Bible department

Purpose:

Young people who have become Christians need to establish roots and begin growing to maturity.  Since it is true in all that it teaches, the inerrant Bible must be their sole authority for faith and practice.  The student must understand the Bible to be God’s inspired written word, and as such, it is inerrant (2 Timothy 3:15-17).  

The Bible is the primary source for biblical instruction at all grade levels.  This instruction includes higher-level thinking skills built upon knowledge of biblical doctrine, right thinking, and memorization of Scripture.  Students should be able to defend their faith to others.

We believe that students should be instructed and encouraged to allow their daily lives to be governed by the application of biblical truth by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We hope that upon graduation, students will be able to participate in the marketplace of ideas for the cause of Christ (Acts 17:16-34).

Department Chair: 

Dr. Kevin Hall: B.A. in Biblical Theology and Apologetics, The Master’s University; M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry, The Master’s Seminary; Th.M. in Systematic Theology, The Master’s University; Ph.D. in Systematic Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 10^th year at Grace.  He began his ministry at Grace in 1998, left to pursue other endeavors, and returned in 2019. 

Faculty:

Mr. Mike Munden: B.A. in Christian Ministry, The Master’s University; M.Div. in Biblical Counseling, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his ministry at Grace in 2022. 
Mr. Matt Simms: B.A. in Biblical Studies, Grace College; M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry, The Master’s Seminary.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2017.

Courses Offered:

The Life of Christ and the Early Church     
Wisdom Literature and Character Studies 
Early Hebrew History 
New Testament Survey
Foundations of the Christian Faith I
Foundations of the Christian Faith II
Behavioral Studies

Special Features:

Inerrancy of scripture is central
The focus of the program is for students to know what they believe, why they believe, and know how to defend their faith.

English Department

Purpose:

The English department at Grace Brethren exists to provide students with an appreciation for good literature as well as a complete, comprehensive, working knowledge of literary themes, genres, analysis, and literary criticism. All literature is analyzed through a Biblical worldview with Christ at the center.

 Speaking and writing skills are also emphasized to a great degree. It is important for students to not only know how to interpret and analyze the ideas expressed in a work of literature but also to communicate their ideas clearly, effectively, and respectfully. Writing is an essential skill that transcends nearly all areas of life; therefore, the English department strives to prepare students in becoming highly effective and competent communicators by offering a myriad of speaking and writing opportunities. 

department chair:

Mrs. Jennifer Starkey: B.A. in English, The Master’s University.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2007, left to pursue other endeavors, and returned in 2019. 

Faculty:

Mr. David Carter: B.A. in Biblical Studies, The Master’s University; B.A. in English: Literary Criticism, William Jessup University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2011.
Ms. Kari Cope: B.A. in English, Westmont University; M.A. in English, Claremont Graduate University; M.A. in Apologetics, Southern Evangelical Seminary. She began her ministry at Grace in 2021.
Mr. Michael Dobes: B.A. in Bible, Life Bible College; M.A. in Strategic Leadership, Life Pacific College.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2021.                                                                 Mrs. Stephanie Martinez: B.A. in English Literature, California State University, Fullerton. She began her ministry at Grace in 2023.
Ms. Keri Seeger: B.A. in English, California State University, Northridge.   She began her ministry at Grace in 2019.

Courses Offered:

Speech
Explorations in Literature/Honors
Excursions in Literature/Honors
Fundamentals of Literature/Honors
Expository Composition
American Literature/Honors
British Literature/Honors
 AP Language & Composition
Major Themes in Literature
AP Literature & Composition
Critical Thinking & Composition 
JH Yearbook
HS Yearbook

Special Features:

Institute for Excellent in Writing
Writing Center (Tuesday and Thursday)

Fine Arts Department

Purpose:

The Grace Brethren Junior/ Senior High School Fine Arts Department is dedicated to preparing young people to be skilled artists with a heart for God.  Whatever level of talent or desire on the part of any student, we strive to fully nurture and develop it into an appreciation of the arts.  Recognizing individual accomplishments and abilities is encouraged but always accompanied by a balance of humility and glory to our Creator.  We strive to incorporate the technological advances of our time so as to expand the variety and creative possibilities of creative expression through Performing and Visual Art.

Department Chair:

Mrs. Christi  Ebenhoch:  B.A. in Vocal Performance and Music Education, Azusa Pacific University; M.A. Education, Azusa Pacific University.  She began her ministry at Grace in 1996, left to pursue other endeavors, and returned in 2011.

Faculty:

Mr. David Carter: B.A. in Biblical Studies, The Master’s University; B.A. in English: Literary Criticism, William Jessup University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2011.
Mr. Paul Pate: B.A. in Jazz Studies, California State University, Northridge.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2017.
Ms. Keri Rushing: B.A. in Art Design and Illustration, California State University, Northridge.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2020.

Courses Offered:

JH Choir  
HS Choir                      
JH Drama   
JH Beginning Instruments
JH Band
Jazz Band
Technical Theatre         
JH Film Studies
HS Film Studies
JH Art
HS Art
AP Studio Art:  Drawing
HS Art Media
Graphic Arts
Ceramics
JH Photography
HS Photography       

Special features:

Christmas and Spring Choir Productions
Spring Senior High Musical 
Fall Drama Play
Senior High Worship Band
National Art Honor Society

foreign Language Department

Purpose:

Language facilitates communication and the ever-expanding global market has created greater opportunities for those who are multilingual.  Studying different cultures also aids the understanding of others as well as the fulfillment of the Great Commission.  Our goal here at Grace Brethren is that each language student would not only acquire a language but also would have a greater understanding of other cultures and would be able to share their faith wherever the Lord would lead them. 

The Grace Brethren Language Department facilitates whole language acquisition that will be useful in real-world situations.  Students will have the opportunity to develop their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills in the target language.  This is done through a variety of methods, including dramatization, presentations, videos, games, stories, short novels, and classroom instruction and interaction in the target language. 

Department Chair:

Ms. Kari Cope: B.A. in English, Westmont University; M.A. in English, Claremont Graduate University; M.A. in Apologetics, Southern Evangelical Seminary. She began her ministry at Grace in 2021.

Faculty:

Mr. Norman Molina: B.A. in Music, The Master's University. He began his ministry at Grace in 2020.

Courses Offered:

Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
AP Spanish Language and Culture

special features:

Spanish Honor Society
Spanish Club
Field Trip to Olvera Street
Field Trip to an authentic Mexican food restaurant

History Department

Purpose:

The Grace Brethren History Department equips students with a Christian philosophical perspective, makes them literate about the past, and develops critical thinking skills in matters about history.  This pursuit allows students to mature into godly believers, grow into relevant witnesses and develop as influential citizens in this present world. 

Department Chair:

Mrs. Kristen Behrens: B.A. in History and Secondary Education, Gordon College; M.A. in Education, Concordia University, Irvine.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2017.

Faculty:

Mr. Eric Fuller: B.A. in Physical Education, The Master’s University. He began his ministry at Grace in 2022.
Ms. Nicolette Arnone: B.A. in Political Studies, The Master’s University. She began her ministry at Grace in 2022. 

Courses Offered:

World Studies
American History
Ancient Civilizations 
World History and Cultures
AP World History: Modern
U.S. History
AP U.S. History
Government  
Economics  
AP United States Government and Politics

Special Features:

8th Grade Historical Studies Tour
Mock Trial
Field trips to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Mathematics Department

Purpose:

Grace Brethren Schools endeavors to equip each of our students with a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts and with the ability to apply these concepts in real-life situations.  The skills taught and the higher level thinking skills developed through the study of Mathematics will prepare students for mathematics in the university setting.  As mathematics is studied in the classroom, its greatest value can be seen as it reflects the wisdom and purpose of our Creator.  Our teachers relate biblical truths to the beauty of math.  We believe that math is a God-given tool for learning problem-solving skills.  What the students study today will be used in life tomorrow.

The mathematics department enhances the traditional study of math with demonstrations and the utilization of computer programs, online activities, and manipulatives.  We use a variety of activities and assessments to encourage deeper understanding and competency.

Department Chair:

Mrs. Joy Tsang: B.S. in Mathematics, Biola University; M.A. in Teaching, Biola University. She began her ministry at Grace in 2014.

Faculty:

Mrs. Lauri Kreiger: B.A. in Liberal Studies, California State University, Northridge; M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Fuller Theological Seminary.  She began her ministry in 2017. 
Mr. Justin Skidmore: B.A. in Systems Engineering and Humanities, Azusa Pacific University. He began his ministry at Grace in 2022. He graduated from Grace in 2018 and began his ministry at Grace in 2022
Mr. Jim Thomsen: B.S. in Business Management, California Lutheran University  He began his ministry at Grace in 2022.

Courses Offered:

Math Integration
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I
Geometry/Honors
Algebra II/Honors with Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus/Honors
Statistics
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC

special features:

American Mathematics Competition
Math Peer Tutoring (Monday and Wednesday)

Science Department

Purpose:

The goal of the GBHS Science Department is to equip each student to gain knowledge of the natural world through careful, systematic investigation, to maintain the differences between fact, law, and theory, and to know how it relates to the Bible. We also encourage students to desire to know more about the God who created the natural world and to share this knowledge with others.

Department Chair:

Mr. Jake Mittel:  B.S. Physics, Azusa Pacific University, M.Ed. Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2014.

Faculty:

Mrs. Brittany Diamond: B.S. in Sports Medicine, Pepperdine University; M.A. in Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University.  She began her ministry in 2017.
Mrs. Zinia Lewis: B.S. in Nursing, Jacksonville State University. She began her ministry at Grace in 2022.
Mrs. Jana Lovell: B.A. in English, University of California, Los Angeles; M.A. in Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2017.
Mr. Darren Yui: B.S. in Pharmacology, University of California, Santa Barbara.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2018.

Courses Offered:

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1 & 2
AP Computer Science
Biology (Lab)/Honors
Chemistry (Lab)/Honors
Forensic Science
Anatomy & Physiology
Conceptual Physics/Honors
Life Science/Honors
Physical Science/Honors
JH Automation and Robotics
JH Design and Modeling
Principles of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering Honors
JH/SH Introduction to Engineering Design
Spacecraft Engineering
Sports Medicine

special features:

7th Grade Sand Diego (Creation and Earth Science Museum and Safari Park)
11th Grade: Catalina Marine Biology Trip
Aerospace Club
PLTW Robotics