Calvary Christian Academy

My name is Dr. Mike Thorburn, and I am the senior pastor of Bayside Community Church in San Jose.
I am not in any way affiliated with or employed by Calvary Christian Academy.
I believe that this is a great school with great leadership.
Jere Allen is the principal of Calvary Christian Academy. Jere and his family were instrumental in helping to launch Bayside Community Church in 2003. He also played a key role in several ministry positions at Bayside over the past 12 years. When we first met we both shared a common vision for helping families raise and educate godly children. Out of this vision HEART Academy was born, with Jere and his wife Crissi leading this parent-​led co-​op that grew to over 200 students.
In early 2014 it became apparent that HEART had outgrown the Bayside facilities. The end result was that our prayers were answered and Calvary Chapel opened their facilities to HEART Academy in January of 2015.
Jere has now taken on the additional role of principal at Calvary Christian Academy.
Jere has a wealth of experience in technology, ministry and education.
Jere is a good and godly man who’s love for God and families will allow him to be a great asset at Calvary.

I am a mother of four children and my two oldest are at CCA. We are finishing our first year at CCA with a daughter in 2^nd and a daughter in kindergarden. We could not be more happy with our school selection and when re-​enrollment time came, we were so excited to have no reservations about continuing at the school. While we believe in the importance of high academic standards, we believe that sending our children to school in a place that they will gain a deep understanding of Jesus Christ while being loved and nurtured is critical. CCA has proven that we can get both in one school. The teachers absolutely love our kids and I can give specific examples beyond them just being nice. The teachers also regularly stretch them academically. The management of conflict between students is admirable. When I raised a concern early in the year about my daughter’s feelings being hurt by another student, it was addressed immediately. The girls were able to resolve the issue and I was contacted by the teacher, the principal and another member of the administration to let me know how the issue was handled. Both my daughter, husband and I were very pleased.
Beyond these things, CCA is a fun place to go to school. My girls love it and enjoy going every day. I could not ask for a better place for my children to spend their day.

I am a SAHM of 5, and 4 of my kids are at CCA. We have been at the school since it began 4 years ago, after attending 2 other larger christian schools prior to coming to CCA. I can genuinely say that his school has been a tremendous blessing to my family in many ways and we have seen our kids thrive and grow SO much academically, socially, and spiritually. My kids love their school!
The strongest area that I also value the most is that it is a discipleship school. In every aspect of their learning throughout the day, they are getting discipled and encouraged to walk in the Lord in all they do. Priceless!
The academics are very strong and it’s evident from the results of the IOWA tests scores resulting in 95% & 94% nationwide the past 2 years! They work hard during the day that they have very little or often no homework, before they reach the older grades.
One of the strengths of the school would be the outstanding quality of the teachers. The school has shown a consistent effort to bring highly qualified teachers, which is not easy to find! The teachers have consistently shown an enormous amount of commitment to all that they do, joy and enthusiasm, a gift of teaching, and genuine love for their students and love for the Lord. Even though I was sad to hear 2 teachers that left during this year, in both situations the school let the parents know right away, and I was very encouraged to hear who was stepping in their places. These weren’t just random moms stepping in, they are truly gifted teachers that show a huge passion for these kids, the school, and love for the Lord. I am confident these kids will be greatly blessed by them and will have a fantastic remainder of the year with them. As of now, I have seen and heard this transition has gone well and the kids are doing very well.
Also, because I have seen a high quality of care and strict safety policies and playground rules enforced, I have always felt that my kids were safe while at school. In fact, my kids have complained that there are too many safety rules on the playground, which makes me happy to hear as a parent! Plus my 4 kids very seldom have gotten hurt while at school.
Anytime we’ve had any issues/​concerns (which have only been a very few minimal things) we talked to the teacher about it and the issues were heard, communication was cleared up and/​or adjustments were made to improve the class/​school. We have seen a lot of growth and improvement over the past 4 years and that’s starting with a great school to begin with! If there wasn’t a resolution, I know I could talk to the administration, because they have always been available, have shown openness to listen and address any concerns. I have seen and experienced the school truly valuing and loving the families.
I have appreciated seeing the administration go above and beyond to serve the families and follow the Lord’s way in their leading of the school. The principal has shown a strong and continuous dedication to the school even though this year she has not been on campus full time. For example, recently she called me while she was at home with her baby, to talk to me about an incident that happened at school that day. Someone else could have called me, but I really appreciated that she did. The vice principal has been a strong support and did a great job while she filled in for the principal when she had her baby.
The pastor and pastor’s wife that are also head of the school, have done an amazing job to consistently hold the vision and follow the Lord’s way as the school has gotten more and more established. They have shown a tremendous passion and love for the school, the families, and their love for the Lord and is evident. The pastor’s wife also teaches jr high classes and my son absolutely loves her as a teacher! She bring SO much joy and enthusiasm to the class that it is very contagious.
There is always such a warm, friendly, professional, and welcoming environment when I walk through the school or call. I honestly feel «at home» while visiting the school, and makes it hard to leave often times! There are many more stories and examples of why I am so thankful for and have been blessed by this school!

Calvary Christian Academyit’s been a breath of fresh air in this time and age that you have no idea what they’re teaching the children in school the CCA been beacon of light not only children get challenge academically but spiritually as well… they learn how to respect Authority first at school, home and outside.
I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to send my daughter to CCA because of a safe environment. I know all my daughters classmate, their parents, teachers and all the staff that works in the facility .
Every morning my daughter is so excited to go back to school and that speaks volume .My daughter loves her teacher, principal and all the staff in CCA and that is priceless .
I can keep on rambling but that would not do justice for the quality of education that’s been provided for my child .
all I got to say is thank you CCA for your hard work and for the love that you have for my daughter.

Calvary is THE BEST!
I am so thankful to have found CCA. My children love the school, have formed great friendships with their peers and have shown growth both academically and spiritually. It is obvious that the staff cares for the students and they treat them like actual children.
My children used to attend another Christian private school. That school was run like a business. CCA is run like a school… with the children’s well being as the priority. If you care about your children and their education, then you owe it to them to check out CCA.

My daughters have attended 3 different private schools throughout San Jose. Without a doubt, CCA is my favorite. Basically, it is what you would want for a school and exactly what you won’t find in public school… Individual attention and care for your children and their needs. A real relationship with the teachers and staff of the school so both parents and staff are invested in the student’s success and a high quality curriculum proven through very high testing scores. Love this school!