Only At Van Avery Prep Home / About Us / Only At Van Avery Prep Choosing Van Avery Prep We know that parents have a lot of choices for their child’s education. So, why do families choose Van Avery Prep and stay with us until their child graduates? It’s because so many wonderful things happen at our private school, #OnlyatVanAveryPrep. Let us tell you more! House System At Van Avery Prep, we have four Houses: Sabio, Valor, Dynami, and Isibindi. Even though they have different names, they help bring us all together. Students in each House play fun games and friendly contests. They range from academic contests like spelling and geography bees, to social challenges such as determining which class has the most students wearing their House shirts. Our House system motivates our students to love coming to school, cultivates teamwork, and helps our students feel proud of their hard work. NFL Flag Football Our students go for the gold in our NFL Flag Football program. Our coed program consists of over 100 students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Some students score touchdowns, while others cheer from the sidelines! This fosters a strong sense of friendship and sportsmanship. It also offers an engaging way for our students to stay fit and have fun while doing it. Community Involvement Philanthropy is woven throughout every aspect of the Van Avery Prep family. Whether it is our Rotary food drive or raising breast cancer awareness through Pink Outs, all of our students get involved. Our middle school students and California Junior Scholastic Federation (CJSF) members take part in a multitude of service projects throughout the year. Fun in the Field We go on fun field trips to learn more about our world. These trips are aimed at linking academic lessons with real-life experiences. An example is our mission trips that promote social emotional learning and service learning while exploring important points in history. Starting in 4th grade, our students take overnight trips. They get to explore new places, make lasting memories, and build independence and a sense of global citizenship. Spooky Science Every year during Halloween, our middle school students put on presentations to demonstrate the spooky side of science. Using the scientific method and creativity, they prepare a showcase full of hands-on experiments for our younger students. Outdoor Learning In 2010, our 8th grade class created our school garden by raising funds through a bake sale. Since then, the garden has flourished, thanks to community nonprofits and grants. Students from all grades are involved in revitalizing and maintaining the garden. The garden promotes sustainability, but is also integrated into classroom lessons, particularly science units. For example, kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn about nutrition by studying the fruits and vegetables that grow in the garden. In 4th grade, they get to grow their own salsa garden. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Resource Room at Van Avery Prep, and how does it support students? Rather than a single designated room, we provide a comprehensive, layered support system tailored to each developmental stage. • Kindergarten – 5th Grade: Instructional aides work directly within the classrooms, partnering with lead teachers to provide immediate in-class support and targeted small-group reinforcement. • Middle School: Students transition to a specialized Academic Success course. This structured period is dedicated to mastering executive function, organization, and the core subject reinforcement necessary for high school readiness. What performing arts opportunities are available at Van Avery Prep? Performance is a key part of the Van Avery Prep experience. Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade showcase their talents in high-energy Holiday and Spring productions. Beyond the stage, we offer specialized enrichment through our Drama and Puppeteering clubs, allowing students to explore diverse forms of creative expression and storytelling. Learn more about the arts at Van Avery Prep. What languages are offered at Van Avery Prep? Spanish is integrated into the curriculum for all students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Additionally, we offer American Sign Language (ASL) through our after-school club programs for those interested in expanding their linguistic skills.
