In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman welcomes Tige Watson, Valor Christian’s Chief of Parent and Student Affairs. Tige shares insights from his extensive experience at Valor and explains his new role in fostering stronger partnerships between parents and the school.

They explore what meaningful parent partnership looks like in a Christian high school, both practically and theologically. Tige details how Valor Christian emphasizes aligning with its mission, mutual trust, and open dialogue with parents. The conversation also covers how most conflicts are resolved directly between those involved and highlights Valor’s unique approach to student discipline—prioritizing restoration, mentorship, and personal growth over simple punishment.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how schools and families can work together to support student development and faith.

In this episode, Media Department Chair and host, Natalie Tysdal, sits down with Valor’s Director of Humanities and College Counseling, Toby Coffman, to explore what it truly means to live with a Biblical Christian Worldview, especially within the context of high school education at Valor Christian. Toby shares practical insights on how this perspective shapes every aspect of life—from academics and athletics to relationships and future goals. They discuss how Valor equips students not only to know the truth but to love it, live it, and take it into the world. Along the way, Toby reflects on the unique openness of today’s students, the importance of modeling faith, and how parents can partner with the school to ground teens in Christ during these formative years. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, this conversation will inspire you to see the world through the lens of Scripture and live with purpose. To learn more about how Valor Christian instills a Biblical Christian Worldview in every subject, please go to valorchristian.com and follow us on Instagram at ValorEagles. Share this episode with your friends and family.

In this episode of the podcast, Natalie sits down with Terry Adams, the Director of Discovery and Outreach at Valor Christian High School. They dive into Terry's 18-year journey with the Discovery program at Valor, exploring how it has transformed from its inception to a movement that impacts students and communities worldwide. Terry shares heartfelt stories of transformation, not only among the students who participate but also within the communities they serve. Listeners will gain insight into the meticulous preparation and training that underpins each mission trip and learn how the program now includes follow-ups through their “Next Steps” initiative. This conversation is a testament to the powerful change that can happen when one steps out in faith and service.

 In today's conversation, we welcome Valor Christian High School's new head football coach, Mike Sanford, a seasoned coach with profound family ties to the sport and a passion for mentorship. Mike brings with him a wealth of experience from leading teams at prestigious college programs, including Boise State and Notre Dame. Now, transitioning to high school, he's eager to invest in young athletes, nurturing not just their football skills but also their faith and character. In this episode, Mike delves into what attracted him to Valor, his aspirations for the football program, and his journey of faith, while sharing the valuable lessons learned from mentors who have profoundly influenced him. Whether you're an avid football fan, a student, a parent, or someone who values strong leadership and eternal values, this episode is sure to inspire. Join us as we embark on this journey with Mike Sanford at the helm of Valor's football team.

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Coach Jess as she joins Natalie Tysdal in the second part of their discussion on Valor sports. This episode highlights the distinctive focus of Valor's athletics program on faith and character over mere victories. Jessika Caldwell shares her insights on balancing the competitive spirit with spiritual growth, guiding student-athletes through disappointments and injuries, and fostering a faith-first approach in coaching. Learn about daily practices that cement faith, the importance of embracing hardships, and the beauty of finding joy in sports beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers enriching perspectives on experiencing sports through a lens of faith and personal growth.

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Jessika Caldwell, Valor Christian High School's assistant athletic director of spiritual formation and head girls basketball coach. Jessica shares her innovative "Sport as Worship" program, which bridges the gap between faith and athletics.

As an accomplished coach with multiple state championships and Coach of the Year honors, Jessika discusses how her personal journey as a Christian athlete led her to develop this groundbreaking initiative. The program combines daily practices like gratitude, meditation, and celebration with thoughtful curriculum design to help student-athletes view their sport as an act of worship.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marty, the visionary behind Valor Christian High School's groundbreaking songwriting and recording program. With 14 years of building this unique program from the ground up, Marty shares his journey from touring musician to educator, and how he created one of America's most distinctive high school music programs. Learn about Loftside Studios, the state-of-the-art recording facility where students craft their music, and hear success stories of young artists launching their careers. From songwriter showcases to the annual Valor Music Awards (VMAs), discover how this program is shaping the next generation of musical talent while maintaining a strong foundation in Christian values.

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s especially timely during the holiday season but offers valuable insights for families year-round: how to cultivate meaningful connections with teenagers. We’ll explore:

• Building intentional time with teens in the midst of busy schedules
• Using parallel conversations to deepen your relationship
• The role of nostalgia in fostering spiritual growth
• Inviting prayer and the Holy Spirit into your family life and we will discuss
• Finding moments of rest and connection no matter the season.

Joining me is Rebecca Sutton from our Bible Department. Rebecca holds a master’s degree in divinity and leadership from Denver Seminary and has been teaching at Valor for 14 years. Her passion for working with teenagers and her creative teaching approach brings fresh perspectives to these important topics.

In this episode, he explains why Valor sees parents as the primary educators of their children and how open communication and meaningful parent involvement are central to the school’s mission. From the Parent Association and Bible study groups to unique initiatives, Bryan shares how parents can actively engage in the school community.

We’ll also dive into Valor’s innovative “Green Pastures” system—a thoughtful approach that helps students learn and grow from their mistakes in a supportive and nurturing environment.

In today's episode, we’re talking about the power of prayer and blessing.

Our guest is Mike DeAlto, a passionate dean at Valor Christian who is committed to guiding students in the way of Jesus. We'll discuss Spiritual Emphasis Week at Valor, which focuses on creating intentional moments for students to experience God's presence.

Mike shares insights on the themes of prayer and blessing, the science behind their impact, and practical ways faculty and parents can actively bless and pray for students.