The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!
Education with a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
We desire that you become a fully devoted follower of Christ who makes Christ known throughout the earth and helps others discover their God-designed purpose.
Building students into their God-designed purpose through education.
We desire that each of our students become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Our heart is to see students making Christ known throughout the earth and helping others to discover their own God-designed purpose – even long after they have left the doors of Valorous Academy. We intentionally advance individuals to live a life of significance on purpose for God.
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 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.
Under the direction of Lead Pastor Clay NeSmith of Barefoot Church (Now Valorous), the vision for a Christian school was put into action.
After two years of prayer and planning, the school’s founder, Dr. Ann M. Black, established Ascent Christian Academy in 2018.
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.
Valorous Academy is on social media.
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.
the ability to influence, guide, inspire, and develop people
firm adherence to a set of moral principles; ethical behavior
the choice or willingness to take action in spite of fear; the mental or moral strength to
the ability to withstand great force or pressure; the capacity for exertion or endurance
At the helm of Valorous Academy, our leaders and faculty uphold these values in their personal and professional lives. We have a multitude behind the scenes pouring into our students and families. Highlighted here are our administrators who lead at a global level.
Principal and Family Pastor
Ann holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Bible and Theology. In 2018, she founded Ascent Education (now 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!
Mrs. Black has been married for 32 years, has 3 children, and 7 grandchildren. She also loves her labrador retriever, Remington.
A lifelong learner herself, Ann is currently enrolled in Harvard Business School, studying School Leadership. Her heart for students and families is unparalleled, and her genuine care for the spiritual wellbeing of students is evident in her every conversation.
Valorous Academy Assistant Principal
Rachel Buckley 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. The Buckley family attends Valorous Church.
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 has truly loved working with the students, families, teachers, and staff at Valorous Academy and looks forward to the years to come.
Thank you for your continued giving to support the mission and vision of Valorous Academy.
A vibrant 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 that they are, and equip them to live victorious lives that bring others to Jesus.
