VOA is distinctive in that it is classical, Reformational, and rhetorical. As a classical program, it seeks to cultivate wonder, wisdom, and critical thinking in students. With a Reformational perspective, it seeks to show the sovereignty of God in creation, salvation, and providence, and the Lordship of Christ in every area of culture. With a rhetorical emphasis, it seeks to train students to become leaders through excellent communication skills.

Our faith commitment is summarized in our Statement of Faith, which reflects a summary of conservative evangelical faith. Our teachers are required to be a standing member of a conservative evangelical church, and teach from the perspective of a conservative evangelical, who subscribes to the absolute authority of the Bible for our faith and life, and other historical doctrines summarized in the Statement of Faith.