Q&A with Luke Patterson, Board Chair and Co-Founder of Valor Christian School
- Like-Media
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
By Like Media Team
At Valor Christian School, faith, character, and academic excellence converge. Founded in 2023 by a group of community members passionate about Christ-centered education, Valor is Sandpoint’s first Christian secondary school. With a foundation built on biblical truth and a mission to shape students into wise, capable leaders, the school is entering an exciting new growth phase. In this Q&A, Luke Patterson—Board Chair and Co-Founder—shares what inspired the vision for Valor, how the school has grown, and what lies ahead.
Q. You were part of the founding initiative behind Valor Christian School. What inspired the vision for the school, and what initial needs were you seeking to fill within the community?
A. In 2022, a small group of us began meeting to discuss the need for a Christian high school in Sandpoint. At the time, no such option existed locally, and we shared a deep conviction that students should have access to education that would ground them in a Biblical worldview.
Too often, even among professing Christians, we saw young people holding a mix of cultural, religious, and ideological beliefs—a kind of spiritual grab bag. We set out to create a school where students grow academically and spiritually, grounded in Biblical truth and shaped by lasting character.
Q. What were the early days of Valor like—from your first group of students to establishing the foundation for a Christ-centered education?
A. Starting a school from scratch was both exciting and humbling. Fundraising was a challenge, but as we shared our mission with the community, the response was overwhelming. Churches, businesses, and individuals stepped up in meaningful ways—each need was met as it came.My wife, Kiersten, volunteered to run the school office, and our board members pitched in to handle daily operations. When we opened in 2023, we welcomed 10 students in grades 9 and 10. The first day was filled with energy and anticipation. We grew to 17 students in our second year, and this fall, we’re on track to meet our goal of 55.
Q. Today, Valor is expanding to include grades 7 through 12. Can you share more about what this new chapter will look like and what it means for your growing student body?
A. Expanding to include middle school grades allows us to build a stronger academic and spiritual foundation earlier. Many of our current students have younger siblings who can now attend Valor, which is a blessing for families. More than anything, we’re excited to serve more students and make a greater impact in the community.
Q. In addition to expanding grade levels, you're also growing your teaching staff, electives, and sports programs. How do these additions shape the student experience at Valor?
A. We’re proud of our teaching staff—they’re not only subject matter experts but also deeply committed to growing in their faith and leadership. We believe great teachers make all the difference.
Our electives are designed to support our mission. One highlight is our Protocol program, which teaches etiquette, attire, and social grace, culminating in a formal dinner. It’s become a student favorite.
On the athletics side, we’ve expanded our offerings, including girls volleyball and co-ed trap shooting—our team even won state awards this year. With continued support, we plan to expand our offerings to include more teams and clubs.
Q. How does your Christian school's mission influence how you teach, lead, and serve your students and families?
A. At Valor, faith isn’t separate from learning—it’s the thread that ties it all together. Whether we’re teaching science, literature, or the arts, we help students see how each subject reveals something about God. It’s about restoring the connection between knowledge and truth.
In addition to core classes, we offer distinctive courses like formal logic and multiple years of rhetoric. They empower students to approach the world with clarity, conviction, and grace.
Q. What are some long-term aspirations you and your team have for the future of Valor Christian School?
A. We’re focused on growth—not just in enrollment but in excellence. We aim to enhance our academic program by drawing on classical education traditions and continuing to invest in our teachers' professional development.
We’re also excited to expand our extracurricular offerings, especially in athletics, and provide students with more opportunities to grow in leadership, creativity, and character.
Q. In what ways does the growth of Valor support and strengthen the greater Sandpoint community?
A. Valor exists to develop students rooted in Christian faith and personal virtue—foundations we believe are essential not just for individual growth but for the health of a free and thriving community. Our goal is to equip students with the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and serve others with humility. This kind of formation prepares them to be a blessing to the greater Sandpoint community and beyond, living lives marked by wisdom, creativity, and selfless engagement.
Q. As a co-founder and board chair, what part of this journey has been most fulfilling for you personally?
A. Watching this dream come to life has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve been amazed by what a group of hardworking, creative, and dedicated people can accomplish when united by a shared purpose. My relationships with families, staff, and students have been deeply meaningful. Sandpoint is full of people who genuinely care about giving the next generation an even better education, and it’s been a gift to be part of that.
But the most rewarding part has been seeing the students thrive. At our monthly assemblies, when they stand up to share essays or reflections, hearing them express what they believe and how they’re growing—it’s powerful. Serving the community and the Lord in this work is a true honor.
Valor Christian School
201 N. Division
Sandpoint, ID
208.254.0130
Valor is now accepting applications for grades 7–12. Homeschoolers are welcome to join for à la carte classes or sports teams. To schedule a tour or learn how to support the school, visit ValorSandpoint.com.
