Learn More About Our School

Valley Preparatory School is a Preschool–8th grade school located in Redlands, California. It was founded in 1957 as an independent, nonprofit coeducational day school. VPS was established by a group of parents who were interested in providing a challenging academic program to area students who were willing and able to take advantage of a demanding and stimulating experience. In 1982, the school became a fully accredited independent school and a member of the California Association of Independent Schools.

A Message from Our Head of School

Dear Current and Prospective Valley Prep Parents,

As the head of school, I am delighted to serve within such a distinguished academic institution that offers a challenging curriculum through dynamic and creative instructional strategies that afford students an opportunity to reach their highest learning potential.  

The school was recently recognized as an IB World School, following a three-year implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP). First established in Geneva, Switzerland, in the late 1960s, the program uses a thematic approach to teaching and learning to organize curricular content and create connections across the curriculum. These connections help students develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Within the framework of the IB-PYP is our STEAM program (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). An extension of STEM-education, STEAM also highlights the importance of the arts in helping students develop their creativity and self-expression.

Our school climate fosters character development by encouraging honesty, integrity, self-esteem, respect for others, and service to the community. Our student body is comprised of children from diverse cultures and backgrounds. We believe they are the center of our educational community and that we must continually encourage them to develop a world-view that extends well beyond their immediate surroundings.

Let the Valley Prep classroom be your child’s window to the world!

Respectfully,

John Black

John Black, Head of School