School History

Calvary Chapel Preschool (CCP), Calvary Chapel Elementary School (CCES), Calvary Chapel Middle School (CCMS), and Calvary Chapel High School (CCHS) are ministries of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (CCCM). In 1970, CCCM opened its doors, under the leadership of Pastor Chuck Smith. In 1973, Maranatha Christian Academy (now CCES and CCMS) was started in response to a need from church families who wanted their children to receive a Christian education. The school began with 24 teachers and 621 students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. In 1987, CCHS was added to further meet the educational, social, and spiritual needs of the children from the CCCM church body. The high school was designed to provide students with a challenging and comprehensive college preparatory program to develop competence in Bible, English, mathematics, science, fine arts, foreign language, history, and physical education.

In 2014, Pastor Chuck Smith went home to be with the Lord, and after years of faithful service is now able to hear those sweet words of victory, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” At the beginning of 2014, Brian Brodersen stepped into the role of Senior Pastor and has continued to lead the church and school bodies in the way of the Lord. This year, in the 2022-2023 school year, CCES and CCMS will celebrate 50 years of excellence in education and CCHS will celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Since its humble beginnings in 1973, CCS has continued to grow, by God’s grace, and impact our community in a variety of wonderful ways. CCS has a rich history as a major ministry of CCCM and is honored to continue to be life-long learners who continue to grow not only in faith but in their careers.