In order for a teacher to earn ACSI certification they must complete all the typical requirements that the state requires and take course work in the Christian philosophy of education, as well as six semester hours of Bible classes.
3. Does MVCS have a long range plan in place for growth and expansion?
In 2000, the MVCS Board assembled a board level committee dedicated to the study of long range planning for the continued growth and expansion of our K-12 school ministry. As a part of this process, our administrative team has been actively involved in visiting other schools around the country who have been successful in similar targeted areas for growth.
Our Long Range Planning Committee meets each month to study demographic trends in our community and to discuss potential new programs and concepts for site-based improvement. Prayer is at the center of all that we do and we are actively seeking God's leading in several key matters of potential school development in the areas of facilities and instructional programs.
4. Where does MVCS stand on the issue of school vouchers?
After much discussion and prayer on this topic, the school has taken a position of support for parental choice in education, assuming that any such program would in no way challenge or compromise our school 's philosophy, mission, or core values. Parental choice in education could take on many forms ranging from student scholarships (vouchers) to tax credits / deductions for private school tuition.
5. Is Bible class required of all students?
At MVCS we consider God's Word (Bible) to be central in our school and the student's classroom. Since 1974 our school has continually operated under the guidance of God's Word and His hand of provision on our campus. Every student from grades K-12 has a daily Bible class as part of the core curriculum taught by experienced Bible teachers who have a passion for imparting God's Word to young people. The development of a Christian worldview into all aspects of the student's education is a core value of MVCS.
6. Does the school have an extracurricular program?
MVCS has a full program for grades 6-12 including band, praise band, marching band, jazz band, choir, drama, volleyball, swimming & diving, basketball, cheerleading, golf, football, softball, tennis and baseball. We also compete in many academic fields such as robotics, the U.S. Army E-Cyber Mission and National Merit Scholarship, to name only a few.
Our elementary students enjoy activities such as band (grade 5), boys and girls' basketball (grade 5), Spanish classes, music and physical education classes, ACSI Spelling Bee, ACSI Math-by-Mail Contest, Battle of the Books, Young Authors Day and a variety of locally sponsored activities and field trips.
7. What is the average student-teacher ratio?
This ratio varies depending upon grade levels, yet a typical elementary class is approximately 20:1 while the typical secondary class is 23:1. Speciality classes such as band and choir may be more, while upper level electives such as AP Calculus and Spanish IV / French IV may be far less.
8. Are parents able to be involved with their child's education at MVCS?
Parents are not only able, but strongly encouraged to take an active role in their child's education at MVCS. This can be done by helping out as a "classroom mom or dad," helping with elementary reading groups, chaperoning field trips, assisting with fund raisers, working with such annual events as Track & Field Day (May), Dad's Day (Fall), or Grandparent's Day (Fall). Parents have the opportunity every August to sign up for a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the school.
9.Why should I send my child to a Christian School?
We believe that education must be conducted within the context of our Christian faith and commitment. God places special responsibilities on us as parents which can be met only through Christian education. Because our children are gifts of the Lord, we must proceed in faith to educate and prepare them to live the Christian life under God, with others, in the world.
In Christian schools, students learn to look at the world through the lens of the Bible. They develop a Christian worldview and gain a desire to transform the world. The groundwork is laid for God to use later in their lives to extend His kingdom. Here, students learn that they are uniquely gifted by God to serve Him and they learn to listen for God's direction in the use of these gifts.
10. Do you have to attend a certain church in order to attend MVCS?
No. Mesilla Valley Christian Schools is a Protestant, evangelical, theologically conservative K-12 Christian school chartered by the State of New Mexico in 1974. Our faculty, staff, and board come from churches such as PCA Presbyterian, Baptist, Bible, Assembly of God, Church of Christ, Nazarene, Evangelical Free, and Church of God (Anderson, IN) to name a few.
