WE EDUCATE
Dear Calvin Christian School Community,
Our theme for this school year is to “Communicate and Persuade Graciously.” Each year, we draw our theme from the poster that hangs in our classrooms and offices. We like to think of this poster as the “deep hope” of our Mission. It could also be called the “Portrait of a Graduate” — or for that matter – the “Portrait of a Teacher, Staff Member, or Parent.” You can learn more about that poster on pg. 6, where you can also find a QR code to read more about “Our Approach” to mission fulfillment.
Actually, our “Missional Deep Hope” poster is our concerted effort to effectively communicate in a winsome, persuasive and gracious way what we deeply believe our mission here at Calvin Christian School is all about. I will share a couple of those things in a “Did you know?” format:
Did you know that Christian education is Gospel-centered education. The first thing this means is that we seek robust fidelity to the Scriptures in defining the concept from our mission statement - “whole person.” One way we are specifically working on this claim this school year is that our team is reading and discussing the book titled With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desire and Will Toward Christ, written by pastor and Westminster Seminary (CA) professor Craig Troxel. The term the Bible uses most often to describe the “whole person,” i.e. the complete nature of an image bearer, is “heart” - defined as an inextricable combination of mind, desires and will. At Calvin, education is all about “heart formation and transformation” and this of course is exactly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. See page 9 for more about this.
Did you know that though every person bears the image of God, each of us is completely unique – every “heart” is special! This uniqueness is complex and profound! This is why there is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” assemblyline education. This is also why our beautiful PLACE Services are critical to mission-fulfillment, because the Planning of loving advocacy for Christ-centered education demands constant and custom adjustment,
adaptation, modification and accommodation to challenge and support our students each step of the way, so that each one always feels seen, safe, secure and soothed (to draw from the thought leadership of robust Biblical counseling). This is how we strive to build an educational environment that “communicates to a child graciously” their eternal worth in God’s eyes.
Did you know that every student who graduates from Calvin Christian School will write a “Senior Thesis” on a topic-of-interest he or she chooses, researches thoroughly, and then writes a paper that goes through numerous revisions (their voice, not Ai) to then deliver to a group of adjudicators & audience members (i.e. members of the CCS board of trustees, admin, teachers, parents, community members, etc). The goal is to articulate a sound “biblical worldview as founded in the Reformation” in a way that communicates lucidly, persuasively and graciously. Of course, our prayer is that our graduates will go into the world where God calls them, to continue doing the same for the sake of the Gospel, and the Kingdom of God (from our Mission – “living lives of Christ-centered service”). We invite you to come join us on Senior Thesis Night in the late spring and experience the great work of our students, and our all-star faculty team who help them prepare.
We are grateful for every family God has brought into partnership with us here at Calvin Christian School. There is no greater way to spend the time God has given on earth before He calls us Home than investing in each other’s lives.
Soli Deo Gloria, Jeff Pratt, PhD Head of School
TO MISSION FULFILLMENT
OUR DEEP HOPE FOR STUDENTS
At Calvin Christian School, our mission is to educate the whole child in the light of God’s truth. While we are rooted in the liberal arts tradition, our vision goes beyond academics. We want students to grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, character, and wisdom. This vision is expressed in a artistic graphic we call our “Missional Deep Hope,” displayed in every classroom and office. It reminds us daily of what we long for each graduate to become. Many schools describe this as a “Portrait of a Graduate.” At Calvin, our portrait is simple but profound: we want graduates to know that their identity is formed by God’s love in Christ. From that foundation, they are called to live a life of wonder, worship, work, and wisdom. In other words, we want students to know who they are and what God calls them to do.
THE FOUNDATION: GOD’S REVELATION
At the center of our educational approach is the belief that God is the Creator, the Sovereign Lord, and Triune — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everything we know about ourselves and the world flows from God’s revelation:
• Through Creation (general revelation).
• Through Scripture (special revelation).
Without God’s Word, human learning can easily become misguided. With His Word, students can flourish as He intended. We picture this truth with the image of a tree in our Missional Deep Hope artwork: every branch of learning grows out of the rich soil of God’s Word.
EDUCATION THAT SHAPES
IDENTITY
We believe education is more than filling a child’s mind with facts. It is formative — it shapes who they are. Every day, children are being shaped by voices around them: culture, peers, media, and more. Our goal is to ensure that students are intentionally formed by Jesus Christ and His truth.
Scripture teaches that we do not belong to ourselves but to God, who created and redeemed us. Through Christian education, we help children embrace their true identity: a fully known, deeply loved child of God.
FOUR QUESTIONS THAT GUIDE US
Our teaching and school culture are built around four guiding questions:
1. WHOM TO LOVE?
The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–40). This is the trunk of our Missional Deep Hope tree: Love & Worship God | Love & Serve My Neighbor.
When children understand who and how to love, every other part of learning and living can grow in the right direction.
2. HOW TO LIVE?
The Gospel transforms our lives so we can live in ways that honor God. Students learn how to live by studying history, art, music, science, and culture through the lens of Christ. This question points to habits such as:
• Respect & Submit to Authority
• Care For & Control My Body
• Delight In & Create Beauty
• Recognize & Pursue Goodness
• Enjoy & Care for Creation
3 & 4. HOW TO THINK? WHAT TO KNOW?
Thinking and knowing go hand in hand. We want students to develop the tools for learning — skills in language, numbers, reasoning, and imagination — so they can seek truth and apply knowledge wisely. This part of our Missional Deep Hope emphasizes:
• Discover & Describe Order
• Discern & Defend Truth
• Embrace & Employ Reason
• Love & Grow in Wisdom
• Communicate & Persuade Graciously
By learning how to think and what to know, students are equipped to speak truth into culture with wisdom and grace.
OUR DEEP HOPE
Our Missional Deep Hope summarizes our vision: that all true learning and flourishing come from God’s revelation. The twelve statements describe how students can use the gifts God has given them — heart, mind, body, and imagination — to live as His image-bearers.
This is what it means for us to provide a whole-child, Christ-centered education. Our deepest desire is that students leave Calvin knowing their identity in Christ and living lives marked by wonder, worship, work, and wisdom.
In all of this, our ultimate goal is simple: Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory.
The term “whole person” education has become something of a marketing buzzword in recent years. And it’s understandable why the term resonates—particularly with those responsible for the education of our children. Who wouldn’t want their child to be seen as more than a brain in a desk, more than one whose bodily life is treated as accidental to who they really are?
The truth is that whole person education is inevitable. All education shapes the whole child even if it doesn’t market itself as such. Children are invariably educated as whole people precisely because all they do they do as real body and true soul. As people made in God’s image, we reflect his grace in all aspects of our life on earth.
The question, then, is not whether education concerns the whole person. The whole child is always educated explicitly or implicitly. Rather, the question is to what end the whole child will be trained: for good or for ill? Thus, as C. S. Lewis famously remarked, there are no mere mortals, but “immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” Will the whole child live forever an “immortal horror,” or will they stand before the face of God resplendent with everlasting glory, body and soul, in life and in death?
If Lewis is right—and the likes of Dante, Calvin, and the Apostle Paul with him (2 Cor. 4:17)—all education has an assumed anthropology as its starting point. Yet, a properly ordered pedagogy recognizes that all that a person is has
been designed by God as a theater for his glory. Or, as another theologian put it, “the glory of God is man fully alive.”
At Calvin, we believe that all that is good, true, and beautiful is grounded in the character of God. It has been revealed for us to know in the realms of general and special revelation: truth, goodness, and beauty have been made to be known and we have been made to know them. This is why, for instance, the humanities faculty are committed to modeling humility in the discussion of texts, expressing confidence in objective truth, while demonstrating a willingness to pursue growth and learning in front of our students. A well-led discussion of texts should affirm the inherent value of every human individual, respect their need to grow and develop as a whole person, and to encourage a discourse that is marked by honesty and charity with the text and toward their fellow classmates.
This anthropology speaks not merely to the starting point of education, but the whole scope of one’s life: that we, like Christ, might be said to increase in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man (Luk. 2:52), ultimately, for the joy that was set before him (Heb. 12:2). May we, too, guide our children toward that same end: that they, like Christ, may know the joy of being fully alive in the totality of their humanity—in this life and in the next.
1. C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory. By Issac Fox, Upper School Humanities
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
Providing an architectural image, think of the gospel being our foundation. The framework of building is the Christian worldview, and the pillar apparatus is the “Five Solas.” Although the phrase “Five Solas” may be more recent in its usage, the concepts are rooted in the 16th century Reformation. The word sola is often translated “alone” from the original Latin. These “Five Solas” distinguished Reformers like Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, John Knox, members of the White Horse Inn in England, John Calvin, and so many others. The Reformers were willing to lay their lives down for these solas first and foremost because they believed the gospel itself was at stake. These five pillars of truth had a profound effect, changing the very landscape of Europe. Through these principles, the gospel was applied in every area of life in social reforms of banking, trade and currency, government, prison systems, housing and property, architecture, agriculture, and, most of all, education. Through education,all the fields of knowledge became new learning centers about God’s character.
Here are the examples of how the five solas inform our school:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) is the belief that because Scripture is God’s inspired Word, it is the only inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church. Meaning, it is the revelation that Truth is a person. Educationally, it inspires us in the areas of theology, literacy, language, literature, logic, language arts, mathematics, speech and debate, and rhetoric.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone) is the assertion that Christ alone is the basis on which the ungodly are justified in God’s sight and as the True King, Christ is the rightful governmental authority we ultimately answer to. As 1 Peter 2:13 says, “Fear God, honor the king.”This informs
our studies in history, government, school policies, handbook policies, school board policies, faculty/staff structure and development, and our ethics.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone) maintains that the believer receives the redemption Christ has accomplished only through faith (trust). This informs our perception of what is real, which so many of our students are confused about today in the areas of their identities and bodies. This informs our studies in philosophy, epistemology, ontology, social sciences, hermeneutics (study of interpretation), anthropology, anatomy, and health.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) proclaims that all of our salvation, from beginning to end, is by grace and grace alone. As opposed to contemporary narratives, your child’s soul can only find rest in the Lord, no matter how many likes he or she has on their uploaded selfie, or subscribers they have on their video channel, or followers they might have on their Instagram. They are loved and cannot earn our love. This informs our PLACE Services, our student life activities, our clubs, our house system, our classroom culture, and our overall community.
Lastly, because of these things the Reformers held fast to the phrase Soli Deo Gloria, that God alone receives glory for our salvation. With this, Jesus, the True King, provides us the privilege by inviting us to celebrate Him in his kingdom work here on Calvin’s Campus. This informs our work ethic, music, dance, the arts, sports, and every social event that provides fellowship.
It is these five pillars that are at the heart of what we do in expressing worship to the Lord at Calvin Christian School.
By David Illman, Upper School Principal
MOTOR LAB FOR K–2 STUDENTS
This year, our elementary campus introduced an exciting new addition for our youngest learners: a Motor Lab for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. A Motor Lab is a specially designed space with a variety of stations that help students build essential motor skills, coordination, and endurance—key foundations for focus, engagement, and overall classroom success.
Calvin’s Motor Lab features circuits of purposeful movement activities that offer students opportunities to grow in areas like balance, handwriting, and attention. These activities are designed to prepare both the body and mind for learning.
To guide the program, Calvin is using a curriculum developed by Athena Oden, P.T., a seasoned physical therapist with 35 years of experience working in schools. Her approach is rooted in the understanding that movement is central to how we were designed by God to function and learn. All of our teachers took part in Oden’s training seminar in August 2024.
Each K–2 class now visits the Motor Lab twice a week with Mrs. Martin, and students will continue to reinforce these skills during PE with Mrs. Mashouf throughout the year. The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive—they’re enjoying the fresh challenges and the opportunity to move their bodies in meaningful ways throughout the school day.
We’re looking forward to seeing how this program supports our students’ development and learning in the months ahead!
By Mary Martin, Elementary Teacher
care for and control mybody delightin and create beauty
ESCONDIDO ARTS ALLEY
On Saturday, April 26, CCS students and members of the Escondido arts community unveiled the “Community Unity” mural in the alley between Broadway and Maple Street and 2nd Avenue and Grand.
Calvin’s Elementary and Junior High Art teacher, Mrs. Deb Smith, along with the former High School Art teacher, Mr. Ron Van Der Pol, worked with 12 teams of students, ranging
from kindergarten through 12th grade, to create the 10 foot by 20 foot mural.
The event was attended by Escondido’s Mayor, Dane White, as well as Escondido city council members and other members of the community. The project was made possible by a grant from the Public Art Commission and donations from the Escondido Downtown Business Association.
For the 25/26 school year, Calvin Christian School is excited to share a new addition to the athletics program: Sideline Cheer. What began as a fun idea to boost school spirit and student engagement has quickly turned into a lively, positive presence on campus. Under the leadership of coaches Sonja Downs and Vanessa Elders, our cheerleading squad has been practicing hard each week to learn new cheers, perfect challenging stunts, and perform half time routines, all while bringing Crusader pride and team spirit to our Friday night football games. After the football season, our team will continue to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to our high school basketball games and represent Calvin athletics at different fundraisers and community events.
While many may associate cheerleading with gameday energy and athleticism—and indeed, those elements are part of the experience—our program
is designed with broader goals in mind. Students will engage in structured practices focused on skill-building, physical coordination, and choreography, while also developing key life skills such as public speaking, peer collaboration, and leadership.
We see this inaugural squad as a foundational step in what we hope will become a long-standing tradition at our school. In the years ahead, we aim to grow the program thoughtfully, with attention to student safety, skill progression, and the values that make our school community special. We would love to see you cheer them on by attending games, showing your support at school events, or simply encouraging your students to consider joining in the future. Go.. Fight.. Win… Crusaders!!!
By Sonja Downs, Co-Head Cheer Coach
Go...Fight...Win... Crusaders!!!
BEING CRUSADER PROUD
In just a short time as Athletic Director at Calvin Christian School, I have already felt so blessed by this community. My family and I have been welcomed with open arms, and it’s clear why CCS is such a special place.
One thing my background in athletics has taught me is the importance of having a mission and unshakable values. A mission sets the tone for everything we do. It gives us a shared goal, reminds us what matters most, and helps us keep our eyes fixed on glorifying God through our work.
At Calvin Christian, athletics is not separate from our mission, it’s an important way we live it out. Sports give us opportunities to teach life lessons, shape character, and celebrate God’s gifts. I’d like to share both the philosophy that guides our athletic program and the values that drive how we live it out.
Our Philosophy of Athletics
We believe that every child is created in God’s image and called to use their gifts for His glory. Athletics is one way our students can learn to honor God with their bodies, minds, and hearts.
OUR DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO
• Promote whole-person growth for lives of Christ-like service.
• Encourage participation in sports and fitness as part of a well-rounded education.
• Emphasize healthy living, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.
In all things—whether in training, in competition, or in daily discipline—our goal is to glorify God.
HOW TO: CRUSADER PROUD
Our athletic philosophy comes to life through our core values: Crusader PROUD. These values help connect biblical truth to our pursuit of athletic excellence and life lessons learned through sport.
• P – Perseverant (Galatians 6:9): The Bible tells us that we will face trials in our lives. It is easy to give up in hard times or give in, but God calls us to be strengthened through Him. We must continue producing good works and rely on our Lord God to conquer the difficult times we face. Athletics will provide tough times as well. It is not always easy and requires you to push through the difficult times. Don’t give up!
• R – Respectful (Proverbs 15:33): In all ways, we want to show respect. We want to respect each other, staff, family, opponents, and ourselves. Be wise to learn from those around you and show gratitude. We will respect all of those that compete on the playing surface. We will respect the officials that provide their time to allow us to compete within the game we love. We will respect our leaders and teammates.
• O – Original (Ephesians 2:10): God created each of us to be unique individuals through His own image. He bestowed upon us spiritual gifts to assist in carrying out His message. Be the best version of yourself as God has created you to be. Use the great gifts the Lord has provided to produce good.
• U – United (John 13:34):God created each of us to be unique individuals through His own image. He bestowed upon us spiritual gifts to assist in carrying out His message. Be the best version of yourself as God has created you to be. Use the great gifts the Lord has provided to produce good.
• D – Dedicated (Proverbs 16:3): A relationship with God is full commitment. We put our heart and soul into it and give up ourselves for Him. We also want to be dedicated to our team. Put everything you have into it and trust in those around you to do the same.
LOOKING AHEAD
A little about me: I’ve spent the past decade working in college athletics, with a passion for studying coaching and leadership. My doctoral research focused on ethical decision-making for coaches, something I believe is central to shaping young athletes.
Looking forward, my goal is to celebrate the incredible studentathletes we have here at Calvin Christian and to make their efforts feel valued. We want gamedays to be not just competitions, but community events that bring us together.
Our vision is also bigger than high school athletics. From elementary through junior high, we want every student to know what it means to be Crusader PROUD. Expanding opportunities at these levels will help us teach and model these values early on.
We are one united athletic department, serving the entire Calvin Christian community. Thank you, parents, for your support as we pursue this mission together.
By Kent Noyes, Ph.D Athletic Director
SPORTS RECAP
FOOTBALL
Under new head coach Justin McKenzie, the 2024 football season for Calvin Christian High School in Escondido, CA, was marked by a series of competitive matchups and a strong finish. The Crusaders concluded the season with a 7–4 overall record, competing in the Ocean League’s 8-Man Division. The team had notable victories including a 24–22 win against Cornerstone Christian and a dominant 60–28 triumph over Borrego Springs. However, the season ended on a challenging note with a 60–22 loss to St. Joseph Academy in the CIF San Diego Section Division VI 8-Man Championship game.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
The 2024 Girls Volleyball Season was one of hard work, perseverance, and dedication! Varsity Head Coach Kate Gross went on maternity leave in the middle of the season so the girls had to learn quickly how to adapt to their new Head Coach Kara Detrich. The JV team worked hard under the leadership of Coach Aubree Burfeind. The Varsity team ultimately ended the season with a 6-15 record and made it to the quarter finals in league playoffs! The teams matured, improved on their techniques, and worked as a team throughout the entirety of the season!
CROSS COUNTRY
Calvin’s cross country team experienced a highly successful season marked by dedication, growth, and impressive results. The 2024 season was head coach Jonathan Beutlich’s 11th season with the team. Under his guidance, the athletes consistently improved their times, demonstrated strong teamwork, and pushed through challenging courses with determination. His strategic training
plans and motivational leadership played a key role in students achieving multiple personal bests and top finishes at meets for both the boys and girls. The team’s commitment to developing both the physical and mental toughness necessary to run cross country helped the team achieve one of its most competitive seasons yet, earning Calvin’s cross country program recognition as an outstanding leader in the sport and showing why it continues to be Calvin’s most successful sports program.
GIRLS SOCCER
The Lady Crusaders posted a 9–10 overall record, going 4–4 in league play to finish in third place in the Ocean League. Led by head coach Jonathan Beutlich, their season included a powerful 8–0 win over High Tech NC, highlighting the team’s offensive potential.They also notched a solid 4–1 victory against West Shores as part of a midseason winning stretch. In the postseason, they faced High Tech Mesa in the CIF San Diego Section tournament, falling 2–1 in what proved to be a competitive match.
BOYS SOCCER
The Calvin Christian Crusaders boys soccer team, led by longtime head coach Mark Memmelaar, finished with an overall record of 11-7-5, and went 4-2-1 in league play. The team placed first in the Ocean League Conference. In the postseason, they advanced through multiple rounds making it to the Division 5AA Championship match where they had a heartbreaking loss of 6-1 against St. Joseph Academy.
BOYS BASKETBALL
The Calvin Christian Crusaders boys’ basketball squad finished the 202425 season with a 12-12 overall record and went 5-3 in league play, which placed them second in the Coastal - Ocean league.They posted several strong showings, including victories over Orange Glen and San Diego Jewish Academy. Calvin advanced into the CIF San Diego Section Division 4 tournament but were eliminated by number 3-seed, Brawley, in a 46-59 loss. The team was coached by longtime head coach, Eric Miedema.
BASEBALL
The 2025 season was a challenging but growthoriented year for the Calvin Christian Crusaders baseball program led by head coach, Stephen Johnson. In league play, they posted a 2–5 record, and across the full season they went 4–7 overall,
placing 4th in the Pacific League. Even though the team fell short of playoffs, the Crusaders had a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at Petco Park for the 2025 John Baumgarten Classic. The Crusaders defeated the Rock Academy’s Warriors 12-8 and witnessed the only home run during the baseball classic by one of their own.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
The Calvin Christian boys volleyball program which began in 2023 with 14 players has shown remarkable growth in just three years. The team, led by head coach Clay Joseph, had a strong and determined 2024–2025 season, finishing with 11 wins overall. The Crusaders proved to be tough competitors in league play, earning a solid 5–3 record against familiar rivals. They played with consistency both at home and on the road, showing growth and teamwork throughout the year. Their season included a trip to the CIF San Diego Section Division V-AA playoffs, reflecting the team’s hard work and commitment. Overall, the program has transformed from uncertain beginnings into a confident, competitive team.
TRACK & FIELD
The spring track and field season at Calvin Christian was a true blessing, filled with growth, perseverance, and a shared desire to honor God through athletic excellence. Our athletes trained diligently, competing with humility and purpose while encouraging one another every step of the way. Their teamwork and positive attitudes reflected the Christ-like character we strive to cultivate in all areas of student life. At the Pacific Coastal Conference Finals, the team showcased remarkable performances including a 2nd place in the Varsity Boys 3200 Meter Run, a 1st place in the boys Pole Vault, a 4th place in the girls 100 Meter Dash, and finally a 2nd place in the girls Triple Jump. The season was a celebration of effort, faith, and the joy of competing for God’s glory.
The opportunity for the Calvin Christian High School Baseball Team to take the field on the big-leagues’ stage at Petco Park is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The team participated in the 2025 John Baumgarten High School Baseball Classic on April 19. Being part of a special high school baseball series in the same venue where professionals play underscores the significance of the moment and the privilege of representing their school in such a premier environment. The Crusaders delivered an outstanding performance, defeating the Rock Academy 12-8, with the lineup producing 12 hits, including the series one and only home run.
If the mission of Calvin Christian School is to partner with families to raise their children up in the Lord, then that includes EVERY child of the family that we can feasibly welcome, with their unique strengths and weaknesses, differing gifts and abilities. God has filled his church with diverse people, therefore our school should mirror the same. God’s truths are for everyone, but for everyone to access them meaningfully, sometimes we are called to stand in the gap and provide services that allow everyone to learn together in their own unique ways. This is the calling of PLACE Services - to Plan Loving Advocacy in Christian Education so that each learner can grow at Calvin.
For the last decade, Shelli Lundgren has been teaching English and Psychology at Calvin and welcoming every learner who walks through her door, no matter their abilities. But during that time, she also earned her Masters Degree in Biblical Counseling because she has seen the immense need in her students to experience the care of God in their mental and emotional lives as well as their academic and spiritual walk. God’s Word speaks to every experience. He made the whole child, and he pursues not only their minds, but their hearts and all that entails
throughout the ups and downs of their experiences K-12. This year she has had the opportunity to take her two degrees and unify them in a new role as the Place Services Director of Instruction and Student Support.
Working together with the PLACE team, the goal each day is to not only to include learners, but to ensure that each and every student knows they truly belong - that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God to contribute to the tapestry of our school. The student body would not be the same without them! It is a shared joy among the PLACE team to make sure that as many students as possible find their PLACE at Calvin and are able to experience the incredible education my colleagues provide every day. The team is thankful for those in this community who have supported this effort to see every image bearer as God sees them - an indispensable and beautiful member of our Calvin community.
By Shelli Lundgren Director of PLACE Services Instruction and Student Support
Calvin Christian School’s 30th Dutch Festival will take place this spring on April 18, 2026. Held every other year, the Dutch Festival has become the school’s largest and most beloved fundraiser—a day that brings together the entire Calvin community in joyful celebration.
To reflect on how it all began, we spoke with Marilyn Faber, a longtime supporter whose family has been part of Calvin Christian for generations. Marilyn’s children, grandchildren, and now greatgrandchildren have all attended the school she and her husband, Chet, first connected with nearly seven decades ago.
“I’m just so surprised and amazed at how Calvin Christian is small, but what they can all do,” Marilyn shared. “There’s so much talent there, and the young people seem so willing to use it.”
The Fabers moved to North San Diego County in 1958, leaving Iowa with three children packed into the car and hearts set on finding community and Christian education in Escondido. “We came here so we’d be close to our church,” Marilyn recalled. “Then we got involved with Calvin Christian School. It’s been a real joy. I served on the Mother’s Club, and Chet served on the board and in different areas. From where it started—a two-room school—to where it is now, it’s amazing.”
Marilyn explained that the Dutch Festival as we know it today began quite humbly. “It started as a committee of women having a yard sale and later adding baked goods,” she said. The early events took place in the church parking lot, but as word spread and the crowds grew, the Mother’s Club looked for more space. They approached Rube Nelson, a longtime Escondido businessman, to ask about using one of his buildings. “We went and talked to him one time and asked if he would mind letting
us use a building,” Marilyn remembered with a smile. “At first, he said, ‘Well, I don’t know… what are you going to do with it?’ We told him our plans, and then he said, ‘Yeah, we can do that.’ He was so excited to see what we were doing—and how clean and organized everything was!”
What began as a modest yard sale soon grew into an auction, complete with food, games, and community involvement. “Our goal was to get the community involved,” Marilyn said. “And it just kept growing more and more every year. I just sat back and said, ‘Praise the Lord—bless them.’”
Today, the Dutch Festival continues to bring the Calvin community together, welcoming more than a thousand guests each year. Parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends often travel back to Escondido just to be part of the fun.
From a few tables of baked goods to a beloved local tradition, the Dutch Festival truly stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of families like the Fabers.
Humble beginnings, indeed.
By Heather Souders, Director of Community Life
It was a year of “Delighting In and Creating Beauty” for the Calvin Christian Musical Theatre program in 2024-25! We started our season off with a whimsical and wondrous production of James and the Giant Peach Jr. showcasing a slew of gifted and eager 5th-8th graders. We had a giant spinning peach, atrocious aunts, sentient bugs, stampeding farm animals, hungry seagulls, jazzy sharks, attack helicopters, and even Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas take the stage. But what the show really taught us was the value of family, whether natural or found, and of having a hopeful heart no matter what life throws at us.
Our 1st-4th graders blessed us next, with a heart-warming production of Winnie the
squirrels, and those honey-loving stinger-shaking bees? All of these creatures brought to life the story of Christopher Robin’s stuffed pals and their quest to free him from the monstrous Backson, memorably narrated by a living rainbow. It put us in mind of God’s promise to help us out of the pits in our lives, even when they’re of our own making, and how being a good friend in a time of need is one of the purest ways we can share His love.
We capped the year with an absolutely unforgettable production of Fiddler on the Roof by our amazing high schoolers. Show after show, these remarkable image bearers took us on an emotional journey that reminded us of how God empowers us to be joyful even in the most trying of circumstances, even when all of the things on which we misguidedly build our identities are taken away from us. And all of this was done with truly spectacular dancing and singing that captivated audience members of all ages. We’ve been delighted to hear many of our elementary students are still singing songs from Fiddler around the house!
From cast to crew, our shows involved the
125 Calvin students and played to thousands of ticket holders across several performances, supported by countless volunteers and staff members, and all to the glory of the One who allows us to operate in His giftings. Our Musical Theater pro gram truly supports Calvin’s mission of inviting students to be formed by God’s love in Christ for a life of wonder, wor ship, work, and wisdom in encouraging students to use their God-given abilities to grow in confidence, entertain and wor ship through song and dance, and work in community towards a common goal. We hope you will join us in our cherished Her itage Center for even more this year from this awesome co-curricular program that touches the lives and hearts of so many.
By Anna Younce, CCS Musical Theater Director
MAKE A NOISE
Calvin Christian’s Music Department was recently blessed to be able to purchase new staging materials. This exciting upgrade includes all new platforms, stairs, and shells as well as some additional risers and rails. The new staging is a significant upgrade in terms of staging capacity, safety, and sound. The upgrade was needed to replace some aging materials and will benefit the students and the audience in both sight and sound aspects of music performances. The new platforms, risers, stairs, and rails will give more space for large groups of students to perform safely on stage and will enable the audience a better view of all students. The shells help to reflect the sound so that students can better hear themselves and the audience can better hear the performance.
The Music Department is grateful to the community for generous donations and especially to the Music Boosters group. Since its inception in 1991, Music Boosters have faithfully raised funds at concerts in order to support the work of music education at Calvin. Music Boosters not only supports the purchase and repair of students’ band instruments, but also helps to fund larger projects such as this one. This substantial staging upgrade was made possible largely because of the hard work of Music Boosters over many years as well as the donations of the school community. Their generosity will directly benefit the students in their whole child education here at Calvin for years to come. Calvin students will use this gift along with their God-given musical gifts to bring glory to God and to communicate His gospel to others. Soli Deo Gloria!
FORMED BY GOD’S LOVE
A GLIMPSE INSIDE CALVIN CHRISTIAN’S EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
For years, Calvin Christian’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program has been a place where the youngest of learners—ages two to five—are lovingly welcomed into an environment that reflects God’s truth and celebrates His creation. Each day is filled with moments of wonder, laughter, and discovery as children learn who they are in Christ and who God has called them to be.
At Calvin, we believe that every child is uniquely created in the image of God. That belief shapes everything we do. Our teachers strive to see each child as an individual—with distinct gifts, interests, and needs—and to nurture growth in every area of development: spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. Through play-based and hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and delight in learning.
LEARNING THROUGH MOVEMENT AND PLAY
Young children were made to move, and at Calvin, movement is central to the learning experience. Each day provides opportunities for children to strengthen their bodies and develop the coordination and confidence that support academic readiness. Whether they are climbing and sliding on the playground, digging in the sandbox, or pedaling tricycles across the courtyard, children learn through joyful, purposeful play.
Indoors, the learning continues with activities designed to engage large motor skills—spin boards, balance beams, hopscotch, and can stilts— each fostering balance, perseverance, and laughter. These physical moments help prepare young minds to focus, imagine, and engage in the classroom.
Music and movement weave through our days as well. Children sing and dance, play instruments, and learn simple rhythms and clapping patterns. Music meets both the cognitive and emotional needs of young learners—it builds language, memory, and joy. The sound of familiar songs fills the hallways, often accompanied by happy voices and spontaneous giggles. Songs also serve as gentle transitions between parts of the day, helping children move smoothly from playtime to circle time or snack.
CREATIVITY AND THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S DESIGN
We believe that art is not about producing perfect pieces, but about celebrating the beauty of the process—mixing colors, exploring textures, and expressing ideas freely. When children create, they reflect the image of the Creator Himself. Each scribble, brushstroke, and collage becomes a joyful act of worship and exploration.
Our students also discover the joy of dramatic play. Whether pretending to be doctors, shopkeepers, or parents caring for dolls, dramatic play gives children the chance to practice empathy, communication, and problem-solving. It is through these imaginative moments that they learn to process their emotions, understand the world around them, and build meaningful relationships with others.
A COMMUNITY ROOTED IN LOVE
Behind every joyful classroom moment stands a team of dedicated early educators who pour their hearts into this ministry. Their work is more than teaching—it is shepherding. Each day, they share Christ’s love through patience, encouragement, and care. Step into our ECE hallway, and you’ll be greeted by the hum of activity and the warmth of genuine community. Children’s laughter mingles with kind voices and the sounds of praise songs echoing down the corridor.
Our classrooms are places of belonging and purpose—where curiosity is nurtured, faith is planted, and every child knows they are deeply loved. We see our students as “invited to be formed by God’s love in Christ for a life of wonder, worship, work, and wisdom.” It’s a calling we take to heart, and one that shapes everything we do.
At Calvin Christian, early learning is not just preparation for kindergarten—it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discovery. Our youngest Crusaders remind us daily what it means to see the world through eyes of wonder, to find joy in God’s creation, and to delight in the beauty He inspires in each of us.
COLLEGE & CAREER COUNSELING
College and Career Counseling at Calvin Christian School is dedicated to guiding students in their academic and professional journeys. The department is rooted in the Reformed understanding that each individual is an image bearer of God. It aims not only to prepare students for future careers but also to deepen their understanding of their divine purpose.
2025 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Abilene Christian University
Azusa Pacific University
Baylor University
Belmont University
Biola University
Boston University
California Baptist University
California State University-Los Angeles
California State University-Northridge
California State University-San Marcos
Calvin University
Case Western Reserve University
Charleston Southern University
Concordia University-Irvine
Dordt University
Geneva College
George Fox University
Georgetown University
Gonzaga University
Grand Canyon University-Traditional
Campus
Grove City College
High Point University
Lee University
Lipscomb University
Marquette University
Mercer University
Mira Costa Community CollegeCommunity Learning Center
New York University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Palomar College
Point Loma Nazarene University
Purdue University-Main Campus
Samford University
San Diego State University
The University of Montana
University of California-Riverside
University of California-San Diego
University of Southern California
University of Utah
Vanderbilt University
Vanguard University of Southern
California
Washington University in St Louis
Westmont College
Wheaton College
Whitworth University
William & Mary
Lisa Smits, our College and vocational guidance counselor, has been a part of the Calvin community for over 20 years and has an insider’s perspective on the unique and specific needs of Calvin families. She provides individualized guidance, ensuring students’ unique talents and aspirations are nurtured. This “concierge college counseling” helps students navigate college applications, career planning, and scholarship opportunities with a tailored approach.
“Helping families navigate this process is the best part. When I can come alongside a family and help them assess their needs and expectations, it encourages communication between Seniors and their families, promoting the maturity they will need to head off to college. I see so much growth in them over their last year of high school. Calvin graduates are a unique and impressive group.”
Our philosophy inspires students to seek vocations that align with their God-given talents, emphasizing the importance of glorifying God in all endeavors. We encourage students to recognize their abilities and strengths through guided exploration and introspection. This approach aids students in selecting colleges and careers where they can live out their faith as image-bearers of God.
Ultimately, the College and Career Department at Calvin Christian School goes beyond conventional academic and career preparation. It equips students to lead lives that honor God, are grounded in Reformed theology, and are ready to make meaningful contributions to society as disciples of the Creator. This holistic approach ensures that Calvin graduates are not only academically and professionally prepared but also spiritually fortified to positively impact the world.
A YEAR IN
THE LAST YEAR AT CALVIN INCLUDED MINI OLYMPICS, ANOTHER GREAT UPPER SCHOOL SERVICE DAY, UPPER SCHOOL INTERIM CLASSES, HOUSE CUP, CONCERTS, MUSICALS, AND SO MUCH MORE.
APPLYING TO
Since 1961, Calvin Christian School has partnered with Christian families throughout North San Diego County. Our desire is to cultivate a student body that reflects the beauty and diversity of the family of God. Today, Calvin is blessed to serve students from over 60 local churches, united in their shared faith in Christ.
At Calvin Christian, we believe in a threefold partnership between home, church, and school. Together, we work to provide students with a Christ-centered education that deepens their faith, sharpens their understanding, and equips them to serve God and others. It is a joy to see second- and third-generation families returning to Calvin, a testament to the lasting impact this community has had in their lives.
Our programs include Early Childhood Education for children ages 2 through Kindergarten Prep, as well as fully accredited elementary, junior high, and high school programs. We understand that private education represents a significant investment, which is why we offer need-based tuition assistance
through our Legacy Fund to help make a Calvin education accessible to more families.
To learn more or schedule a campus visit, we invite you to contact the Calvin Admissions Office. We would love to share with you how Calvin Christian School can partner with your family in faith and learning.
Tracy Bustrum Admissions Coordinator
760-489-6430
admissions@calvinchristian.school
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALVIN
We encourage you to learn more about Calvin Christian School! Browse our website, attend an open house, take a VIP tour, or talk to a Calvin family! Visit our website www.calvinchristian.school and click on the Schedule a Visit button to come and visit our beautiful campus.
APPLYING TO CALVIN
The Calvin Christian School admission application can be completed online. Visit our website at www.calvinchristian.school and click on Admissions > > Overview.
DISCLAIMER
Calvin Christian School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights and privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded, or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, athletic, and other school administered programs, nor in the hiring of faculty or administration.
All admitted Calvin Christian School families must agree with the Statement of Faith, abide by the policies and procedures found in the Handbook for Parents and Students, and sign the Calvin Christian School Pledge of Cooperation.
TUITION 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR
We will publish the 2025/2026 tuition rates in early spring of 2026. Typically, tuition increases slightly every year.
3-day Kindergarten… $8,010
5-day Kindergarten… $12,324
Grade 1-5… $12,324
Grade 6-8… $13,829
Grade 9-12… $16,261
FEES - 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Application Fee … $100 (non-refundable)
A non-refundable Re-Enrollment Deposit is required for each returning family in the spring.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Any family may apply for tuition assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program. Families may qualify for up to a 50% discount on their tuition. The application period begins for 2026/2027 on January 1, 2026. Visit www. calvinchristian.school and click on Admissions >> Tuition & Fees Program
TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS
Families must remain on the payment schedule agreed upon with the School via Blackbaud Tuition Management. In most cases, these schedules can include payment in full on August 1, quarterly payment or monthly payments for 10 or 11 months.
If an account is delinquent, continued enrollment will be reviewed by the Board. Any family who withdraws a student during the school year is required to pay for the entire quarter during which they were withdrawn.
ME TO LEARN MORE!
INVESTING IN
INVESTING IN FAITH AND FUTURE
According to the Barna Research Group, 73% of U.S. parents express concern about their children’s spiritual development and faith formation.
Over the course of a child’s education—from kindergarten through high school—students spend more than 12,000 hours in the classroom. With so much of their time spent at school, the role of Christian education in nurturing each child’s mind, body, and spirit is more vital than ever.
At Calvin Christian School, we are deeply grateful for the many generous donors who make this mission possible. Their support enables us to sustain an excellent, Christ-centered education where faith and learning grow together.
As we look to the future, we recognize the rising costs of providing a quality, private Christian education. To help ensure that every family who desires a christian education can access it, our 2025 Annual Giving drive is focusing on tuition assistance through the endowment’s Legacy Fund. This fund provides essential tuition assistance to families who might not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of a Calvin education.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, approximately 25% of our families currently receive support through the Legacy Fund. Each gift—no matter the size— helps us continue welcoming students from across the Christian community into classrooms where they are shaped by God’s love in Christ and equipped for a life of wonder, worship, work, and wisdom. We invite you to pray about the most generous gift that you are able to give this year.
BUILDING A LASTING FUTURE
The purpose of Calvin Christian School’s Endowment Fund is to provide a strong financial base for the school. The endowment fund began in 1986 with a starting balance of $18,000. Now, 39 years later, the endowment fund has grown to over $2,600,000
The Endowment Fund accepts and manages gifts (in most cases, tax deductible) of property, securities, life insurance, bequests, memorials, cash and other forms of contributions for the benefit of Calvin Christian School.
The goals of the Calvin Christian School Endowment Fund are
• To provide need-based tuition assistance, through the Legacy Fund, to all families who sincerely desire a Christian education for their children.
• To help show the Christian community the wide variety of opportunities for stewardship other than cash gifts.
• To encourage using opportunities where Christian stewardship can be applied to furthering God’s kingdom.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund are held in trust in separate accounts with only a portion of the earned income from the principal investment used to aid the school. The undistributed earnings are reinvested into the fund, allowing it to grow. In other words, it’s a gift that keeps on giving every year.
Ways to give to Endowment:
• Gifts in a Will
• Non-Cash Assets
• Income for Life
• Stewards Fund
• Talk with a Planner
• Child Named Charity
To learn more about these opportunities to support Calvin, please contact the school office at advancement@calvinchristian. school or call 760-489-6430.
CALVIN’S LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr.Johnny Tiersma PRESIDENT
Mr. Doug Brouwer VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Mark Steenstra TREASURER
Mr. Mark MacVey SECRETARY
Mr. Levi Faber
Mrs. Alicia Ter Haar
Mr. Mark Veldkamp
Mrs. Audrey Brouwer
Mr. John Van Otterloo
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Dr. Jeff Pratt HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. David Illman UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Paul Lapka ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Sonja Downs
DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Mrs. Cheryl Kramer
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Mrs. Heather Souders
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIFE ADVANCEMENT/MARKETING/ ADMISSIONS
Dr. Kent Noyes
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
OFFICE TEAM
Mrs. Melissa Counts UPPER SCHOOL
Ms. Samantha Hoden UPPER SCHOOL
Mrs. Sandy Roth ELEMENTARY
*not pictured, Doug Brouwer
