Shopping today? View your cart here.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!

Our Mission

Education with a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.

We challenge our students to become fully devoted followers of Christ who make Him known throughout the earth while helping others discover their God-designed purpose. 

Our Vision

Building students into their God-designed purpose through education.

Our heart is to see students making Christ known throughout the earth and discovering their own God-designed purpose. We intentionally advance students to live a life of significance on purpose for God.

Valorous Academy Through the Years

We are grateful for the history and heritage of Valorous Church, and we also know that God is positioning His Church for greater work in the future. It is remarkable to witness how He has planted the school in Little River (annexed into North Myrtle Beach), South Carolina––a vibrant and growing community. We are proud of our school and we look forward to serving and growing with this wonderful community and its families.

Early Visions • 2016 and Before

Under the direction of Lead Pastor Clay NeSmith of Barefoot Church (Now Valorous), the vision for a Christian school was put into action.

Ascent Education • 2018

After two years of prayer and planning, the school’s founder, Dr. Ann M. Black, established Ascent Christian Academy in 2018.

Valorous Academy • 2022

In March of 2022 ACA changed its name, alongside the church, to Valorous Academy. The school was established as an educational ministry of Valorous Church to be a school that teaches leadership values and reaches out to the community while providing an engaging learning environment.

See what we're up to in real time.

Valorous Academy is on social media.

Our Values

These are the characteristics and qualities we want to embody and build into each of our students. We believe that a life that reflects these values is truly one that makes a difference in the world for the Kingdom – a life of valor.

Leadership

the ability to influence, guide, inspire, and develop people

  • Leaders impact others by building trust and influencing them for good

  • Leaders hold each other accountable and uphold one another to high standards

  • Leaders fulfill their responsibilities and exceed expectations

  • Leaders have an entrepreneurial mindset

  • Leaders are strategic and visionary

Integrity

firm adherence to a set of moral principles; ethical behavior

  • People of integrity do the right thing even when no one is watching

  • People of integrity do the right thing even when it’s difficult

  • People of integrity are the opposite of hypocrites

  • People of integrity are trustworthy, honest, and responsible

Courage

the choice or willingness to take action in spite of fear; the mental or moral strength to

  • Courageous people take risks and seize what is essential for spiritual growth

  • Courageous people practice perseverance

  • Courageous people feel fear, but make the choice to take action in spite of their fear

Strength

the ability to withstand great force or pressure; the capacity for exertion or endurance

  • Strong people put on the full armor of God and pray in all circumstances

  • Strong people stick to their goals

  • Strong people have great stamina and practice endurance

  • Strong people are confident in the face of adversity

Administration Team

Dr. Ann Black

Founder, Principal and Family Pastor

Ann holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s in Bible and Theology, a Bachelor’s in Christian Education, and an Associate’s in Criminal Justice. 

In 2018, she founded Valorous Academy. Her God-given vision and commitment to excellence have led to the school’s unprecedented growth — allowing for expanded reach throughout our community.

Married for 34 years, she and her husband have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and an adorable Labrador Retriever, Remington. 

 Her heart for students and families is unparalleled, and her genuine care for the spiritual well-being of students is evident in her every conversation.

Rachel Buckley

Valorous Academy Assistant Principal

Rachel began as Assistant Principal in fall of 2021. Prior to that she taught fourth grade. Mrs. Buckley lives in Myrtle Beach with her husband, Jeffrey, and children Sophia and Noah. Mrs. Buckley and her husband have been married for over 15 years.  

Mrs. Buckley completed her undergraduate work in Psychology at Francis Marion University and continued her education with graduate work in Applied Psychology at Liberty University.

Mrs. Buckley has over twenty years of experience working with and educating children and families through Early Intervention, Easter Seals, Safe Kids, and local Children’s Hospitals.

Mrs. Buckley truly loves working with the students, families, teachers, and staff at Valorous Academy and looks forward to the years to come.

We're Part of a Bigger Family

Valorous Academy is a ministry of Valorous Church.

Valorous Church

A loving and welcoming non-denominational church in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
With an unshakable hope in Jesus, we are a church that believes we can face and experience victory over any challenge that comes our way. Our mission is to bring people into a relationship with Jesus, help them discover who God says they are, and equip them to live victorious lives that bring others to Jesus.