This fall, Rogue Valley Adventist School (RVAS) will add grades 11 and 12, serving students in the Medford, Ore., area.
It has been 48 years since 11th- and 12th-graders had the option of attending Rogue Valley Adventist School (RVAS). RVAS was a 12-grade school when it opened in 1926. When Milo Adventist Academy opened in 1956, RVAS changed to offering only 10 grades.
The change back to 12 grades is being made to accommodate the students completing 10th grade at RVAS who, for various reasons, choose to remain at home. "I am excited that RVAS is adding the upper grades. I really did not want to leave," 11th-grader Kayla Haugen said.
Christian education is all about meeting the needs—educational and spiritual—of the students. "This is a nice school, and I didn’t want to go to public or boarding school,” said Haugen. She summarized a sentiment evident in the majority of the students as they faced either leaving home or going to public or other local Christian schools after completing the 10th grade at RVAS.
"I started getting scared of attending public school or a different local Christian school," said Kristina Cruz, another student. "I like it here, and I don’t want to change."
Classrooms are being readied and teachers are being hired for the additional grades. Haugen is confident in the selection process. "I am sure that God will be in the selection of the new teachers," she said.
Cruz is "looking forward to the changes with the addition of the new teachers and students."
RVAS will become a senior academy this fall.
