Teacher Bios

I love watching the students grow and mature in their faith and walking alongside them and their families on their education journey.
I graduated from CHS in 1992 and still remember the impact that many of the teachers had in my life. In fact, one of my teachers (Miss Wagner) was the reason I made a career in science.
I love art and have wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade! It brings me such joy to be able to do both of these things every day while also sharing my faith with my students. That "Aha!" moment when a student gains understanding and mastery of a new technique or skill is such a privilege to witness and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing students express themselves creatively and show pride in what they have learned and accomplished.
I love to be outdoors whenever I can and also love to watch movie at home as much as I like being outdoors. I speak fluent Korean so watching K-drama is also something I like to do. Also, I love all kinds of food!
Our school focuses on offering an education to our families with high academics and strong Biblical values. It is a school that supports the whole development of students, physical, emotional, and academic while maintaining the Bible at the center of its teaching.
My life calling is to train the next generation - as a teacher in a Christian school, I am able to fully explain God's Providence through historical events.
Christian Unified is a very special place. No place is perfect, but so many people that I work with sincerely care about the people and students around them and are doing their best to encourage and love others. Being a part of this community is a privilege I am so thankful for.
I felt I was called to work here. God definitely lined things up for me and made it very obvious this is where He wanted me to be. I wanted to work in a school where I could teach the WHOLE child--SPIRITUALLY, academically, emotionally, and physically, with a BIBLICAL worldview.
I love teaching in a Christian environment and incorporating Biblical truth with a challenging educational curriculum.
I choose to be an educator at CUSSD because I believe in honing a child in a holistic approach whose foundation is the word of God. It gives me pure joy knowing that I can use my God-given talents and skills in an institution where God is lifted high!
I love being able to work in a Christian school where I can help to impact the next generation of leaders in their relationship with God.
I choose to work at Christian Unified Schools because I believe in our "mission" of teaching students to think, learn and live from a Biblical worldview. I consider it a blessing to be part of training up the next generation for Jesus at Christian Unified! And, I love my spiritual family at CUSSD!
Christian Elementary and the community that comes with it are very much aligned with my own beliefs and values. I am happy and thankful to be able to teach God's love and His ways throughout each of the subjects that I teach, the books that I read to the students and the words that I speak.
I choose to work at Christian Unified to help encourage and train the next generation to live a life committed to glorifying God in all areas of life.
I work for Christian Unified because I believe in their mission to educate students academically and spiritually. It’s an amazing campus with an incredible administration and staff!

A NOTE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Parents and Students of Christian High School and Junior High School,

I am very pleased to announce that Mrs. Betsy Saffer has been named the new Principal of Christian High School and Junior High. Mrs. Saffer’s service and leadership at Christian Unified Schools of San Diego has been one marked by dedication, excellence and a clear commitment to Christ-centered education.

Mrs. Saffer has deep roots at Christian, beginning her teaching career in 2004 at what is now the CUSSD South Campus, teaching grades 2-6. Over the years she has taken on various roles across our district, transitioning to Christian Junior High and High School in 2019 to teach math when her daughter, Mia, became a high school student at CHS. Since then, she has served as Department Chair, organized our 1:1 Chromebook program, and most recently, served as Academic Dean. Mrs. Saffer says, “Teaching at Christian Elementary, Junior High, and High School has allowed me to see the full spectrum of Christian education at CUSSD and what it takes to help students prepare for the next level. I am excited and trust where the Lord continues to lead.”

Mrs. Saffer is passionate about fostering an environment that emphasizes the importance of Christ in all endeavors. Her life verse, Philippians 4:6-7, encapsulates her commitment to faith in both her personal and professional life: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Sue Lanz, former Principal and current CUSSD Academic Consultant, shares these words about Mrs. Saffer: “I’ve worked with Betsy since she came to Christian many years ago, and she has always stood out as an excellent Christian educator that loves our kids, loves the Lord, and is solution-oriented. This past year, as we’ve worked together in a leadership coaching capacity, I have seen her step up to meet challenges, lean into her gifts, and already have a significant positive impact on our school.”

As Mrs. Saffer steps into this leadership role, we are also pleased that our superb Vice Principal and Athletic Director, Mr. Jeff Briggs, will continue in his critical leadership role at Christian High School and Junior High. Mr. Briggs has been instrumental in shaping the campus culture, overseeing discipline, and guiding our athletic programs; all areas that are so vital to our to the rich heritage of our Christian school community. Mr. Briggs will partner with Mrs. Saffer, along with our dedicated staff and coaches, in fulfilling our school’s mission of “teaching students to think, learn, and live from a Biblical worldview.”

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Saffer enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and traveling. She also has a background in martial arts, with eight years of training in Jiu Jitsu and two years in Karate. Betsy and her husband, Neil, who met as students at Christian Heritage College, have been married for 22 years. They are proud parents to their daughter, Mia, a sophomore at Biola University studying Speech Therapy.

In light of our school district’s growth and increased enrollment, we are planning Lord willing, to backfill additional administrative support in the 2025-2026 school year. This plan includes hiring a Junior High Principal to lead our thriving students and staff at that level. At that time, Mrs. Saffer will assume the position of Principal of Christian High School, allowing us to better serve the unique needs of both the High School and Junior High while ensuring leadership continuity and excellence across all levels.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Saffer as Principal of Christian High School and Junior High. We have confidence that God has uniquely prepared her for this calling and will guide her with wisdom and grace in the days ahead. Also, please join me in praying for Betsy, Jeff and all of our teachers and staff as we continue the eternal work of Christian education.

For Christ & Christian Unified,

Bob Ruhlman
Superintendent

IN MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDER

It is with sadness that we share that the co-founder of our school district, Dr. Beverly LaHaye, passed away on Sunday, April 14. She was 94 years old.

Beverly was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ all the days of her life, and God used her in extraordinary ways to make a difference in the world around her. Along with her husband Dr. Tim LaHaye, she worked to establish Christian Unified Schools at a time when Christian education was in its infancy. She had a vision to meet the need for God-honoring curriculum and teachers who modeled Christlikeness to the students in their care, and she worked tirelessly to that end.

In addition to her influence on our school district, Beverly was also the author of many books, the founder of Concerned Women for America, and a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful and treasured member of Shadow Mountain Community Church, where she was honored recently during the GirlTime women’s event. As the audience stood to applaud, Beverly pointed upward, giving all of the glory to the God she served.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY MINIMUMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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research links & INformation

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