Coastline Christian Academy

A Brief History

             On June 19, 1999, several families met together in a park and discussed the need for an affordable Christian school for their children.  That night they decided to officially form a new school and call it Coastline Christian Academy.  The school verse they picked was Isaiah 40:31.

             Depending entirely on volunteer work by the interested parents, the school was formed.  John Baratiak was hired as the Administrator.   Mary Ann Solodon, Jill Callahan, Karen Januzik, and  Abby Burden were hired as full-time teachers.  Curriculum was ordered, accounting practices were developed, and the school opened for its first day on September 8, 1999, with 39 students.  Music and drama were taught by Sharlae Jenkins, and Dee Kern acted as the reading specialist and bookkeeper.  SAT tests taken during the spring showed very high test scores.

On March 14, 2000, the articles of incorporation as a non-profit corporation were received back from the state.  Near the end of May, a new full-time Administrator was hired for the next year, Mary Osgood.  On July 16, the Steering Committee/Board of Directors voted in official by-laws, and on November 1, 2000, application was made for federal and state tax exemptions.  These were granted the following February.

            The second school year began on September 5, 2000, with 53 students.  The same four full-time teachers taught in four classrooms, and Rhonda Harris was hired to supervise the playground and assist in the kindergarten classroom.

            The first annual incorporation meeting was held November 13^th, 2000.  Eleven parents were elected to be on the Board of Directors.  Mitch Jan became the Chairman, Greg Jenkins the Vice-Chairman, Joanne Gish the Secretary, and Monica Wells the Treasurer.  Other officers included Bill and Priscilla Lavorin, Jessica Sanchez, Stan Edwards, Rhonda Harris, Gordon Dalbey, and Sheryl Stratman.

            From the beginning, the school rented the facility at 5950 Cathedral Oaks Road.  To make the facility fit the needs of the school, improvements were made.  On May 18^th, 2001, ownership of the property was transferred from the Cathedral Oaks Christian Center to Coastline Christian Academy.  It was truly a gift from heaven.

            The third school year began on September 4, 2001, with 88 students.  Full-time teachers included Mary Ann Solodon (Kindergarten), Karen Januzik (1^st), Jill Callahan (2^nd), Kathi Walker (3^rd-4^th), Christy Stewart (4^th-5^th), and Carol McFarland (6^th-8^th).  Eliot Bertha was hired to teach P.E.  Rhonda Harris continued on as a kindergarten aide and playground supervisor, Dee Kern as the 1^st grade aide, and Mary Osgood as the Principal.

            The fourth school year began on September 3, 2002, with 101 students.  Teachers included Mary Ann Solodon (Kindergarten), Dee Kern (1^st), Jill Callahan (2^nd),  Linda Conklin (3^rd), Kathi Walker and Michelle Smith (4^th), Julie Tomlinson (5^th), and Carol McFarland and Amber (Breck) Smith (6^th-8^th).  Barbara Jensen was hired to be the kindergarten aide and playground supervisor.

            The fifth year opened on September 2, 2003, with 103 students.  Mrs. Solodon resigned shortly thereafter due to a family illness; Monica Hansen was hired to replace her as the kindergarten teacher.  In addition, several new part-time personnel were added:  Kitty Jones teaching with Mrs. Walker, Evie Prohaska as administrative assistant, Heather Conrad for music, and Amie Carlson for P.E.  Dee Kern continued in 1^st grade, Jill Callahan in 2^nd grade, Linda Conklin in 3^rd grade, Kathi Walker in 4^th grade, Julie Tomlinson in 5^th grade, Amber Smith in 6^th grade, and Carol McFarland in 7^th-8^th grades.

            The sixth year of operation opened on September 7, 2004, with 84 students.  To celebrate five years of operation, a Founders’ Day Barbecue and Silent Auction was held.  Kitty Jones moved to a full-time 2^nd grade position, Jill Callahan and Linda Conklin team-taught 3^rd, Heather McKinsey was hired on for 4^th grade, and Alicia Larson  was hired for 6^th grade.  Mrs. Hansen taught kindergarten and P.E., Mrs. Kern continued as the first-grade teacher, Mrs. Tomlinson continued in 5^th grade, and Mrs. Smith continued for 7^th-8^th. 

            The seventh year began on August 29^th, 2005, with 80 students.  Linda Conklin began teaching 3^rd grade full time, and new teachers included Rylee (Jorgensen) Spangler for Kindergarten/P.E. and Emily (Vrolyks) Linton for 5^th grade.  Mary Ann Solodon returned to teach Music and Worship.  Dee Kern continued in 1^st grade, Kitty Jones in 2^nd grade, Heather McKinsey in 4^th grade, Alicia Larson in 6^th grade, and Amber Smith in 7^th-8^th.

            The eighth year began on August 28^th, 2006, with 82 students.  Kathi Walker returned to teach 4^th grade and La Vonne Pappas was hired to teach 6^th grade.  Mrs. Larson moved to 7^th-8^th grades.  All other teachers remained the same.  A major focus of this school year was the accreditation process.  Accreditation was granted by both ACSI and WASC for a 6-year period, with a one-day review after three years.  This was a major blessing.  Praise God.

       The ninth year began August 27, 2007 with 92 students.  Joanie Brown was hired to replace Linda Conklin in third grade, and Gwen Ballinger was hired as an office assistant.  All other faculty and the administrator remained the same.