About Us
We are dedicated to helping children grow in faith, character, and confidence by combining academic excellence with a strong Biblical foundation. Here, your child is part of a supportive family that encourages them to reach their God-given potential.
Principal’s Welcome
Welcome to El Sobrante Christian School!
At ESCS, I believe education is about more than academics—it is about helping children grow in faith, character, and confidence. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
Here, your child will receive a strong academic foundation grounded in Biblical truth. Our dedicated teachers are not only skilled educators but also caring mentors who model Christian values and encourage each student to reach their God-given potential.
Thank you for considering ESCS for your family. By choosing our school, you are investing in an education that combines academic excellence with a Christ-centered foundation—preparing your child for success in school, in life, and in their walk with God.
Thank you,
Ms. Andrea Edwin
Our History
El Sobrante Christian School (ESCS) was founded in 1971 as a ministry of Central Assembly Church through the vision of the church’s founding pastor, Reverend Russell Griffin. His desire was to provide a Christ-centered education that would serve families in El Sobrante and the surrounding communities. Today, Central Assembly Church is led by Pastor Russell Sturm.
What began with just 24 students, two teachers, and grades Kindergarten through Fourth Grade has grown over the years through the dedication of school leaders, staff, and families. As the school expanded, new classrooms and facilities were added to better serve students and support learning.
While 2020 brought significant challenges and led to the closure of our high school program, ESCS remains committed to providing an excellent Christian education for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
We are grateful for God's faithfulness throughout our history and pray that He will continue to use ESCS to bless and impact the lives of children and families in our community.
ESCS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation is a comprehensive self-study process that evaluates the school's curriculum, policies, and procedures. It includes input from teachers, administrators, the school board, parents, and students to ensure continued excellence and growth.
Mission, Vision, Philosophy & Values
Mission
We exist to provide a place where students are challenged to achieve academic excellence in a Biblically-based learning environment. We are committed to reinforcing Christ centered values in all that we do, thus enabling our students to impact their families and the community through service for Christ.
Vision
The vision of El Sobrante Christian School is to impact the community by producing individuals whose lives exemplify Biblical insight, moral integrity, and academic excellence.
Philosophy
Each child is a unique individual before God and the responsibility for his/her growth and care lies with the home. El Sobrante Christian School seeks to aid the parent in this role. As such, we are partners in your child’s education. A climate of communication, mutual trust and support is essential for your child’s success at El Sobrante Christian School.
Core Values
- At ESCS, these are our Core Values:
- That the Scripture is recognized as the revealed Word of God and is taught as truth.
- That a rigorous process of integration of faith and learning in all academic disciplines is maintained.
- That a Christian administration, faculty and staff model Christ in teaching and leading.
- That high academic standards are maintained and continually evaluated.
- That the curriculum and other programs are of high quality and use a variety of sources for maximum learning.
- That all people are created in the image of God and are called to follow Christ’s example to serve one another.
Statement of Faith
Our standard for moral conduct and teachings in the faith rests in the truths expressed through God’s Word as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. The following is a general statement of faith, which we teach and uphold to be the eternal truth of God. All references below are from
We BELIEVE:
- 1.
The Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God and is considered to be the guideline for daily Christian living. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
- 2.
There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22)
- 3.
In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His future return to this earth in power & glory. (Revelation 1:8; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 7:26, I Peter 2:22; Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 13:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 15:4; Acts 1:9, Acts 1:11; Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3)
- 4.
The only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for personal salvation. ((John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23; Romans 10:9-10)
- 5.
In the daily ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling, the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (Galatians 5:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Timothy 1:13-14)
- 6.
In the resurrection of both the saved and lost - those who are saved, to the resurrection of everlasting life with God, and those who are lost, resurrection to condemnation and separation from God. (John 5: 28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- 7.
There will be a resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ together with those who are alive and remain at the time of His Second Coming. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- 8.
In the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ and the evidence of that unity being shown by how we love one another. (Ephesians 4:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 13)
Meet the Staff
Pastor Russ Sturm
President/Pastor of Central Assembly Church of God, Richmond
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Russ has been the pastor at Central Assembly since 2014. He brings a certain upbeat and joyful attitude to our campus, as the Chairman of the School Board. Both of his daughters attended ESCS. He loves working in an environment where everyone is on the same page, serving God. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Andrea Edwin
Principal
"To everything there is a season, time and a purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Andrea studied at Grand Canyon University and received her Bachelor's degree in Business. In 2024 she received her Masters of Arts in Theological Study from Southeastern University and has taught elementary students for more than nine years. Andrea started her educational career as a results-oriented teacher and brought the same passion to her role as principal. She loves to see the growth her students show over the course of the school year. In her free time, Andrea likes to read Christian books and try out new recipes!
Scott Cox
Vice-Principal/Junior High Teacher
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." Philippians 1:6
Scott grew up in the El Sobrante area, graduating from De Anza High School in 1970. He subsequently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering with a teaching emphasis. Mr. Cox worked as a laboratory technician for Chevron Chemical Company (1971-1982), a formulation chemist for the Clorox Company (1982-1994), and as a Managing Director of computer operations for Bank of America (1994-2010). He started substitute teaching at the ESCS high school campus in 2010, and then became a full-time math and science teacher in 2011. Mr. Cox has been married for more than 40 years, is an elder in his church, and loves reading, photography, natural history, and traveling.
Julieta Cubas
Office Manager
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Julieta is the office manager and administrative assistant for the Chairman of the Board, Russ Sturm. She works hard to maintain the culture and learning environment here at ESCS. Julieta has been a part of the ESCS family since 2010 when she started volunteering. Julieta came on staff in 2014.
She loves the fact that she is able to witness as her own kids and our ESCS students develop and mature from kids into young adults and seeing where the Lord may lead them to. In her free time, Julieta enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying different restaurants, food & desserts, watching movies, and reading a good book.
Kathy Ruiz
Secretary
"For then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourself likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men but to the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1-2
Kathy started working at ESCS in 1990. She loves working here and brings a certain level of love and care to everything she does. Kathy enjoys spending time with her son and her daughter. She also loves to cook and garden.
Diana Vahlstrom
Secretary
"Show me your ways, Lord teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalms 25:4-5
Diana joined our office staff in 2013. Diana takes after her parents in their hard working nature. She strives to help maintain the family atmosphere here at ESCS. She enjoys spending time with her family and creating new memories. You might find her sporting Niner gear around here.
Molly Gonzalez
Kindergarten
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
Rinku Bhatia
First Grade
"Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." Ephesians 4:2
Rinku started her career as a Pharmacy Technician by profession and became a full-time mother after her second child. Once her children began to attend, Rinku became a classroom aid at ESCS and recently transitioned to leading first-grade. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She is very excited to be a part of our ESCS family and continues to give support and warmth to our staff, ESCS family, and their families.
Orlando Arnold
Second Grade
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Orlando studied at Contra Costa College and received his bachelor's from the University of Wyoming. He has taught for eleven years and this will be his sixth year at ESCS. He joined ESCS from 2014-2019 and returned in 2021. In his free time he likes to hang with family, friends, and watch movies or shows.
Mandeep Boparai
Third Grade
Mrs. Mandy teaches our 3rd grade class. Mrs. Boparai comes to ESCS with 20 years of teaching experience. During this time, she earned her Early Childhood Education BCE credential as well as her Montessori Early Childhood Teaching certificate.
Sydney Sturm
Fourth & Fifth Grade
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Sydney is a proud alumna of El Sobrante Christian School. After graduating from ESCS in 2019, she attended Diablo Valley College before transferring to UC Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History. In 2022, Sydney returned to her alma mater part-time to teach music, and in 2025 she joined us a full-time teacher. She is excited about sharing her passion for Christ with today’s youth.
Pearis Tavares
6th Grade
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Pearis is a Bay Area Native and an El Sobrante Christian School alumna. Upon graduating from ESCS in 2016, she obtained her Bachelors in Sociology with an emphasis in Human Services. After working in the education field as a tutor and administrator with experience in educational planning,Pearis rejoined her alma mater as a staff member where she continues her passion for sharing the love of Christ with the youth of today.
Jean Bradbury
Computers/Library
"Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Jean wears many hats at ESCS. She teaches computer class for the second through eighth grade students. She also is the librarian for the entire campus. Jean spent 8 years as a parent volunteer before she began working at ESCS in 2002. Jean loves all her students and her co-workers. She cheers for the Bay Area teams and the UC Davis Softball team. In her free time, Jean loves taking tap/jazz dance classes, watching her daughter play softball, and playing with her granddaughter.
Danny Gomez
PE, facilities
"For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37
Danny is our first grade history teacher, physical education teacher for all grades, and our facilities supervisor. Danny started working at ESCS in 2011. He loves cooking and hanging out at the beach. Rooting for the Warriors, Raiders, and Giants, he fits right in!
Fast Facts
