WHERE STUDENTS LEARN AND GROW FOR GOD'S GLORY

To think, learn, and live from a biblical worldview
Christian Unified Schools of San Diego is a learning community that is passionate and committed to providing excellent academic, artistic, athletic and co-curricular opportunities . . . all built on a foundation grounded on the truth and grace of Jesus Christ.

We look forward to getting to know you, and we encourage you to examine our programs and hear of our joy and excitement to serve your student with the blessings provided by God.

Is Christian education best for your student?

As a parent, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing where to send your children to school. You want a challenging curriculum in a safe and supportive environment that provides ample opportunities for your student to flourish. These formative years often set the course for the rest of their lives.

As you consider Christian Unified Schools, our prayer is that you not merely peek in the window, but that you give us the opportunity to show you the depth and breadth of all we have to offer your student.

We have been partnering with families to help students learn and grow for His glory since 1965, and it has never been more important than it is today in our current culture and political climate.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

CORE
VALUES

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

OUR TEACHERS

Teachers are at the heart of a student’s love of learning and personal development in the classroom. As dedicated Christian professionals, our teachers love their students and are called by God to teach, train, discipline and serve as top-notch educators and godly role models.
 
They instruct with academic excellence, build relationships, and seek to model Christ both in and outside of the classroom.  They prepare and equip young people with the virtues necessary to impact a changing world by choosing to live fully for God as:
 
  • Influential Christians
  • Investigative Learners
  • Perceptive Thinkers
  • Effective Communicators
  • Quality Producers
  • Responsible Citizens
School-Wide Learning Objectives

ACCREDITATION

We maintain high academic standards throughout the curricular program.  Students consistently score above state and national norms at every grade level. We are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
 

CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Our teachers are like the living curriculum who are dedicated to their field, love the Lord, and love their students.”

We work in partnership with you as parents to help your children grow at home, school and church…with the focus always on God. With our safe and loving environment, your student is able to focus on learning and having fun.

Elementary

Hear about Christian Elementary School

CHRISTIAN JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

Whether your student is academic, athletic, or artsy, Christian High has a welcoming environment to help everyone get involved. In addition to the standard and expected high school programs and extracurricular activities, Christian High has weekly chapel services featuring the highest-caliber Christian speakers for young people, as well as optional missions trips around the world.

This is way more than your “typical high school.”

Christian Jr/Sr High School

Hear from our High School Students

PRAISE FROM PARENTS & STUDENTS

Find more Alumni & Family Testimonies here.

Tim & Beverly LaHaye

HISTORY

The Christian Unified School District was founded in 1965 by Drs. Tim and Beverly LaHaye to provide an educational program for the people of San Diego County that equips and nurtures the whole child—mentally, socially, physically, spiritually and morally.

MISSION

Recognizing the preeminence of Christ, partnering with parents, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego teaches students to think, learn, and live from a Biblical worldview by integrating God and His Word as the primary source of knowledge and truth.

VISION

Led by Pastor David Jeremiah, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego desires that students acquire deep and personal knowledge of Christ and His Word, achieve the highest levels of Christian scholarship and learning, and accomplish the eternal purposes for which God created them.

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Christian Unified Schools
2100 Greenfield Drive
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-201-8800 

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Family Statement of Faith

  • The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.  The Bible itself, as the inspired, inerrant, plenary, and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.  For purposes of CUSSD’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, Shadow Mountain Community Church is CUSSD’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
  • We believe that there is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, and His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through the shedding of His blood, in His bodily resurrection on the third day, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and In His personal pre-millennial return to rapture His Church before the Tribulation and His glorious appearing to set up His Millennial Kingdom.   
  • We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith, apart from works by the merit of the shed blood of Christ, and that the born-again believer is eternally secure in Christ.
  • We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
  • We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • We believe in the individual priesthood of the believer.
  • We believe life begins at conception.
  • We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning; the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen. 2:18-25.)  We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a biological man and a biological woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4.)  We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
  • We believe that the Scripture dictates standards of sexual behavior. The unique roles of the male and female are clearly defined in Scripture. Any promiscuity, homosexuality, gender identity issues or other deviations from Biblical principles is a sin that is offensive to God (Matt. 5:18-19; I Cor. 6: 9-10, 19-20; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Thess. 4:3-8).

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Because we believe God’s Word is the primary source of truth and meaning, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego (CUSSD) seeks to operate based on Biblical principles. From God’s Word, perspective from the past, context for the present, and direction for the future is established.

Christian Unified Schools of San Diego believes that Jesus Christ is the Truth (John 14:6) and in Him as revealed in God’s Word, lives can be sanctified (John 17:17) and set apart to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:20). In accordance with the Articles of Faith and Practice (attached), CUSSD seeks to integrate faith with life and learning from a Biblical point of view by providing a coherent academic foundation within a consistent method of thinking, which includes the concepts that all people are:

  • Made in the image of God – physical and spiritual beings: creative, independent, thinking and capable of having a relationship with God and others
  • Fallen and sinful
  • Redeemable – saved by Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection 
  • Valuable – unique, having purpose and free will, able to pursue interests and love
  • Flesh and blood – who possess physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social strengths and weaknesses

Our goal is to train students in the arts and sciences and to nurture them in the faith of Christ, so that they are challenged to think well and live well, and do both for the glory of God and in service to others. The Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Expected School-wide Learning Objectives reflect this philosophy.

ADMINISTRATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The administration is responsible to uphold the philosophy and foundational statements, provide a carefully developed curriculum, professionally support and serve the teachers, and work to ensure a God-honoring school where like-minded parents can expect their student to receive a quality Christian, college preparatory, liberal arts education.

TEACHER PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The teachers are instruments of God in the redeeming and shaping process. As detailed in the Staff Code of Ethics, they model Christian behavior and strive to instill knowledge and the tools of learning in the student. The teachers are vital to the establishment of the spiritual and professional quality of the school. They are to be called by God to teach, train, discipline, and serve. They are to have a clear Christian testimony, be growing in their Christian faith, and be life-long learners. They are to model, integrate, and include a Biblical worldview and Great Commission perspective in lessons, activities, and assessments. They are to be professionally prepared and appropriately qualified.

They are charged to:

  • Support the school’s philosophy, foundational statements, and school-wide policies
  • Maintain professional conduct
  • Possess and utilize effective classroom management skills
  • Use developmentally appropriate, sufficiently challenging instructional strategies
  • Be well-prepared for class
  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Assess learning accurately
  • Reflect and improve continually
  • Demonstrate God’s character instructionally and relationally

CURRICULUM PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS

General Curricular Statement:

The curriculum is designed to produce rational, reasoning and responsible Christian citizens with a Biblical worldview as the foundations for thinking, doing, and being. With knowledge that God is the Giver of all Wisdom, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego seeks to:

  • Incorporate a Biblical worldview into each unit, grade, class, and program in a purposeful, intentional, and pro-active manner
  • Instill the Tools of Learning incrementally, by building on concepts one step at a time in ascending order
  • Articulate, integrate, and align the content into the various disciplines and within each level
  • Provide a balance of quality academic, arts, athletic, leadership, and service opportunities
  • Meet educational needs so that the students will:
    • Have firm convictions based on a foundation of Biblical truth, sound thinking, and practical purpose
    • Be prepared to further their education
    • Become skilled, life-long, self-directed learners o Have a body of knowledge and skills
    • Be able to develop facts into logical arguments to solve problems
    • Be able to convey their critical thinking ability clearly, eloquently, and persuasively
    • Live well in two kingdoms simultaneously
    • Contribute to and influence the culture in which they live as salt and light
    • Lead with integrity
    • Serve with love

The Curriculum is rigorously developed, thoroughly documented, well-executed, and Biblically integrated. It is structured to provide interrelated disciplines. It incorporates the general philosophy, school-wide learning results, measurable objectives, instructional strategies, adequate resources, and appropriate assessments throughout. It is driven by policies and procedures. It includes a Biblical worldview and a Great Commission perspective.

The Methodology uses researched, best practices to incorporate knowledge with application through differentiated instruction aligned to cognitive development. It provides a dynamic, rich, creative, learning environment. It incorporates high-yield instructional strategies, technology, and activities to promote wisdom and understanding, essential skills and content knowledge, and critical and higher level thinking ability.

The Goal is to provide for the educational needs of individual students while motivating them to attain to the best of their God-given ability within the framework of character development. It seeks to prepare students to live life from a Biblical worldview with strong moral and spiritual values. It hopes to see students who continue learning, leading, and serving with integrity and purpose. It desires that students glorify God by loving God and others with their whole hearts, minds, and souls.

PARENTAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The parents and the church are the institutions charged with the education of children. Therefore, the parents are ultimately responsible for the physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and social development of their child. The parents, by entrusting their students to the school, understand and support the philosophy, foundational statements, and school-wide policies. They strive to reinforce the school’s values as ascribed in the Parental Agreement. They participate in activities, and they provide for the success of their student.

STUDENT PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The students are uniquely created in the image of God and in need of discipleship to use their talents to full potential as they grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). Students are to be prepared, principled, and creative life-long learners and well-educated, purposeful, Godly leaders and servants. They are to submit to the authority structure set in place by God not only while students but also as adults. They are to abide by the school-wide standards as outlined in the Student Agreement and handbook and strive to attain the Expected School-Wide Learning Results by becoming:

Influential Christians who:

  • Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
  • Apply Biblical principles as the foundation for moral and spiritual living.
  • Develop and maintain an informed Biblical worldview that shapes their lifestyle choices.
  • Demonstrate God’s love through acts of service and sharing the gospel.

Investigative Learners who:

  • Master a body of knowledge, vocabulary, and skills.
  • Understand, analyze, and order relationships among facts.
  • Assess their needs and apply appropriate strategies to learn concepts and skills.
  • Actively use the tools of learning throughout their lifetime.

Perceptive Thinkers who:

  • Identify, analyze, discriminate, prioritize, and apply information.
  • Have the ability to solve problems by thinking independently and logically.
  • Make responsible and well-reasoned decisions.
  • Actively seek and apply absolute truths.

Effective Communicators who:

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately understand, interpret, and exchange information.
  • Communicate with eloquence, creativity, and persuasion in writing and in speech.
  • Develop and utilize artistic expression.
  • Proclaim and defend the gospel with wisdom, wit and respect.

Quality Producers who:

  • Demonstrate a growing knowledge of curriculum.
  • Develop their God-given talents and abilities.
  • Display standards of excellence in all pursuits.
  • Work well with others toward a common goal.

Responsible Citizens who:

  • Respect and submit to authority.
  • Actively protect and promote freedom and democracy.
  • Enjoy God’s creation and live as good stewards within it.
  • Recognize and contribute to meeting the needs of others.

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

We expect our students to be:

Influential Christians who:

  • Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
  • Apply Biblical principles as the foundation for moral and spiritual living.
  • Develop and maintain an informed Biblical worldview that shapes their lifestyle choices.
  • Demonstrate God’s love through acts of service and sharing the gospel.

Investigative Learners who:

  • Master a body of knowledge, vocabulary, and skills.
  • Understand, analyze, and order relationships among facts.
  • Assess their needs and apply appropriate strategies to learn concepts and skills.
  • Actively use the tools of learning throughout their lifetime.

Perceptive Thinkers who:

  • Identify, analyze, discriminate, prioritize, and apply information.
  • Have the ability to solve problems by thinking independently and logically.
  • Make responsible and well-reasoned decisions.
  • Actively seek and apply absolute truths.

Effective Communicators who:

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately understand, interpret, and exchange information.
  • Communicate with eloquence, creativity, and persuasion in writing and in speech.
  • Develop and utilize artistic expression.
  • Proclaim and defend the gospel with wisdom, wit and respect.

Quality Producers who:

  • Demonstrate a growing knowledge of curriculum.
  • Develop their God-given talents and abilities.
  • Display standards of excellence in all pursuits.
  • Work well with others toward a common goal.

Responsible Citizens who:

  • Respect and submit to authority.
  • Actively protect and promote freedom and democracy.
  • Enjoy God’s creation and live as good stewards within it.
  • Recognize and contribute to meeting the needs of others.    

CORE VALUES

TEACHING STUDENTS TO ATTAIN THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IN GOD. 

Christian Education from the Word of God, subject to God’s sovereign and providential purpose, brings students to their full stature in Christ. Genesis 1: 1, 26-28; Isaiah 54:13-17; Revelation 4:11

TEACHING STUDENTS SELF-GOVERNMENT UNDER GOD 

Christian Education internalizes and applies Biblical principles for the government of home, school, and nation thereby framing the proper response of students to God. Romans 3:23; John 3:16; John 16:13 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO COMMIT THEMSELVES FULLY TO GOD. 

Christian Education challenges students spiritually, morally, socially, physically, and academically, to consider how they govern themselves, their habits of work and scholarship, their insight and knowledge of God’s providence, and their character development in light of each student’s commitment of faith in Christ. Mark 12:30, 33 

TEACHING STUDENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS, FACULTY, AND THE LOCAL CHURCH. 

Christian Education in a cooperative effort between parents, faculty, and the local church develop the spiritual, environmental and intellectual culture necessary to sound learning. Parents authorize both school and church to inspire, cultivate, consecrate, and instruct their children. By necessity, every teacher who teaches from a Biblical philosophy of schooling must exemplify the excellent teaching gifts and qualities of character and scholarship worthy of a wholehearted commitment to Christ. All teachers must represent the spirit and discipline of their calling and embody the very goals they teach their students. Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Galatians 6:6; James 3:1. 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO THINK, LEARN, AND LIVE AS EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE. 

Christian Education enlightens the understanding, corrects the temperament, forms the habits and manners, and prepares students for useful service. From a Christian worldview of presuppositions consistent with absolute Biblical truth, students learn to discern right action and thinking from which they then exercise a proper role in their families, the Body of Christ, and as citizens of the United States of America. Romans 12:1-2; I Timothy 4:15.

School Governance

Christian Unified Schools of San Diego (CUSSD) is an outreach of and sponsored by Shadow Mountain Community Church (SMCC). The thirteen-member governing board of directors is composed of SMCC members who have been elected by its membership at the annual meeting. The school is a separate 501(c) 3 organization, which is supported and protected by the overarching policies of SMCC.

STAFF LOGINS

Web Links

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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY MINIMUMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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research links & INformation

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Grolier Online (includes Encyclopedia Americana)
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EBSCO Host Research Databases – Full-text Periodical and Reference Articles Online
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SIRS Knowledge Source – Periodical articles online
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