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 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: 

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:

Mrs. Sue Howard: B.A. in Elementary Education, Louisiana Baptist University. She began her ministry at Grace in 2002.

Pastor Tim Howard: B.A. in Christian Ministry, M.A. in Biblical Counseling, The Master's University; M.A. in Ministry, Grace Theological Seminary.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2008.

Mr. Paul Patingo: B.A. in Communications, The Master's University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2020.

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:

7^th grade:                 The Life of Christ & the Early Church  
8^th grade:                 Wisdom Literature & Character Studies 
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
11^th&12^th grade:     Behavioral Studies (elective)

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 myriad of speaking and writing opportunities.

department chair:

Mrs. Sara Pendleton: B.A. in English: Writing, Azusa Pacific University; M.A. in English: Rhetoric, Azusa Pacific.   She began her ministry at Grace in 2016.

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. Shawn Klaiber: B.S. in Business, Pennsylvania State University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2015.

Mrs. Gabrielle Langley: B.A. in English and M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University.  Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2017.

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. 

Ms. Keri Seeger: B.A. in English, California State University, Northridge.   She began her ministry at Grace in 2019.

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)
7-12^th Grade:               Junior and Senior High Yearbook

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 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:

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.

Mrs. Leah Sumner: B.A. in Dance, University of California, Santa Barbara.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2019.

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               Ceramics  
AP Art                         Photography
Art Media                   

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)

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 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. Laura Delgado: BS in Business, California State University, Northridge; BA in Spanish Language and Culture, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2014.

Faculty:

Mr. Norman Molina: BA 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

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

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:

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:

Ms. Kaitlin Horan: B.A. in Fashion Merchandising and Business, Texas Christian University; M.A. in Teaching, Point Loma Nazarene University.  She began her ministry at Grace in 2020.

Mr. Ryan Young: B.A. in History, Point Loma Nazarene University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2019.

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 World 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

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 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. Nathan Neven: B.A. in Mathematics, California State University, Northridge.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2019.

Mr. Daniel Tsang: B.A. in Mathematics, Masters University.  He began his ministry at Grace in 2018.

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

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. 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.

Mrs. Natalia Simmons: B.A. in Communications, The Master’s University.   She began her ministry at Grace in 2019.

Mrs. Tori Yonkers: B.S. in Biology, The Master’s University.   She began her ministry at Grace in 2014.

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 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