https://www.syvca.org/upcoming-events daily 0.75 2026-05-28 https://www.syvca.org/upcoming-events/2026/5/28/syvca-2026-auction monthly 0.5 2026-05-28 https://www.syvca.org/purpose-mission daily 0.75 2019-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488827455567-9HU2XWK5OWCV753M7YP5/SYVCA_2013_photos-29.jpg Purpose & Mission https://www.syvca.org/principal daily 0.75 2026-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489531545797-E0KIBSKBFJM9XY1BOBK1/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+11+01+AM+%281%29.jpg Principal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/05a8af29-f5e1-4f99-8178-df0689c085e1/Simple+Professional+LinkedIn+Profile+Picture.png Principal https://www.syvca.org/board-of-directors daily 0.75 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489363476987-K71WN2IYLOVU0VOQWZU6/IMG_2788_retouched_crop.jpg Board of Directors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/3f45f636-bc96-45ae-81d9-767371eb82db/Kiser.jpeg Board of Directors - Make it stand out SAM KISER Chairman (on the Board since 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/ddab14de-b3c2-435c-afac-45b7b5513622/Joel+Jacks+1_2026.jpg Board of Directors - Make it stand out JOEL JACKS Vice Chairman (on the Board since 2025) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/f3b7fffa-2b9b-4774-9404-f39f69c0ac41/Fiore.jpeg Board of Directors CURT FIORE (on the Board since 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1597683968021-WOEB3FPW0SLB6HBT7DC7/Malloy%2C+Bill+and+Pam.jpg Board of Directors BILL MALLOY (on the Board since 2020) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/6d7c4036-a402-4e1f-bbcc-4af7479fb2d6/Org+Chart+Photo.jpg Board of Directors - Make it stand out TRENT STADHEIM Secretary (on the Board since 2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/4993ea01-e8b7-435f-bc39-0a1d13ae60b0/KAP_November+29+2024_ChristmasFamilyPictures09.JPEG Board of Directors - Make it stand out JOHN HILL Treasurer (on the Board since 2025) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/eeba2fee-a780-4242-a460-a5215dfaf891/Andy+Trabucco.jpg Board of Directors - Make it stand out ANDY TRABUCCO (on the Board since 2026) https://www.syvca.org/contact daily 0.75 2019-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489532433058-1H9GD1LQPU0B7K7Z2CYN/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+10+19+AM.jpg Contact https://www.syvca.org/teachers-staff daily 0.75 2026-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489360538047-RO6SI8H7AD89H9VBX5UD/IMG_0982.JPG Teachers & Staff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/e520975e-ad78-4660-893a-1529a0d7ee18/Kerry+Morgantini+TK+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Mrs. Kerry Morgantini Transitional Kindergarten Kerry Morgantini serves as SYVCA’s Transitional Kindergarten teacher and brings a background in early childhood education to the classroom. She studied Liberal Studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Early Childhood Education and Administrative Studies at Saddleback College. Her previous experience includes working as an aide for a special needs consortium and serving as both a teacher and assistant director at a Presbyterian preschool. Kerry loves the students, families, and staff at SYVCA and describes the school community as “one big wonderful family.” She also serves as a garden mentor and art room monitor. Most of all, she loves the energy of TK, where every day brings a fun new adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/be70fbb6-7a61-450c-a7f7-1735fd852459/Valerie+Madill+Kindergarten+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Mrs. Valerie Madill Kindergarten Valerie Madill is entering her twelfth year as the Kindergarten teacher at SYVCA. Her previous teaching experience includes preschool, kindergarten, and first grade in both private and public school settings. Valerie attended Mount San Antonio College and the University of La Verne, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development/Child Life and completed her California teaching credential. What she loves most about SYVCA is the freedom to teach children about Jesus and the powerful Word of God throughout the school day, while also watching young learners grow excited and confident in their education. Outside of the classroom, Valerie enjoys traveling with her family, taking walks around the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, and running her eBay sales business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/8be3a429-b0d2-4416-b541-41dd1511c4d2/Robyn+Caplan+1st+Grade+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Fifth Grade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488826463255-D75GU4A0IWZ594IOILWZ/Eagle+Logo+SYVCA.png Teachers & Staff Mrs. Amy Tagles Second Grade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/7a7bc31e-419d-4d2f-9dce-8e8a9afdaa51/Donna+Davidson+3rd+Grade+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Donna joyfully serves as SYVCA’s Third Grade teacher and is grateful for the opportunity to teach children in a Christ-centered environment. She loves weaving God’s Word and the wonder of His creation throughout the school day while reminding each student how uniquely and intentionally they were created. Donna earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She went on to perform and choreograph in theater and dance productions on the East Coast, across the country, and internationally before beginning a teaching career that has spanned more than 30 years in Los Angeles and Santa Ynez. Her experience includes public school and private homeschool instruction across elementary and secondary grade levels and subjects. Outside the classroom, Donna enjoys long walks and hikes, dancing, worship, reading at the beach, traveling, Women’s Ministry, and Bible study. Above all, she treasures time with God, her children, and her extended family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/258e3014-96d9-4087-9e56-9ea4b2586652/Briget+Morrell+4th+Grade+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Bridget teaches fourth grade here at the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. She also holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. As part of the SYVCA teaching team, Bridget is committed to creating a supportive classroom environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488818317933-6OEGGFXXDTEBYK9W0BJ5/Eagle+Logo+SYVCA.png Teachers & Staff Mrs. Shelly Leeson First Grade AS in Early Childhood Education, Orange Coast College BA in Elementary Education, Concordia University California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Language Learner Authorization, Azusa Pacific University Child Development Master Teacher Permit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488826463255-D75GU4A0IWZ594IOILWZ/Eagle+Logo+SYVCA.png Teachers & Staff Mrs. Andrea Ullman Middle School Math and Science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/39e7eee6-25e5-4656-9cbd-c4003c392b07/Brian+Sothcott+6th+Grade+ans+Math+and+Science+.jpg Teachers & Staff Mr. Brian Sothcott Middle History and Bible BA in History, University of California Santa Barbara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/f37b6015-18e1-4e55-971d-27b465c53f79/Cassie+FitzGerarld+7th+Grade+Homeroom+and+Laungage+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Mrs. Cassie Fitzgerald Middle School Literature and Language https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/a38801da-3406-48e4-80e7-3f7d2a968116/Kristine+Gerend+School+Secretary.jpg Teachers & Staff Kristine Gerend is a longtime resident of the Santa Ynez Valley. Born and raised in Solvang, she is a proud Pirate alumna whose journey at SYVCA first began as a parent. When her children came to the school, Kristine quickly found herself volunteering on campus and discovered how much she loved being part of the daily life of the school. After an opening became available in the school office, Kristine joined the staff and is now beginning her fifth year as School Secretary. She considers her position much more than a job and especially enjoys being a familiar, welcoming face in the office, supporting teachers and families, and helping create a place where students feel known, loved, and encouraged. Her heart for Christian education and love for the Santa Ynez Valley make serving at SYVCA especially meaningful. Outside of school, Kristine enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being involved in her community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/9f45e8f1-fb9f-48d0-a4e9-c7bb75d06871/Katy+Duarte+Business+Manager.jpg Teachers & Staff Katy Duarte serves as the Business Manager at SYVCA. The school holds a special place in her heart, as all three of her children have attended SYVCA, giving her a meaningful connection to the community she now serves professionally. Katy loves being part of a school where relationships, family, and faith are central to the experience. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, hosting family barbecues, camping, road trips, and spending time at the beach or lake. Most of all, you can often find her in a bleacher chair cheering on her children at their sporting events. She is grateful to be part of the SYVCA community and to support the school and its families through her role as Business Manager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/a1e122a9-06f9-4947-9557-3dda243fc7c0/Keela+Gregg+Librarian+and+Yearbook+Editor.jpg Teachers & Staff Keela Gregg serves as SYVCA’s Librarian and Yearbook Advisor and is entering her sixth year at the Christian Academy. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Keela brings a love of creativity, connection, and school spirit to her role on campus. She has a passion for photography and especially enjoys the opportunity to capture the people and moments that make the SYVCA community so special through the yearbook. Outside of school, Keela enjoys playing softball, reading, and watching just about any kind of sport. She attends Coastlands Church and loves Jesus, and she is grateful to be part of a school community where faith is at the heart of each day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/34bbf3df-e105-43f1-84ff-37e6a511f66b/Jeff+DeForest+Teachers+Aide+and+Lunch+Supervisor.jpg Teachers & Staff Mr. Jeff DeForest Director of School Safety and Facilities Known to students as “Mr. Jeff,” Jeff DeForest serves as SYVCA’s Director of School Safety and Facilities. Before joining the school staff, Jeff spent more than two decades in law enforcement, retiring as a Police Sergeant in 2021. His career included assignments in patrol, gang enforcement, narcotics, and strategic operations, where he oversaw areas including hiring, state-mandated training, facilities, and special events. Jeff’s connection to SYVCA began more than a decade ago as a parent. During COVID, he volunteered at the school’s front gate and enjoyed seeing the students each morning so much that he eventually joined the staff as a part-time Teacher’s Aide and Playground Supervisor. His role continued to grow, ultimately leading to his current position overseeing school safety and facilities. After the school day, “Mr. Jeff” becomes “Coach Jeff,” coaching JV Football and Varsity Baseball at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/37357e16-9ed2-4b46-a4bf-54a668fee7c7/Kristy+Gotschall+TK+Teacher%27s+Aide+and+Elementary+PE+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Mrs. Kristy Gotschall T.K. Teacher’s Aide, Elementary P.E. and Lunch Supervisor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488826463255-D75GU4A0IWZ594IOILWZ/Eagle+Logo+SYVCA.png Teachers & Staff 2nd grade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/8c2e01c5-3441-4353-84cb-9656bcf4af2b/Brynn+Yeates+Teacher%27s+Aide+and+Lunch+Supervisor.jpg Teachers & Staff Mrs. Brynn Yeates First Grade Teacher’s Aide and Lunch Supervisor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/b3354b21-2b29-446f-9efd-c79665201580/Lynnda+Palmer+Reading+Resource+Teacher.jpg Teachers & Staff Lynnda serves as SYVCA’s Reading Specialist and brings extensive experience in literacy, instructional leadership, and school administration. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Science in Instructional Leadership, along with professional clear credentials in multiple-subject teaching, administration, reading specialization, and gifted and talented education. She is also a California State University-certified Reading Recovery teacher. Her professional experience includes serving as a classroom teacher, Reading Resource teacher, literacy professional developer, vice principal, principal, and charter school executive director. She has participated in the UCSB Writing Fellows Program and Columbia University’s Reading & Writing Project and is a member of the Literacy Council of North America and the International Literacy Association. A lifelong learner, Lynnda believes deeply in a strengths-based approach to instruction that honors each child’s unique learning behaviors. She considers it a joy and privilege to help students experience learning, reading, and writing as gifts from God and to witness His hand in each child’s growth. https://www.syvca.org/enrollment daily 0.75 2026-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489361702745-53BERRFDT8YY0RBCWICC/IMG_2805_crop.jpg Enrollment https://www.syvca.org/financialaid-options daily 0.75 2025-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489361769810-1CMUVHIS06I0EWW404L8/IMG_2805_crop.jpg Financial Aid Options https://www.syvca.org/prospective-students daily 0.75 2026-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489361680317-J33049KEPP0ISU4FZFAX/IMG_2805_crop.jpg Prospective Students https://www.syvca.org/elementary-academics daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489361861551-PVAD0QVBQEFTZMX87OIZ/IMG_0243.JPG Elementary Academics https://www.syvca.org/middle-school-academics daily 0.75 2017-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489362119493-3A9XDGQV86NCD02NGHQG/IMG_0222.JPG Middle School Academics https://www.syvca.org/special-academic-programs daily 0.75 2026-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489362182478-Y7V34SXVBIJEBHJ6L83G/IMG_0223.JPG Other Academic Programs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1505749599496-ZODU7S9B2W7A7T8Y48EB/CJSF_Seal-Black-150x150.png Other Academic Programs https://www.syvca.org/athletics daily 0.75 2019-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488828257776-JVHSG22YK7NQ1GNS4EW5/SYVCA_2013_photos-81.jpg Athletics https://www.syvca.org/awards daily 0.75 2026-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489362486207-FOGS68G9UJ8IT7TIEG20/IMG_0387.JPG Awards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1552071509914-BFRYMEEOR39Y4TIVD12A/CJSF_Seal-Black-150x150.png Awards https://www.syvca.org/policy-against-harassment-and-bullying daily 0.75 2017-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489362554365-BCAA1UY5XSF9PA43WOHZ/IMG_2800.jpg Policy Against Harassment and Bullying https://www.syvca.org/video-gallery daily 0.75 2021-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489532342946-Q0C5KNACB59IPD5KHZPR/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+03+15+AM.jpg Video Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/8d0fb998-1fe7-4aa4-b9b7-c2b65aebeccb/Thank+you+2021.jpg Video Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.syvca.org/home-alt daily 0.75 2014-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500612440-PGQSIY8KL9F7T5VIXQLO/chambers-2.jpg Home Alt A better world Starts with a choice Contact Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500503574-5BAPXZO9U06UV61P49UO/chambers1.jpg Home Alt Sustainability Starts with you Join Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390500933384-LII4SRIPHFYOUFX0UCXC/chambers-4.jpg Home Alt A better world Starts with a choice Join Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390504287124-HQ8GNX1JCE22V047MSQ9/chambers-8.jpg Home Alt Preserve Nature Join Us https://www.syvca.org/home daily 1.0 2026-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488760377090-NC3XHRGC6QVWALO850F6/_MG_0043syvca_2013.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489446198268-SPUQ13URFNZYCO38QWDM/SYVCA+SPORTS+HEADER+LOGO+2016.png Home Established in 1981 Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy provides K-8 students with a quality academic education set forth in the framework of Christian instruction and example. This includes rigorous academic instruction, challenging athletic and recreational activities, competence in computer technology, and creative expression in the fine arts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/e78199a2-3fe7-4b17-9ba7-8b05324cef19/Rick+Petrini+headshot.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/28284f5e-869c-45ce-936b-b3e21fa92645/SYVCA+Auction+2025.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489364520797-SBFOALDTNMGQBZ92WDPR/SYVCA_2013_photos-23.jpg Home https://www.syvca.org/message-from-the-principal daily 0.75 2026-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489361680317-J33049KEPP0ISU4FZFAX/IMG_2805_crop.jpg Message From the Principal https://www.syvca.org/homenew1 daily 0.75 2017-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489446198268-SPUQ13URFNZYCO38QWDM/SYVCA+SPORTS+HEADER+LOGO+2016.png Home-NEW1 Established in 1981 Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy provides K-8 students with a quality academic education set forth in the framework of Christian instruction and example. This includes rigorous academic instruction, challenging athletic and recreational activities, competence in computer technology, and creative expression in the fine arts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488829223046-XB3EP3GL4SZCAUO2XCEG/tumblr_mn8b8sLRb61rkz363o1_1280.jpg Home-NEW1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1488924159300-Z42MT83XA2Y0CFFPCMYO/image-asset.jpeg Home-NEW1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489364520797-SBFOALDTNMGQBZ92WDPR/SYVCA_2013_photos-23.jpg Home-NEW1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489366236628-HIBN7W2RPV106WWPRXZU/SYVCA_2013_photos-89.jpg Home-NEW1 https://www.syvca.org/hot-lunch-program daily 0.75 2025-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489619538403-RVI8TIHZM71I61NQOIC3/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+01+24+AM.jpg Hot Lunch Program https://www.syvca.org/salt-program daily 0.75 2023-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489683791582-925960W6P6NZ1U727174/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+03+05+AM.jpg S.A.L.T. Program https://www.syvca.org/uniforms daily 0.75 2021-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489619169518-VQ7MLABMD1VB287MNOPH/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+08+23+AM.jpg Uniforms https://www.syvca.org/employment daily 0.75 2026-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1490718027720-3C51SXO3CYUNFDWPN7ZS/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+28+07+AM.jpg Employment https://www.syvca.org/kindness-counts-program daily 0.75 2017-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1490989945014-ZU5VRMOX2RD2FDRO36CA/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+20+06+AM.jpg Kindness Counts Program https://www.syvca.org/transitional-kindergarten daily 0.75 2021-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1554167326335-BCAPKX3WZCO284OH6D0W/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+30+40+AM.jpg Transitional Kindergarten https://www.syvca.org/school-calendar daily 0.75 2026-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1489619169518-VQ7MLABMD1VB287MNOPH/Photo+Mar+14%2C+11+08+23+AM.jpg School Calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d9c6f68419c2f13899535f/1598898992748-AAPIKQUATJ4YTQOL5I7G/2019-2020+SYVCA+YEARBOOK School Calendar https://www.syvca.org/read-me-bedford daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390928870858-4D9B6T9WGP8017NSS9W3/topography.jpg Read Me https://www.syvca.org/take-action-bedford daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390597413198-XUEB2J3138YBEXDCIMC0/tumblr_migjb4LxOB1rkz363o2_1280.jpg Take Action