Explore SBCS

Distinctly South Bay Christian School 

At South Bay Christian School, we strive to create an exceptional learning environment that sets us apart from other schools. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, friendly, and nurturing atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable for all of our students.

One of the ways we achieve this is by maintaining small class sizes, with a maximum of 25 students per grade. Our curriculum extends beyond standard subjects to include STEM, music, art, bible, and physical education, delivering academic rigor while fostering character development with a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

Our school campus features a private, expansive outdoor play area, complete with swings, a play structure, sport court, treehouse, and soccer fields. In addition, each grade participates in field trips and community service projects to expand their learning beyond the classroom.

We offer affordable before and after school care programs, as well as after-school enrichment programs that provide exciting extracurricular activities. Middle school students can even sign up for competitive sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and ping pong.

Finally, we believe in the importance of building a community, and we regularly host school events that welcome family and friends. Overall, South Bay Christian School is a place where students love coming to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Staff

Ms. Dwana Estrada

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher


Ms. Deborah Dahl

Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Dahl says her life has been a testimony of God’s plans for her. He placed the desire to be a teacher in her heart when she was in second grade because of my love for her teacher, Miss Bailey. "My goal has always been to teach children that they can do anything they set their hearts on, with determination and self-confidence; that they are the children of the King of the universe and with such a high calling, their job is to always carry themselves as such and never give up on any endeavor set before them." 

Mrs. Dinah Villanueva

1st Grade Teacher

First graders have the privilege of enjoying the kind and loving personality of Mrs. Dinah Villanueva, the perfect mentor for impressionable first graders. Mrs. Villanueva has taught for 20+ years, many of them at South Bay Christian School. She also taught at the White Memorial Adventist School and the Antelope Valley Adventist School. She graduated from La Sierra University. 

Mrs. Silvija Sekulich

2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Silvija Sekulich is a wonderful example of a South Bay Christian School alumnus. She, along with her two sisters, attended SBCS throughout her elementary and junior high years, and it was at SBCS that Mrs. Sekulich decided to be a teacher. She went on to graduate from California State University at Long Beach, and subsequently earned her Master’s Degree in Education at La Sierra University. The Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has used her expertise to train other teachers as they use our reading program, Pathways.

Mrs. Kirsten Born

3rd & 4th Grade Teacher

Another SBCS alumnus is third/fourth grade teacher Mrs. Kirsten Born. After the tenth grade she transferred to Monterey Bay Academy where she graduated. She then attended La Sierra University and graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Born has been the SBCS Jog-athon faculty sponsor for as long as any of us can remember and does a fantastic job. She is loved by 18 former classes of fourth graders.

Mr. Chris Watkins

Middle School Teacher

Mr. Watkins is a man of many talents and serves as an upper grade teacher and our IT manager. Mr. Watkins grew up in Huntsville, AL, and graduated from Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA with a degree in French. He spent one year studying French at the Seventh-day Adventist college in Cologne, France. In addition to teaching, he is an expert bass player and is very competitive in basketball. Mr. Watkins makes all the school’s musical and drama productions look professional with his technical abilities and has been invaluable in his teaching role.

Mrs. Amanda Johnston

Middle School Teacher

Mrs. Johnston has dedicated her life to Christian ministry. She graduated from La Sierra University with a music degree and worked as a pastor and musician for many years before transitioning to Education. She has her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and has taught students from Kinder thru to 12th grade as Resource Teacher and Classroom Teacher. Mrs. Johnston has a passion for helping students learn in creative ways and building skills that will benefit them for life. She and her husband, Jeffrey, live in Carson with their two dogs, Sadie and Sasha.

Mr. Mario Negrete

Middle School Teacher

Mr. Negrete has been a teacher since 2004 in different schools. He grew up in the home of a teacher and Education Superintendent. He has taught athletics, physical education, history (U.S./World), religion, learning resources, and English language learners. He has been the co-sponsor for Student Association, participated in biannually mission trips (international and domestic), coached boys varsity soccer, boys JV basketball, and junior high soccer. He is fluent in Spanish. He is very much in tune with physical, mental and spiritual needs of students. He loves spending time with his family, music, sports and plays the guitar. He and his wife have a baby boy. They are members of the Monrovia Bilingual SDA Church.

Paul Marcondes

Administrator of Finances & Facilities


Francey Marzicola

Marketing, Development, Admissions

Ms. Darolyn Jensen

Administrative Assistant


Mr. Sal Salelesi

Custodian


Mrs. Cherie Dawson

Admissions Support


Ms. Silvia Hernandez-Jones

Teachers Aide


Mr. Semsi M

After-School Care