Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Venture Christian Academy Build a Strong Foundation for Your Child’s Future ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://ventureca.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Home](https://ventureca.org/) - Formerly Los Gatos Christian School (LGCS), Venture Christian Academy allows your child to thrive in every way. Serving Preschool thru 8th Grade since 1977. - [Parents](https://ventureca.org/parents/) - Parents Parent & Student Resources School Uniforms & VCA Spirit Store Follow the link and use the code: LOSG01View Shopping Guide Uniform RequirementsVCA Spirit Store School Supply Lists View school supply lists by grade. FACTS Family Portal Re-Enroll NOTE: The FACTS Family Portal may have a separate login from FACTS Payment Plans/Financial. Contact the school - [Employment Opportunities](https://ventureca.org/employment-opportunities/) - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WORK WITH US Help us Educate Future Leaders Do you have a heart for God and educating our youth?Our mission at VCA is to develop confident leaders to serve, love, and impact the world in Christ.Join our team! Now Accepting Applications for the 26/27 school year:Preschool Substitute Teacher | Job Description | Apply HerePreschool/Pre-Kindergarten - [Early Education](https://ventureca.org/early-education/) - Early Education EARLY EDUCATION Inspiring the Love of Learning Pre-School provides the perfect opportunity for students to develop a life-long love of learning. Our program cultivates both academic and developmental skills. Hands-on activities and select curriculum reinforce concepts and allow students to enjoy learning and experience success.Start your child on the right path early, with - [Elementary Education](https://ventureca.org/elementary-education/) - ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY Building A Solid Foundation Your child will flourish academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually given the well-rounded experience at VCA. Our emphasis is on building godly character and developing the student’s healthy self-image, understanding that God has created each student uniquely and that He has a divine plan for each life. Schedule a Visit - [Tuition](https://ventureca.org/tuition/) - Tuition 2026-27 TUITION PRE-SCHOOL & PRE-K Early Education Early Ed5 Half Days $12,7005 Full Days $17,800 Pre-K5 Half Days $11,7705 Full Days $16,580 K-5 Elementary $17,950 6-8 Middle School $19,975 5% multi-student discount for the 2nd child and beyond. Fees & More New StudentsApplication Fee - [Financial Aid](https://ventureca.org/financial-aid-plan/) - Financial Aid Financial Aid Purpose We understand that private education comes at a sacrifice. Our goal is to provide families in need the opportunity to attend Venture Christian Academy. Financial Aid is provided to those families who desire to attend VCA and can demonstrate a financial need. Financial Aid Application Process The Financial Aid process - [Middle School](https://ventureca.org/middle-school/) - MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL Equipping Students to Lead, Serve, and Impact the World Many students struggle to find their identity during their middle school years. But by integrating God’s timeless truths and love into our classroom and our culture, VCA provides a strong foundation for students to find their identity in Christ.Our vision is to - [Summer Program](https://ventureca.org/summer/) - VENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM Sign up for Venture Christian Academy’s Summer Program today! Register Here Program Dates and Theme ScheduleWeek 1: June 1-5 Week 2: June 8-12Week 3: June 15-19 - [Open House](https://ventureca.org/openhouse/) - VENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE Cultivating Faith and Intellect Next Open House – January 21, 2026, from 9 AM -11 AMRegister below for our Open House Register for Open House VENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY What Parents Say “My daughter took to this school so quickly. She was warmly welcomed into the class and quickly felt at home. Parents - [Admissions](https://ventureca.org/apply/) - AdmissionS Open House Join us for Open House on Wednesday, January 22 at 9 a.m. Click here to register today! ADMISSIONS Choosing a School Best Fit for Your Child We understand that the search for the right school is a journey that often inspires important conversations about educational goals, priorities, philosophies, and values that must - [Athletics](https://ventureca.org/athletics/) - ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Activities that Exercise the Mind and Body At VCA, our Athletic Director, PE Teachers and coaches encourage and promote the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle through fitness activities and team sports. Our students learn valuable physical, social, mental and spiritual skills through games and sports taught in our physical education - [Give](https://ventureca.org/give/) - Give GIVE 2025 Lions’ Give Annual Fund Campaign In an era when society needs great hope for the next generation, the things we choose to invest in matters now more than ever. The singular focus at VCA is to prepare students for success based on superior academic preparation and the development of an authentic faith - [About Us](https://ventureca.org/about-us/) - About ABOUT VCA Creating Passionate, Independent Learners Venture Christian Academy fosters independence, confidence, critical thinking abilities and creativity in a warm and welcoming environment. Our hands-on, ‘whole child’ approach supports each student’s unique qualities and individual learning style for a learning experience that’s compelling, effective and fun! Biblical worldview educationLow student-to-teacher ratioLove & careHands-on learningInnovative - [Privacy Policy](https://ventureca.org/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is: https://ventureca.org. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided - [Contact Us](https://ventureca.org/contact-us/) - Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm Phone: 408.997.GOLD (4653) - [Culture](https://ventureca.org/culture/) - Our Culture At VCA, the intentional development of culture is one of the most important things we do. Culture is a natural outpouring of the shared values of an institution. What makes VCA an experience unlike any other is that our faculty, staff, parents, and students have a widely shared set of values based on - [Strategic Vision](https://ventureca.org/vsv/) - strategic vision 2025-2030 Impact Through Innovation The purpose of Christian education is to maximize the academic and spiritual impact it makes on students to cultivate young people who own a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and are equipped with intellectual competencies and skills to influence the world in service to God and humanity. strategic - [Volunteer](https://ventureca.org/volunteer/) - Volunteer VOLUNTEER Make a Difference in a Student's Life The difference between a good school and a great school can often be attributed to its parent volunteers. With parent participation in school functions, all members of the community benefit. Opportunities to get involved in your child’s education exist both inside the classroom and at all - [Meet the Team](https://ventureca.org/meet-the-team/) - Meet The Team 🔍Christopher RutzAbout MeHead of Schoolcrutz@ventureca.orgKristin FeryAbout MeElementary Principalkfery@ventureca.orgLauren MaslyarAbout MeMiddle School Principallmaslyar@ventureca.orgWendy RamirezAbout MeEarly Education Directorwramirez@ventureca.orgShelene BookerAbout MeMusic Teacher and Performing Arts Directorsbooker@ventureca.orgMichelle CastanedaAbout MeSecond Grade Teachermcastaneda@ventureca.orgDenise ChesterAbout MeEducational Care Program Directordchester@ventureca.orgBethany ClemonsAbout MePre-Kindergarten Teacherbclemons@ventureca.orgLyn CussaryAbout MeTeachers Aidelcussary@ventureca.orgDanielle DequineAbout MeSocial Studies Teacherddequine@ventureca.orgLisa DowneyAbout MeAdmissions Directorldowney@ventureca.orgLinda EvansAbout MeArt Teacherlevans@ventureca.orgJenny FelbergAbout MeKindergarten Teacherjfelberg@ventureca.orgMakepa FojasAbout - [Visit Us](https://ventureca.org/visit-us/) - Visit Us - [Schools](https://ventureca.org/schools/) - SCHOOLS OUR PROGRAMS Focusing on Academics At Venture Christian Academy, we provide our students with a well-rounded experience, allowing them to flourish academically, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. Our challenging academics, robust enrichment programs, and dynamic athletics are all taught from a Biblical worldview. Our emphasis is on building godly character and developing the student’s healthy - [Admissions](https://ventureca.org/admissions/) - Admissions ADMISSIONS Choosing a school best fit for your child We understand that the search for the right school is a journey that often inspires important conversations about educational goals, priorities, philosophies, and values that must resonate on a personal level with you as a parent, with your child, and for your family.Request a tour, - [Apply](https://ventureca.org/apply2/) - Apply We're Ready, Let's Talk. Contact Info Address​ 16845 Hicks RoadLos Gatos, CA 95032 Email Us info@ventureca.org Call Us 408-997-4653 - [Google Ad](https://ventureca.org/google-ad/) - AT VENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY your child can thrive in every way. GOSPEL-BASED EDUCATION SINCE 1977Serving Preschool thru 8th Grade We understand the new challenges of being a parent in a world that looks much different from the one you grew up in. In many cases, students today are experiencing gaps in emotional care, mental health, - [Facebook Ad Page](https://ventureca.org/facebook-ad-page/) - A Strong Foundation for Your Child’s Future Gospel-based education where your child is seen, known, and loved Schedule a Visit We understand the new challenges of being a parent in a world that looks much different from the one you grew up in. In many cases, students today are experiencing gaps in emotional care, mental - [Christmas 2022](https://ventureca.org/christmas/) - Christmas 2022 ## Team - [Lisa Tencati](https://ventureca.org/team/lisa-tencati/) - [Denise Chester](https://ventureca.org/team/denise-chester/) - [Erin Toombs](https://ventureca.org/team/erin-toombs/) - WHY VCA: I love hanging out with the students at lunchtime. Getting to know them has been a delight and a true joy. The backdrop of the beautiful Los Gatos hills is a bonus. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I taught elementary school four years before having children. Now that my youngest is a teen, I wanted to get - [Wendy Ramirez](https://ventureca.org/team/wendy-ramirez/) - Why VCA: I love helping young students develop a lifelong love of learning. VCA’s Christ-centered community and nurturing environment make it a wonderful place to support children's growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Experience & Education: I have over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, including eight years teaching Pre-K at VCA. I currently - [Michelle Kim](https://ventureca.org/team/michelle-kim/) - Why VCA: I want to see students grow not only intellectually, but also in their faith and trust in Jesus. Experience: I have a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and 3 years of teaching experience at Challenger School. Hobbies: I enjoy running! I train for races throughout the year, and my favorite distance is the marathon. Favorite Bible Verse: “Praise be to - [Catherine Scott](https://ventureca.org/team/catherine-scott/) - WHY VCA: I LOVE THAT WHOLE FAMILIES CAN ATTEND the same school all the way from PS to 8th. It's so fun to see siblings interact during the day and hug each other when they see each other. It makes the school feel connected and every part important! EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Bachelors from Liberty University in Business Management/Studio Art; - [Theresa Paulson](https://ventureca.org/team/theresa-paulson/) - WHY VCA: The community at VCA is truly something special. It not only allows me to build a greater connection with God but also with the people around me. It gives me the privilege to connect with great adults and young children who strive to make me a better person every day. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I have - [Ashley Jacobs](https://ventureca.org/team/ashley-jacobs/) - WHY VCA: I am passionate about children. Teaching them about God’s love and being surrounded by a Christian community. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I attended West Valley College to earn my Early Childhood Education credits. I have been working at Los Gatos Christian School since 2013. HOBBIES: Cooking, gardening, and walking. FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: I can do all things - [Bethany Clemons](https://ventureca.org/team/bethany-clemons/) - WHY VCA: I love helping children grow in academics and their love for God! EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I worked as an aide for many years and I have taken credits and now am a pre-kindergarten teacher. HOBBIES: I love writing and spending time with my family. I am a published author of two children's books. FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: Jeremiah 29:11 INTERESTING - [Selene Johnson](https://ventureca.org/team/selene-johnson/) - [Danielle Dequine](https://ventureca.org/team/danielle-dequine/) - Why VCA: As a new member of the VCA community, I’m grateful to be part of a school that values both academic growth and spiritual formation. I believe deeply in a Christ-centered approach to teaching and in developing students as whole individuals—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Experience: M.Ed. in Curriculum & InstructionB.A. in Elementary Education, Minor - [Kate Lundy](https://ventureca.org/team/kate-lundy/) - [Eric Lamb](https://ventureca.org/team/eric-lamb/) - [Rosalba Sokhanvari](https://ventureca.org/team/rosalba-sokhanvari/) - [Kristan Rutz](https://ventureca.org/team/kristan-rutz/) - [Tingru Yin](https://ventureca.org/team/tingru-yin/) - Why VCA: The Lord didn’t just open the way—He led the way. I truly believe He wanted me to be here at VCA. It is such a blessing to be back in Jehovah’s house, surrounded by a community full of love, mercy, and Christ-centered education. Experience: I hold a B.S. in Finance from St. John’s - [Nyssa Nunez](https://ventureca.org/team/nyssa-nunez/) - Why VCA: I really enjoy the ministry team mindset here. I love that our love for God shines through how we love one another here and desire to see God's kingdom grow and flourish. It brings me so much joy to see how we are working together to help our students develop their academic interests - [Moni Tautu](https://ventureca.org/team/moni-tautu/) - [Shelene Booker](https://ventureca.org/team/shelene-booker/) - [Lisa Downey](https://ventureca.org/team/lisa-downey/) - Why VCA: I believe that the most valuable investment is investing in people. I long to see students flourish: deeply understanding God's love for them, and using their minds, their bodies and their spirits to become the next generation of world-changers. VCA is a great place for that to happen! Experience: M.S. Management, University of Colorado, Denver - [Ellen Ward](https://ventureca.org/team/ellen-ward/) - Why VCA: VCA is such a great combination of excellent academics, nurturing the whole child, and encouraging children to grow in their Christian faith and love of Jesus. Experience: In addition to my PE teaching credential, I have my multiple subject teaching credential and have taught third and first grade. I have coached recreational and - [Lauren Maslyar](https://ventureca.org/team/scott-guagliardo/) - [Shelby Stewart](https://ventureca.org/team/shelby-stewart/) - [Noel Ledesma](https://ventureca.org/team/noel-ledesma/) - WHY VCA: I love that I get to so many different jobs to help the school run smoothly, day-to-day, supporting our teachers and staff so our students have the best experience possible. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I believe the Lord has been preparing and training me for my role at VCA for my career. I have 12 years of - [Diane Price](https://ventureca.org/team/diane-price/) - WHY VCA: I have loved working with kids and families for many years and have heard great stories about Venture Christian Academy. I wanted to be a part of a community like this one that wholeheartedly embraces the vision of growing kids in their faith while lovingly supporting their academic growth as well. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I - [Makepa Fojas](https://ventureca.org/team/makepa-fojas/) - WHY VCA: Sharing Jesus with the next generation. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Worked over 10 years at VCA HOBBIES: Skateboarding, Basketball, and Video Games FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. - [Ann Pin](https://ventureca.org/team/ann-pin/) - Why VCA: I chose Venture Christian Academy because it embodies my passion for making a meaningful impact on children's lives by nurturing in them a love for God and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Experience: 14 years Hobbies: Dancing and Arts and Crafts Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9 - [Kristin Fery](https://ventureca.org/team/kristin-fery/) - Why VCA: It is a place where all educators and students are inspired to learn at the highest level and demonstrate their learning in meaningful ways. A place where our core biblical values of community, love, self-discipline, and responsibility are lived out. A place where an environment of excellence, hard work, and fun is fostered. Experience: With - [Christopher Rutz](https://ventureca.org/team/chris-rutz/) - Why VCA: The best Christian education environments are those that embody academic excellence and a commitment to developing an authentic faith in Christ. VCA is a tight-knit community that personifies these characteristics and it is a privilege to lead such a wonderful community of educators, students, and their families. Experience: M.Ed Educational Leadership, University of - [Lisa Xu](https://ventureca.org/team/lisa-xu/) - WHY VCA: I love to serve the kids and families in a Christian community. I am so grateful I can be a teacher at VCA because VCA is a truly Jesus-centered school and is dedicated to helping the kids grow up in Jesus' Love. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I have been a preschool teacher since 2021. I have - [Robert Starke](https://ventureca.org/team/robert-starke/) - WHY VCA: The commitment to Christ-centered education and the real sense of community is what drew me to serve alongside the amazing people at VCA. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology from San Jose Christian College, and a Master’s of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in California. I have over twenty - [Cynthia Porter](https://ventureca.org/team/cynthia-porter/) - WHY VCA:. Mrs. Porter has been involved in education for over 40 years. She became a Los Gatos Christian School staff member in 2004. She has a passion for all of God’s amazing creations as well as the written and spoken word. She enjoys igniting these same passions in her students through God’s word in - [Victoria Pon](https://ventureca.org/team/victoria-pon/) - WHY VCA: I enjoy teaching students a love of learning along with Christ love. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Over 18 years of teaching experience HOBBIES: Trail running and spending time with my family. FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”” Philippians - [Andrea Taormina](https://ventureca.org/team/andrea-taormina/) - WHY VCA: I am passionate about fostering independence and confidence in a warm and welcoming environment. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Master of Education with a specialization in differentiated instruction HOBBIES: My hobbies are baking, hiking, biking, and traveling. FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am - [Rosalina Soli](https://ventureca.org/team/rosalina-soli/) - WHY VCA: What inspires me daily is engaging with students, getting individuals to discover their potential, and motivating pupils to trust Jesus and His plan for their lives. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I grew up in what is now known as Downtown San Jose. With my family, I attended a small Spanish-speaking church where I accepted Christ as my - [Bella Lazar](https://ventureca.org/team/bella-lazar/) - WHY VCA: My favorite parts of teaching at VCA are greeting students in the morning and having the ability to share my faith in Jesus in any class! EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I have taught at VCA for about 12 years. I have a EE degree from the University of Illinois HOBBIES:Reading, creating graphics, and knitting FAVORITE BIBLE - [Stephanie Gamble](https://ventureca.org/team/stephanie-gamble/) - WHY VCA: I look forward to coming to work each day because I get the opportunity to work with individuals that are passionate and committed to what they do. The atmosphere here at VCA is warm and inviting; it is a place where staff, students, and families can build authentic relationships centered around Christ. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Always - [Jenny Felberg](https://ventureca.org/team/jenny-felberg/) - WHY VCA: I love working at a school where I can teach the children about Jesus. I also love teaching them important foundational skills and enjoy the fun and laughter we share on a daily basis. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I graduated from Westmont College with a degree in elementary education. I got my teaching credential from Bethany College. I - [Linda Evans](https://ventureca.org/team/linda-evans/) - WHY VCA: I love seeing students feel confident in their artistic creations. The look on their face is priceless to me. It makes me feel passionate about how important the arts are in education. Another area I feel joy about is when a student's heart truly comes to the Lord. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: I bring to my - [Lyn Cussary](https://ventureca.org/team/lyn-cussary/) - WHY VCA: At VCA, I’m making a difference in the lives of our students. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Being a mom and grandma HOBBIES: Gardening FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. INTERESTING FACTS: I am married - [Michelle Castaneda](https://ventureca.org/team/michelle-castaneda/) - WHY VCA: Teaching children has always been my passion. This year, at VCA, I am thrilled to be able to teach my students and pray with them in their struggles. I strive to create a classroom environment filled with God’s love, where students can feel free to make mistakes and learn as we all experience ## Designations - [About Me](https://ventureca.org/team_designation/about-me/) ## Department - [Kindergarten Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/kindergarten-teacher/) - [First Grade Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/first-grade-teacher/) - [Second Grade Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/second-grade-teacher/) - [Third Grade Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/third-grade-teacher/) - [Fourth Grade Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/fourth-grade-teacher/) - [Fifth Grade Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/fifth-grade-teacher/) - [Middle School Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/middle-school-teacher/) - [Art Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/art-teacher/) - [Pre-Kindergarten Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/pre-kindergarten-teacher/) - [Science Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/science-teacher/) - [Early Education Director](https://ventureca.org/team_department/early-education-director/) - [Teachers Aide](https://ventureca.org/team_department/teachers-aide/) - [Head of School](https://ventureca.org/team_department/head-of-school/) - [Middle School Principal](https://ventureca.org/team_department/middle-school-principal/) - [Elementary Principal](https://ventureca.org/team_department/elementary-principal/) - [Spanish Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/spanish-teacher/) - [Educational Care Program Director](https://ventureca.org/team_department/educational-care-program-director/) - [Music Teacher and Performing Arts Director](https://ventureca.org/team_department/music-teacher-and-performing-arts-director/) - [Instructional Aide](https://ventureca.org/team_department/instructional-aide/) - [Registrar and Communications Director](https://ventureca.org/team_department/registrar-and-communications-director/) - [Office Manager and ESS Coordinator](https://ventureca.org/team_department/office-manager-and-ess-coordinator/) - [Elementary PE Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/elementary-pe-teacher/) - [Admissions Director](https://ventureca.org/team_department/admissions-director/) - [PE & STEM Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/pe-stem-teacher/) - [Social Studies Teacher](https://ventureca.org/team_department/social-studies-teacher/) - [Office Assistant](https://ventureca.org/team_department/office-assistant/)