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Our Teaching Faculty

Meet Our High School Leadership Team

Teacher Bios

Dennis Tucker

I work for Christian Unified because of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the next generation! I love the opportunity to teach, mentor, and lead our students, and to keep their focus on God's holy Word. The opportunity to work in a Christian environment where we can instill and embrace biblical world view daily is a dream come true.

Christine Vail

I love math! Not only do I get to do math problems all day long, but I have the privilege of watching my students when they actually gain understanding of mathematical concept.

Andy Valdez

I have a desire for students to grow both academically and spiritually. Not only do I want them to learn about history and think critically about it, but I also pray that my students grow in their knowledge of who they are and what they have in Christ.

Kelly Valdez

I love teaching Spanish and I love Jesus so Christian High is a great place for me to teach Spanish and share the love of God. Plus, I have always had a heart for adolescents and have been involved in Jr High/High School ministry for many years. I also love the community that comes out of working alongside other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sue Webster

I love children and my heart was to teach them in a Christian environment. Christian Unified was a place where I saw the love of the Lord in the lives of the administrators, faculty, and families. I wanted to be a part of this special school to teach children to love Jesus and to look forward to coming to school each day - knowing that they would hear God's Word and learn with other children whose families desired them to grow in this atmosphere of Biblical truth.

Tina Wells

As an alumna of Christian Unified, I know the value of Christian education. I appreciate the opportunity to openly weave faith into learning, and teach children about Jesus.

Lindsay Wilkins

I believe in the life-changing, foundation-forming power of Christian education and LOVE that I get to be a light and an encouragement to our students.

Robert Williams

Alli Williard

Paul Woolf

I teach because God has placed this calling upon my life, but I love teaching and investing in students for the Kingdom of God. I am humbled to be a part of discipling young hearts, and am excited to see inward change through the power of Jesus.

Lindsey Ziegler

I love everything that Christian Unified stands for and feel truly fortunate for the opportunity He has given me to work for such an amazing school! It allows me to provide students with the foundation for a love of learning and, most importantly, a love of God.

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Christian Unified Schools

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Find out who we are and what sets us apart. Be sure to schedule a visit to one of our beautiful campuses in El Cajon and Chula Vista. We’d love to tell you more!

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  • 2100 Greenfield Drive
    El Cajon, CA 92019
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Christian Unified Schools of San Diego is a private Christian school (TK-12th grade) located in El Cajon and Chula Vista, California.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Christian Unified Schools of San Diego admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

christian jr/sr high school

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Betsy Saffer, Principal
Jeff Briggs, Vice Principal & Director of Athletics
Bob Ruhlman, Superintendent

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

GradeTOEFL JrTOEFLiTEPDuolingo
6700NA3NA
7750NA3NA
8800503.380-85
985050-603.385-90
10NA60-703.590-95
11NA70+3.895+

research links & INformation

Web Research Links:

Grolier Online (includes Encyclopedia Americana)
User ID: christianhs
Password: patriot

EBSCO Host Research Databases – Full-text Periodical and Reference Articles Online
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Password: patriot2019!

SIRS Knowledge Source – Periodical articles online
User ID: CA3906
Password: PATRIOT

San Diego County Library Website
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