Mr. Stephen Sprague served 20 years as a Naval officer before transitioning to a second career in classical Christian education. Since then, he has been the Head of School for two previous classical Christian schools. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Art in Military Art and Science, and is working on a Master of Divinity from the Reformed Theological Seminary. Stephen is a member of Forestgate Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Andrea, have two children in the school: Lydia (14) and LeighAnna (17). Stephen grew up in a family of educators, and he has long sought to work in education, but the specific application of classical Christian education both inspires him and touches his heart. He loves to work with students, families, teachers, and administrators to advance the God-glorifying mission of the school.

15 years at ECA

Education BM in Church music from Ouachita Baptist University

Mrs. Jagers was an aide at ECA for several years prior to becoming the Pre-K teacher. Previously, she taught music in several D11 schools, was a preschool, music and Bible teacher in LA and has been the Preschool director for the last 4 ½ years for Circle Drive Baptist where her husband currently works as the youth pastor. She is a Colorado Springs native who was lovingly nurtured by her parents, church family and community. She thinks Pre-K kids are especially fun to work with because they are filled with awe and wonder for life! She hopes to partner with parents and churches to fulfill the mission statement of ECA by showing the love of Christ while educating, equipping and empowering these little ones to pursue their purpose in Christ.

Mrs. Atkins was born and raised in Colorado Springs and is an ECA alumni. She married her high school sweetheart, Luke, and together they are raising their 4 children and running their plumbing company. Justine has been the pre-K aide at ECA for 4 years and is so thankful for the way biblical truth and character building are at the forefront of ECA’s education model. She also enjoys coaching volleyball and hiking and camping with her family.

Education B.S. in Elementary Education from Geneva College

Mrs. Morton is honored to be a part of the ECA family for another year. She has served the students in many roles over the years as a substitute, fourth grade teacher, fifth grade teacher, coach, and aide. Mrs. Morton has one child who gradauted from ECA and three other children who are current ECA students. She believes that the solid Biblical foundation of classical, Christian education is important in raising children to love the Lord and to serve the community in which they have been called to serve.

Education B.A. in Elementary Education: Dordt College; M.A. in Teaching: Grand Canyon University

Mrs. Stephens came to ECA in 1987 and has been teaching kindergarten since 1993.  From kindergarten through twelfth grade, Mrs. Stephens was a student at a Christian school in her hometown; she went on to graduate from a Christian college.  Mrs. Stephens still remembers many of her own elementary school teachers and knows that the impact of their love and commitment to the Lord has played a huge part in becoming the person and teacher she is today.  Because of that impact, Mrs. Stephens consistently desires to teach with the same love, commitment, and enthusiasm that her teachers gave to her.  It is also her prayer that each child who enters her classroom will thoroughly enjoy learning and that they will love serving the Lord in all that they do.

Education B.A. in Education: University of Northern Iowa

The military brought Mrs. Gergen and her family to Colorado Springs in 2006.  She started teaching first grade in 2007, and she is honored to be a part of the ECA staff.  Mrs. Gergen has had many years of teaching experience, and she consistently desires to be a positive influence on today’s young children and help to build godly character in each one of them.

Education B.A. English Literature from Hastings College

Mrs. Loptien joined the ECA family this year. Her former career revolved around marketing, but she earned degrees in English Literature and Higher Education. Mrs. Loptien is passionate about serving alongside teachers to help students grow as strong, compassionate, Christian leaders.

Education B.S. in Elementary Education: Michigan State University M.A. in Education Technology: University of Colorado

Mr. Hart has taught at ECA since 1989. As a teacher, Mr. Hart thinks it is critical to cultivate godly character and to teach the “whole” child: spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally. He loves to be involved in his students’ lives and strives to minister to children’s hopes, fears, accomplishments, and challenges.

Education B.A. in Elementary Education from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA

Miss Geving feels extremely blessed to have attended ECA as a student from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In fact, it is due to the love and the impact of her incredible ECA elementary school teachers that she was inspired to become a teacher. Miss Geving’s prayer is to impact the lives of her students for Christ.

Education B.A. in Psychology and Business: Hardin Simmons University

Mrs. Harbach has been part of the ECA family since 1990; her four children all graduated from ECA. Mrs. Harbach has been employed by ECA since 2004; she has substituted for various grades and has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. She is excited to be back in 5th grade and is thankful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of her students. Mrs. Harbach’s prayer is that her heart for children and her love for our Lord will be evident on a daily basis in her classroom.

Education B.A. in Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University

Mrs. Jami Mark is an ECA eagle through and through. Evangel Christian Academy has been a part of virtually every period of her life. She attended ECA, from preschool through the middle of her junior year. Not only did she do her student teaching in the 3rd grade at ECA but she taught 4th and then 6th grade before moving to Arizona with her husband. A few years later, they returned to Colorado. She has done other various jobs at ECA including subbing, aiding, writing and directing many chapels and plays, and is excited to be teaching advanced math this year. The full circle of her ECA involvement is now complete as her two boys attend the school that has always meant so much to her; she truly has a deep passion for ECA. She believes Christian schools have a unique role of aiding in student’s lives to develop a knowledge of God and to kindle a flame that needs to be taken out into the world. There is nothing more important than cultivating a student’s heart to seek God and love Him wholly  

Education B.S. in Music Ed: Eastern Nazarene College Masters of Music M.M. in Choral Conducting: Butler University

Mr. Howard began teaching general music, choir, and handbells at ECA in 2006.  Prior to moving to Colorado, Mr. Howard taught elementary music at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Maryland from 1997-2006, where he created a comprehensive music curriculum for his Kindergarten through 8th grade classes.  Mr. Howard believes that music permeates the senses, captivates the mind, and opens the door to the soul, and that God’s love, His Word, and the traditions of faith and worship can be brought into the classroom in order to develop a biblical worldview.

Education BA from St. Andrews University

Mrs. Schaap grew up in Georgia and has been around ECA for 16 years as a mother of 3 and many years as a coach of multiple sports. Along with her passion for sports, she brings a high level of energy and creativity. It is her desire to foster an environment where students learn and develop skills for lifelong physical activity. When she’s not involved in sports, you can find her laughing with her family, heading into the mountains, or enjoying good music.

Education B.S. in Early Childhood Education: University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana, IL.

Laura is a Colorado native. She has been a part of the ECA family since 2011 when her oldest of five children first started attending the school. Previously, she taught preschool in Colorado at Tri-Lakes Community Preschool, at Chapel Hills Church Preschool; and Pre-Kindergarten at Washington Early Childhood Center in Urbana, IL. She loves children and has a great desire to see them grow in their knowledge of their unique gifts from God and in their under-standing of the Lord.