Our Mission is to provide a biblically centered education by collaborating with families to equip students to be followers of Jesus Christ in their homes, church, and community.
Dear Interested Family,
If you are a family with children from Preschool through Eighth grade, I would like to invite you to our campus to meet with me and our wonderful teachers! I would be delighted take you on a personal tour of our classrooms and campus while your child "shadows" a class for a morning or afternoon. This is the best way a child can meet students they may already know and develop a comfort level about attending our school.
We are a Christian school dedicated to providing a biblically centered education in collaboration with Christian families to equip students to become followers of Jesus Christ, serving God in their homes, church and community.
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
This verse has challenged me to think of my role as an educator. Why teach what we teach? What is the goal of education? Education to gain information, secure a good paying job and live comfortably as an adult was not a worthy end for me. These simple goals are void of meaning, UNLESS it is with the goal of knowing God and His purpose for our big picture of our lives: to give Him glory.
I am blessed to be part of this community that teaches the whole child and emphasizes the spiritual development of Christian character with a foundation of faith in God in all we do. We endeavor to partner with parents to provide a biblically centered education to equip students to be followers of Jesus Christ, serving God in their homes, church and the community.
There are four areas in which we consider ourselves distinctive in our purpose. FAITH, FAMILY. EXCELLENCE. SERVANT LEADERSHIP. We look forward to showing you how these distinctives impact our daily schedule and teaching.
Ilyn Kagawan
Principal + Preschool Educator
GREETINGS FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Established in 1972, and located in Concord, California, Ygnacio Valley Christian School is dedicated to providing a biblically centered education in collaboration with Christian families to equip students to become followers of Jesus Christ, serving God in their homes, church and community. Our programs are designed to provide students with the mastery of the fundamental concepts necessary for achievement in each academic subject area.
1972
year YVCS Began
FAITH
Our school is independent of a specific church community and is non-denominational in our Biblical education and practice. We believe in Jesus as the world’s only redeemer and the Bible as God’s inerrant word. We believe that Godly character is an outflowing of the redeemed heart and not the basis of salvation. Instruction from God’s Word and dependence of the Holy Spirit is the foundation of everything we do.
FAMILY
The Bible establishes the family as God’s primary educators of children. We provide an environment that will serve Christian families by collaborating with parents to educate and disciple their children.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Each student is encouraged to discover God’s design and purpose for his or her life and learn to lead by serving others, therefore, influencing the world for His glory.
EXCELLENCE
The measure of Excellence is individual. We expect students to do their best within their capabilities and striving toward personal excellence regardless of their peers. Our staff pursues excellence in all we do.
EDUCATORS
Preschool - Mrs. Dina Sanchez
Kindergarten - Mrs. Kristy Nass
1st - Ms. Kate O'Keefe
2nd - Mrs. Inga Gonzenbach
3rd - Mrs. Maria Lee
4th and 5th Grade - Dr. Carmelita Nichols
6th Grade - Mr. Kyle Popish
Middle School - Mrs. Marjorie Kerr
Music - Mrs. Ruth Wright
Spanish - Mrs. Dina Sanchez
see bio's below
ADMINISTRATION
Principal - Ilyn Kagawan Principal
Office Administrator - Arisai Navarrete
Bookkeeper - Charlotte Miller
Media Coordinator - Danica Dennis
BOARD MEMBERS
Alysse Tanovitz - Chairwoman
Ben Lou - Vice Chairman
Carly Kimmel - Secretary
Virginia Siegel - Treasurer
Adolfo Sanchez
Annalisa Lung
Cesley Frost
Mike Moore
Tom Grayson (Honorary)
FAITHFUL VOLUNTEERS
Paula Frost, Classroom Assistant
Harold Frost, Grounds Keeper
Mrs. Kristy Nass
Kindergarten
I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and taught upper elementary grades in Minnesota for four years. When we moved to California, I enrolled at Hayward State to complete a 5th year, emphasizing reading instruction and clearing a California teaching credential. For 19 years I applied this knowledge in home schooling my 5 children from K through 8th grade, and now for the past 20 years I have been teaching Kindergarten at YVCS.
Our Teaching Staff
1st Grade
It seems I’ve never left school and that’s OK with me!
I earned my B.A. in Liberal Studies from CSU East Bay with a Minor in Environmental Studies in 2012. Since then, I’ve gained much experience with children as a school aide, substitute, and third grade teacher. Every step was led by God. Ygnacio Valley Christian School offered me a great opportunity to work for them and I jumped at the chance in 2015.
Ms. Kate O'Keefe
3rd Grade
Bio Coming soon
Mrs. Maria Lee
4th and 5th Grade
bio coming soon
Dr. Carmelita Nichols
6th Grade Core Teacher
Bio coming soon
Mr. Kyle Popish
Middle School Core Teacher
More than fifteen years ago, as a recent Cal. State East Bay
graduate, I interviewed for a job at YVCS. When the Lord led me to teach in that first middle school classroom I had no idea what I was in for. I have experienced profound satisfaction in helping my students navigate the curriculum, develop confidence, and most importantly, nurture a personal relationship with the Lord which allows them to really understand WHOSE they are.
Mrs. Marjorie Kerr
Preschool + Immersion Spanish - Bio coming soon
Mrs. Dina Sanchez
Principal
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Family Life & Child Development from the University of the Philippines and went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California. I served as the Education and Music Director for Faith Bible Church in San Francisco for 15 years, working with volunteers, training teachers and choirs. I worked as the Children’s Ministry Director for Fair Oaks Church in Concord for 3 years. I first taught in Ygnacio Valley Christian School as the Choir teacher for 12 years before becoming 2nd grade teacher, Preschool Director, and now, Principal of the school. I am married and homeschooled our 4 children through Jr. High. I enjoy walks by the beach, black coffee with French pastries, cooking for my family, and having tea with friends.
Mrs. Ilyn Kagawan
2nd Grade
I am a pastor’s wife of 21 years, and a mother of 4. I earned my B.S. in Human Development from UC Davis, have worked with children since my early teens, taught preschool and kindergarten for several years in my early twenties, and home-schooled my own children for ten years using Classical philosophy and methods of education, and have taught every grade level from kindergarten through graduation. For the last 9 years I have also served my small but growing church as the Children’s Director. Since the 2018-19 school year, I have had the joy of teaching 4th Grade at YVCS!
Mrs. Inga Gonzenbach
Music Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Mrs Ruth Wright
Our Curriculum partners: chosen for their seamless integration of a Biblical worldview
