Tualatin Valley Academy is rejoicing after receiving senior academy candidacy accreditation from North American Division.
While TVA is approved to expand their Pre-K–10 program up to 12th grade as of the 2024–2025 school year, the school has opted to gradually work toward a full secondary program, adding 11th grade in fall 2024 and then 12th the following year.
Keith Waters, North Pacific Union secondary education director, explains that during this regular three-year candidacy status, the school can “operate with all the privileges of an academy.” The NAD will do another site evaluation in three years so TVA can continue to operate with a full secondary program.
This accreditation comes after years of dreaming, praying and carefully planning the school’s expansion. TVA constructed ample space for a senior academy more than 20 years ago but took no official steps toward accreditation at that time. With the support of the school board, constituent churches and conference administration, TVA submitted its official request for accreditation in fall 2021.
When Christina Orozco-Acosta, TVA principal, received notice that the school’s accreditation request was approved, she said, “I felt a burst of confidence I had not felt in a while.”
During her involvement in the planning and the application process, Orozco-Acosta shared that she has had to lean on God more than she ever. Now that the school has the approval, Orozco-Acosta feels it gives everyone involved confidence to make this happen.
For students who have already decided to invest in TVA for their high school education, the news was especially exciting. One 10th-grade student at TVA shared that when she heard the senior academy application was approved, she was so happy and relieved. She has attended TVA since first grade and chose to stay for high school because of how much she loves the program.
The student stated, “I love the environment and all my friends. I think the teachers here are just amazing. They are so supportive.” Now she is thrilled to be part of the first high school class that will graduate from TVA in 2026.
Families with students in the lower grades also see the benefit of expanding the high school program. Julie Hadley, mother of three students, reflected, “TVA high school academy status will now allow our kids to stay engaged in the local churches and community from K–12 ... The population is growing on this side of the city, and a full high school is a long overdue necessity for the Adventist community's kids here.”
TVA is grateful for the opportunity to be a solution for students and families on the west side of Portland looking for a Christ-centered, close-knit, four-year high school experience.
The school solicits your prayers as it continues to build its high school program and seeks to fulfill its mission of impacting students for eternity.
TVA students play in the handbell choir.
Credit: Tualatin Valley Academy
TVA high school students participate in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers career day.
Credit: Tualatin Valley Academy
TVA high school students study in the technology lab.
Credit: Tualatin Valley Academy
