Bible department
2018-2019  

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 including those in religious sects. 

It is our belief 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.  It is our 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: 

Mr. Stephen Barshaw: BA in Biblical Studies—Biblical Exposition, The Master’s University; MA in Education—Educational Leadership, Concordia University. 14^th year at Grace.

 Faculty:

 Mr. Rory Carlton: BA in Youth Ministry, Azusa Pacific University; MA in Biblical Exposition and Theology, 2^nd year at Grace

Mrs. Sue Howard: BA in Elementary Education, Louisiana Baptist University. 17^th year at Grace.

Pastor Tim Howard: BA in Christian Ministry, MA in Biblical Counseling, The Master's University; MA in Ministry, Grace Theological Seminary.10^th year at Grace.

Mr. Matt Simms: BA in Biblical Studies, Grace College; MDiv, The Master’s Seminary: 2^nd year at Grace

Courses Offered:

7^th grade:                 The Life of Christ & the Early Church  
8^th grade:                 Wisdom Literature & Character Studies (classes separated by gender)
9^th grade:                 Early Hebrew History
10^th grade:               New Testament Survey
11^th grade:               Foundations of the Christian Faith, Part 1
12^th grade:               Foundations of the Christian Faith, Part 2
9^th-12^th grade:         Bible Foundations
11^th&12^th grade:     Behavioral Studies (elective)

English Department
2018 -2019

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 myriad of speaking and writing opportunities.

department chair:

Sara Pendleton: BA in English: Writing, Azusa Pacific University; MA in English: Rhetoric, Azusa Pacific. 3^rd year at Grace. 

Faculty:

Mr. David Carter: BA in Biblical Studies, The Master's University; BA in English: Literary Criticism, William Jessup University. 8^th year at Grace.

Mr. Shawn Klaiber: BS in Business, Pennsylvania State University. 4^th  year at Grace.   

Ms. Gabrielle Langley:  B.A. in English and an M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University.   Single Subject teaching Credential in English. 2^nd year at Grace.

Ms. Rebecca Ryan: BA in English, Hope International University; California Teaching Credential: English, California Lutheran University; MA in Education, California Lutheran University. 8^th year at Grace.

Courses Offered:

7^th Grace:                     Speech
7^th Grade:                    Explorations in Literature/Honors
8^th Grade:                    Excursions in Literature/Honors
9^th Grade:                    Fundamentals of Literature/Honors
9^th Grade:                    Expository Composition (1 semester)
10^th Grade:                  American Literature/Honors
11^th Grade:                  British Literature
11^th Grade                   British Literature/Honors
11^th Grade:                  AP Language & Composition
12^th Grade:                  Major Themes in Literature
12^th Grade:                  AP Literature & Composition
11-12^th Grade:             Critical Thinking & Composition (1 semester)
9-12^th Grade:               English as a Second Language
7-12^th Grade:               Junior and Senior High Yearbook

Fine Arts Department
2018-2019

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 accomplishment and abilities is encouraged but always accompanied with a balance of humility and glory to our Creator.  We strive to incorporate the technological advances of our time so to expand the variety and creative possibilities of creative expression through Performing and Visual Art.

Department Chair:

Christi Ebenhoch: Dept Chair (Choir/Vocal) Studio Singer in LA Entertainment Industry; Masters in Teacher Education; Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Azuza Pacific University; Choir Adjudicator; Choreographer and Producer of Christian and Secular Music Production; Elementary and Youth Choir Development; 19 years teaching in Christian Education. SAG/ AFTRA

Faculty:

David Carter: (Drama) BS Biblical Studies from The Master’s College; BS English from William Jessup University; 5 years at Grace Brethren

Austin Smith: (Art) BFA from CA State University Northridge, Concept Design Academy, Concept Designer for film and Television for 6 years

Anneke Bernardo: Assistant to the Performing Arts Chair; 7^th year at Grace Brethren

Ryan Sevy: (Film) BA from UC Davis; Master’s in Education; 2^nd year at Grace Brethren

Paul Pate: (Instrumental Music) BA Jazz Studies form Cal State Northridge, 2^nd year at Grace Brethren

Tiana Fries (Advanced Placement Art and Graphic Arts): MA Arts Biblical Counseling from The Master’s College; BA in Studio Art from California State University  Long Beach; Italian Academy of Fine Arts, Florence Italy; Biblical Studies, Eternity Bible College; 4th year at Grace Brethren

Courses Offered:

Junior High

Choir                         Drama            
Film Studies              Art       
Photography              Band
Beginning Instruments

Senior High

Choir                          Drama
Jazz Band                   Technical Theatre
Film Studies              Film Production/ Industry
Graphic Arts               Art   
AP Art (Drawing and Painting)                 
Art Media                  Ceramics  
Photography

Special Projects, Memberships & Productions:

Christmas and Spring Choir Productions
Spring Senior High Musical (Music and Drama combined)
Fall Drama Play
Visual Arts Gallery
Senior High Worship Band
National Art Honor Society
International Thespian Society
Jerry Herman Awards Participants
National Youth Arts Association (Theater)

Language Department
2018-2019

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 endeavors to facilitate 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, role playing, videos, games, stories, short novels, and having classroom instruction and interaction in the target language.

Department Chair:

 Mrs. Sandra Ruben: BS in Industrial Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Minor in Spanish, Universidad de Granada, Spain; MA in Spanish Literature and Culture, University of California, Santa Barbara. 6^th year at Grace.

Faculty:

 Mrs. Laura Delgado: BS in Business, California State University, Northridge; BA in Spanish Language and Culture, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. 5^th year at Grace.

Courses Offered:

• Spanish I
• Spanish II
• Spanish III
• Spanish IV/ AP Spanish Language and Culture (Dual Enrollment)
• AP Spanish Literature and Culture (Spanish V)

Placement:

Language Courses are offered to Grace Brethren students beginning in 8^th grade.  If a student has previous knowledge of a language, they may take a placement test to determine the best class fit.

Educational Trips:

Olvera St. in Los Angeles (America Tropical Museum), Getty Museum, Mexican Restaurant, El Salvadorian Pupuseria, Colombian Restaurant, and Argentine Restaurant

History Department
2018-2019

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 pertaining to 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:

 Mr. Marc Koster: BA in History, The Master’s University; MA in Education, Grand Canyon University; 20^th year at Grace.

Faculty:

 Mrs. Kristen Behrens: BA in History and Secondary Education, Gordon College; MA in Education, Concordia University, Irvine. 2^nd year at Grace.

Mr. Albert Gastaldo: BA in History, Westmont College; 1^st year at Grace.

Mr. Ryan Sevy: BA in History, University California at Davis. MA in Education, National University.

Courses Offered:

 7^th Grade:                    World Studies
8^th Grade:                    American History
9^th Grade:                    Ancient Civilizations  (1 Semester)
10^th Grade:                  World History and Cultures
10^th Grade:                  AP European History
11^th Grade:                  U.S. History
11^th Grade:                  AP U.S. History
12^th Grade:                  Government  (1^st Semester)
12^th Grade:                  Economics     (2^nd Semester)
12^th Grade:                  AP United States Government and Politics

Mathematics Department
2018-2019

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:

 Ms. Joy Talcott: BS in Mathematics, CA Credential: Mathematics, Biola University; CA Clear Credential, UCLA; MAT Teaching, Biola University. 6^th year at Grace.

Faculty:

Mr. Daniel Tsang: B.A. Mathematics, Masters University. 1^st year at Grace

Mrs. Lauri Kreiger: B.A. Liberal Studies, California State University Northridge. M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, Fuller Theological Seminary. 2^nd year at Grace

Mrs. Michelle Lindo: BA in Biblical Counseling and Secondary Teaching Credential: Mathematics, The Master’s University. 10^th year at Grace.

Mrs. Sandra Ruben: BS in Industrial Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Minor in Spanish, Universidad de Granada, Spain; MA in Spanish Literature and Culture, University of California, Santa Barbara. 6^th year at Grace.

Courses Offered:

• Math 7
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra I
• Geometry/Honors
• Algebra II/Honors with Trigonometry
• Pre-Calculus/Honors
• Statistics, AP Statistics
• AP Calculus AB and BC

Placement:

All entering students will be given a placement test to determine the best class fit.  It is our desire that each student be placed in the most rigorous class for which he or she has been adequately prepared.

Science Department
2018-2019

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:  BS Physics, Azusa Pacific University, M.Ed. Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University, 7^th year at Grace

Faculty:

Mrs. Sandra Ruben: BS Industrial Engineering, Cal Poly SLO, MA Spanish Literature and Culture, UC Santa Barbara, 6^th year at Grace

Mrs. Tori Yonkers: BS Pre-Med Biology, The Master’s College, 5^th year at Grace

Mrs. Brittany Diamond: BS Sports Medicine, Pepperdine University, 2^nd year at Grace

Mrs. Jana Lovell:  BA English, University of California, Los Angeles, M.Ed. Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University, 2^nd year at Grace

Mr. Nick Tezak: MBA in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University. 2^nd year at Grace.

Mr. Darren Yui: BS Pharmacology, University of CA Santa Barbara, 1st year at Grace  .

Courses Offered:

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Computer Science
• AP Physics 1 & 2
• 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
• JH/SH Introduction to Engineering Design
• Spacecraft Engineering
• Sports Medicine

Educational Trips:

7th Grade: Museum of Creation and Earth History & Safari Park, San Diego
11th Grade: Catalina Marine Biology Trip