For the Rios family, Vacaville Christian School has never been just a school. It has been a place where faith, family, education, and community have come together across multiple generations.
"We truly believe it takes a village to raise children in today's world. There is no better addition to that village than the VCS community."
Natalie’s connection to VCS began long before her own children enrolled. As a former student herself, she experienced firsthand the impact of a Christ-centered education. Years later, when it came time to choose a school for her kids, she and her husband, Rafa, felt God clearly leading them back to VCS.
What started as a decision for their oldest son, Rafa Jr., soon became a family journey that would shape each of their children in unique ways.
One of the things the Rios family appreciates most about VCS is that no two student experiences look exactly alike. While every child has different interests, gifts, and goals, the school’s commitment to faith and personal growth remains the same.
When Roman and Ava completed their homeschool journey after eighth grade, both were eager to experience high school at the same school their older brother attended. For Roman, that journey included a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play football alongside Rafa Jr. during his freshman year and his brother’s senior season.
“That is something our family will always treasure,” Natalie says.
Since then, Roman has continued to embrace new opportunities. He has challenged himself academically through AP coursework, discovered a passion for men’s volleyball, and recently stepped into student leadership as a senior class representative. As he enters his senior year, he is excited to help create meaningful memories and traditions for his classmates.
Ava recently completed her freshman year and quickly found her place on campus through athletics. She competed in both soccer and softball and is already looking forward to returning to both sports next year. Along with taking her first AP class, she hopes to explore another side of campus life by participating in the school musical.
While academics and extracurricular opportunities have been meaningful parts of their journey, Natalie says some of the most important moments have been spiritual ones.
This past year, both Roman and Ava chose to be baptized. Their Bible teacher watched the service online and celebrated alongside them.
“Not many schools can offer that kind of meaningful, Christ-centered support,” Natalie shares.
For the Rios family, experiences like these reflect what makes VCS unique. Whether students are pursuing athletics, the arts, leadership opportunities, skilled trades, or advanced academics, they are surrounded by teachers, coaches, and mentors who genuinely care about who they are becoming.
The impact of VCS has extended far beyond the classroom for the Rios family. Over the years, Natalie has served as a substitute teacher and provided office and administrative support on campus. Rafa and Natalie have volunteered with the Athletic Booster Board, and Natalie will serve as a senior class advisor during the upcoming school year.
Their family’s connection to VCS reaches back another generation as well.
Natalie’s mother, Aixa Villarreal, began her own VCS journey as a parent many years ago. She spent countless hours serving as a PE substitute and assistant coach, while Natalie’s late father, Ricardo, volunteered in Bible classes and chapels. Today, Aixa remains actively involved as a volunteer and continues supporting the next generation by helping coach her grandchildren’s teams.
Looking back, Natalie sees a common thread woven throughout her family’s story.
“At its core, VCS is built on biblical values that strengthen both faith and family,” she says. “The relationships we’ve built here and the opportunities our children have been given have made an incredible impact on all of us.”
When asked to describe the VCS experience in a single word, the Rios family doesn’t hesitate:
Essential.
For families considering VCS, Natalie offers simple advice:
“VCS nurtures every layer of a student’s life—academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and athletically. If you’re looking for a place where your child will be known, encouraged, challenged, and supported in their faith, VCS is a special community. When the opportunity comes to join, say yes.”
