In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Laura Dykstra, Dean of Curriculum and Academic Development at Valor, to unpack the differences between Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit (DC) courses. Together, they explore how these programs help students get a head start on college credits, save money, and experience more flexibility and faith integration in their academic journey.

Laura Dykstra walks listeners through the range of dual credit options available—from Bible and history to business and science—revealing that some students even graduate with the equivalent of a full year of college already completed! She shares valuable advice for students and parents on selecting the right path, navigating transfer credits, and embracing academic challenges without becoming overwhelmed.

Interesting Fact:
The graduating class of 2025 at Valor earned a collective total of 953 college credits through dual credit courses—one student alone graduated with a remarkable 43 credits, nearly equaling an entire year of college.

Tune in to hear how advanced high school courses are shaping academic and spiritual growth at Valor, and why thoughtful course selection matters for future success!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this insightful episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Ashley Loaiza sits down with David Milton, a seasoned counselor and former Spanish teacher at Valor Christian. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of mental health for today’s teenagers, discussing not only the unique pressures students face navigating both real and virtual worlds, but also the vital role of faith, family, school, and community in supporting young people.

David shares thought-provoking reflections on how the pressures of social media and the search for identity have created new challenges for today’s youth, challenges that previous generations never encountered. The conversation offers practical ways parents, educators, and the church can create a strong biblical foundation for students and foster environments where young people feel truly seen and supported.

Interesting Fact:
One particularly interesting point discussed is how today’s teens are essentially living “two lives” at once—one in person and one online—and that both students and parents are having to “make it up as they go” since previous generations never had to navigate a 24/7 digital presence.

Join Ashley and David for an encouraging, authentic look at how we can walk alongside the next generation with patience, wisdom, and hope.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom podcast! In this episode, host Mike Sanford, head football coach at Valor Christian High School, leads a roundtable discussion with fellow champion coaches: Sam Geiersbach (women’s lacrosse), Justen Byler (men's and women's golf and assistant athletic director), and Jeremy Noble (men’s lacrosse).

Together, they share insights on the journey of becoming coaches at Valor, building winning cultures, and what it means to educate and inspire students through sport with eternal values. You’ll hear stories from Sam Geiersbach about winning a state championship mere months after getting hired, Justen Byler on fostering team spirit in golf, and Jeremy Noble's path from Toronto to lacrosse stardom and coaching.

Listen in to hear how these coaches shape young lives and build an environment of joy, selflessness, and togetherness at Valor Christian High School. Perfect for anyone interested in athletics, education, and leadership!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman welcomes back Ike Shepardson, Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, to dive into the release of his new book, The Reconstruction Project. Together, they explore the vital role of apologetics in the Christian faith, address common misconceptions, and discuss how apologetics can lovingly remove obstacles to belief.

Dr. Shepardson shares insights into the current cultural trend of faith deconstruction and the top objections people raise against Christianity today—ranging from accusations of being anti-woman or anti-LGBTQ to concerns about hypocrisy within the Church. The conversation also includes practical advice for parents, students, and anyone interested in engaging thoughtfully with these tough questions.

One standout moment from the episode is Dr. Shepardson's discussion of the Ethiopian eunuch from the Book of Acts. He explains how this story illustrates God’s radically inclusive love—even for those considered outsiders—while also providing perspective on today’s debates about identity and belonging.

Tune in to hear how apologetics, approached with love and humility, can help guide honest conversations about faith, truth, and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Ashley Loaiza, Dean at Valor and former missionary, for an inspiring conversation about helping teenagers walk with Jesus—both in everyday life and through the challenges they face. Ashley shares her journey from the mission field in Costa Rica to her current role at Valor and opens up about her passion for student discipleship and mentorship.

One interesting fact discussed is the "Green Pastures Process," a restorative approach based on Psalm 23 that the deans use at Valor to guide students through mistakes and help them grow—emphasizing accountability, grace, and a soft place to land when things go wrong. Ashley also offers practical tips for families to encourage faith conversations at home, and shares how students and teachers at Valor integrate faith into daily routines.

Tune in for meaningful insights, real-life stories, and encouragement for parents, educators, and teens striving to follow Jesus in a busy world!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

On this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman talks with Ike Shepardson (Dr. Shep), Valor Christian’s Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, about practical ways students can grow in faith and keep Christ at the center of their lives.

Dr. Shep offers valuable advice for students facing today’s challenges of distraction, busyness, and the pressure for perfection. He emphasizes the importance of excellence balanced with grace, encouraging students to "fix your eyes on Jesus"—reminding them that their hope isn’t in material success but in a deeper relationship with Christ. He highlights regular chapel gatherings as vital opportunities for worship, reflection, and community, and shares how engaging in biblical conversations, honest prayer, and faith traditions can help students navigate their busy lives.

One practical tip: even in chaotic seasons like the holidays, set aside protected time for meaningful family traditions, like devotionals, simple prayers, and reflecting on Jesus together.

Interesting fact: Nearly 50 students publicly committed to their faith through baptism at a recent Valor event, showing the power of spiritual rhythms and community support for young people.

Tune in for encouragement and actionable tips for keeping Christ front and center in the midst of everyday challenges!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of "The Cross and The Classroom," host Toby Coffman shares a special conversation with Asa Thurstone, Valor's 2025 valedictorian, now several months into his first year at Wheaton College. The episode offers a reflective look at his journey through Valor, including his commitment to tennis, his leadership as team chaplain, and his impactful experiences on medical mission trips to Mexico.

Asa discusses how his early Spanish immersion education made him the youngest student at Valor to achieve the highest stamp certification for Spanish, and how those skills have continued to open doors for him. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and friendships, while emphasizing the role faith played in Asa’s decision-making—particularly in choosing Wheaton for its meaningful Christian community over more nationally ranked schools.

Sharing hard-earned wisdom and practical advice, Asa encourages current and future students to resist self-consciousness, stay committed to their values, and make the most of the unique opportunities the Valor community offers.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Host Shandra Pankoski sits down with three passionate educators from Valor: Debbie Skene, Jeff Culver, and Brent Glossinger. Together, they delve into the heart of teaching—exploring why they chose this calling, what sustains them through challenges, and the kind of legacy they hope to leave for their students.

From stories of unexpected career changes (did you know Jeff Culver originally planned to become an orthopedic surgeon before teaching?) to heartfelt discussions about faith, personal growth, and inspiring students, this roundtable offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the teaching profession at Valor. The episode wraps up with each teacher sharing their prayer and hopes for Valor’s future.

One interesting fact:
All three teachers keep folders of thank-you notes from students, which they revisit during tough times as a powerful reminder of the positive impact they've made.

Listen in for encouragement, wisdom, and a genuine celebration of teaching with purpose!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman sits down with Thomas Hill, Valor’s World Language Department Chair, to dive into the philosophy and practice of language teaching at Valor. The conversation uncovers Valor’s unique approach to language instruction, focusing on “comprehensible input” and immersive communication, rather than memorizing grammar rules. Thomas explains how students spend up to 95% of their class time in the target language, which empowers them to actually communicate and understand at a deep level.

An interesting fact from the episode: Valor students take the STAMP test at the end of each year to objectively measure their proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Due to the school’s teaching methods, many students consistently outperform their peers nationally and even qualify for the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy—an accomplishment that distinguishes them on college applications.

Thomas also makes a compelling case for why language learning is especially meaningful for Christians, describing it as an act of humility and a way to better understand and connect with others, just as Christ did.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, this episode offers fascinating insights into the “why” and “how” behind modern language education—and what makes the Valor experience truly unique.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, Natalie Tysdal sits down with Beth Hutchison, affectionately known by her students as "Hutch," to explore how faith, empathy, and critical thinking come alive in the history classroom at a Christian school. Beth shares what inspires her to teach history, her unique approach to engaging students, and the power of connecting historical events to God's sovereignty.

One particularly interesting fact from the episode: Beth created and teaches a course called "Controversial America: The Study of the 1960s," which dives into pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the cultural shifts of that era. She designed the class to make history vibrant and meaningful, helping students see themselves as part of God’s ongoing story.

Tune in for insights on teaching sensitive topics, fostering historical empathy, and encouraging students to play an active role in shaping history—both in their own lives and in the world around them.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!