The Ontario Christian Schools Board of Trustees is pleased to introduce Jennifer Thompson as the Superintendent beginning July of 2018. We have asked Jenn to introduce herself to you in her own words:
“I am a native Vermonter, but once I left home for Wheaton College, I became a city girl. Moving from Chicago to Fort Worth to Miami and then San Jose, I seem to have left the farm behind. However, even as a child, I moved around quite a bit, but the one constant in my life was my family and my faith. At a young age, I trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but it was not until I got to college that I began to understand what that really meant-I am saved only by God’s grace and through faith, chosen by the King. Having not been raised in any particular denomination, it was being part of a PCA church plant in Fort Worth when I was in my early 20’s that I began to understand theology through a Reformed lens. God continues to refine and grow me with all my imperfections and through the challenges that life brings, but understanding God’s sovereignty gives me the peace to say that it is well with my soul.
Quite honestly, it was never my intention to pursue Christian education, but God often leads where we don’t expect. My journey into Christian education began when I became a basketball coach at Westminster Christian School in Miami. In my first ten years there, I moved from coach to middle school teacher to middle school Assistant Principal to Elementary principal, getting a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership along the way. I stayed at Westminster for 15 great years, where God stretched me and confirmed my calling and passion for Christian education. In 2015 I moved to San Jose Christian School where I am in my third year as Head of School. Recently I completed the yearlong Van Lunen Center Executive Management in Christian Schools Fellows program through Calvin College.
As an empty nester, I am fortunate that I like to travel, because my adult children are spread out around the world. San Jose is home to my oldest son, Matt and his family, Laura, his wife, and Nolan, my oldest grandson. Brisbane, Australia is home to my daughter, Abby, who is married to Alex and mom to Hayden. Finally, my youngest son is on the move most of the year playing professional baseball in the New York Mets organization. He goes where he is told, and I try to catch a game or two when possible. When I am not busy at school, I enjoy being active outside, following sports (Go Knights!) and cooking great meals.
I am very excited that God has called me to join the Ontario Christian family. What a blessing to have the opportunity to serve the Lord at a truly Christ-centered school that enjoys a rich heritage of partnership with Christian families. After four intense days of meeting people and interviewing, OC already felt like home, full of warm people who are committed to doing great work for the Kingdom. I can’t wait to jump in with both feet and serve together for God’s glory. I know He has great things planned. To God be the glory.”