Valley Charter Schools

Valley Charter Schools is a public independent charter organization operating in the San Fernando Valley area. Founded in 2010, it consists of two small schools: Valley Charter Elementary and Valley Charter Middle, each with an enrollment of under 300 students. The schools are designed to provide a diverse, supportive environment that fosters meaningful learning experiences.

Founding and Leadership

The organization was established by a distinguished Board of Directors with expertise in education, business management, entrepreneurship, and the non-profit sector. Key founding figures include Michelle Bennett, a longtime charter school leader and educator, Daniel Chang, who previously worked with Green Dot Public Schools, and Lindsay Sturman, a founding parent of Larchmont Charter School. Dvora Inwood serves as the Founding Educator and Charter Author, known for her work in developing educational programs for various charter schools.

Educational Approach

Valley Charter Schools focuses on project-based learning, aiming to equip students with strong academic and social-emotional skills. The approach emphasizes collaboration, self-advocacy, and lifelong learning. Students typically perform well on state assessments, demonstrating the effectiveness of their educational model.

Organizational Goals

For the 2024-2025 school year, Valley Charter Schools has set several key objectives:

• Enhancing Equity and Academic Growth: Fostering equal opportunities for diverse students to achieve at least a year’s worth of academic growth in English Language Arts and math.
• Family Engagement and Anti-bias Work: Strengthening community bonds through inclusive practices and monitoring outcomes through surveys and discipline data.
• Operational Sustainability: Ensuring financial stability, maintaining facilities, and managing enrollment and attendance effectively.
• Teacher Development: Attracting and retaining high-quality educators through leadership opportunities, professional development, and competitive compensation.
• Branding and Recruitment: Positioning Valley Charter Schools as a preferred educational choice in the Valley through strategic branding and engagement strategies.

Funding and Supporters

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Valley Charter Schools relies on community support to fund supplementary programs such as music, field trips, and additional student support beyond public funding. The organization benefits from donations, including corporate matching gifts, which help amplify donor contributions and support these enrichment activities.

Community Engagement

Valley Charter Schools engages in various community events and campaigns throughout the year, including the Annual Giving Campaign, which raises critical funds for student experiences and educational enhancements. The community's active participation in events like the VCS Talent Show underscores the strong relationship between the school and its families.