Principal: Jeff Cooper

A visionary, communicator, leader and creative influence at USCS. Jeff graduated from Carson-Newman College with a degree in computer science and later moved to California to become the youth pastor at Pacific Church of Irvine, where he held that position for eight years. Jeff received his Masters of Divinity from Golden Gate Theological Seminary in 2005.  In December of 2001, Jeff began teaching higher level mathematics at Spirit Academy in Southern California and functioning as the Director of Student Life and Ministries in 2003. Jeff’s passions include encouraging students to be transformed into Christ-followers, make wise decisions, and continue to passionately follow Jesus.  Jeff has been the administrator of USCS since 2007.When not working at USCS, Jeff enjoys rock-climbing, canyoneering, four-wheeling in his jeep, camping, skiing, and traveling to amazing places in the world. Email Jeff at jeff@usofcs.org

Vice Principal: Ryan Hewitt

Although Ryan’s background was not in education originally, God has given him a vision for education and youth leadership that He has been growing and molding over the last 4 years. Ryan originally studied engineering and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University in 2005 and 2006. After graduation, he and his wife moved to Colorado Springs to begin his engineering career. However, during his time as an engineer, God was growing within him a passion for missions, youth, and education. After 1-1/2 years, God called them to the mission field where they spent 4 months in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Ryan spent the majority of this time mentoring and tutoring former child soldiers and street children.

After returning, he began teaching at CSEC and also received a Colorado teaching license and M.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UCCS. During his time at CSEC, in addition to starting the Adventure Leadership program, he served in a variety of roles including math teacher, Math Department Chair, Summer Program Director, and Response to Intervention (RtI) coordinator. Over this past year, he felt God was using these various roles and responsibilities to prepare him for an administrative role. Although administrative opportunities were presented at other schools, the opportunity at USCS fit with his growing passions for education, youth, missions, and leadership. He believes God has been preparing him and training him for this opportunity, and cannot express how excited and humbled He is to be joining the USCS family. Email Ryan at ryan@usofcs.org

Admissions and Records: Lessie Cooper

Lessie graduated from Vanguard University of Southern California with a History/Political Science degree in 2005 and immediately began teaching secondary English and History courses at Spirit Preparatory Academy of Southern California and at USCS until the Fall of 2012 when she took an administrative role. Lessie loves to bring history alive for students, engage in discussions from a Christian worldview and encourage students to excel in their academics according to the abilities God has placed in them. USCS has provided Lessie the privilege to work alongside USCS families and faculty to provide the best, Christ-centered educational experience.

She has been married to Jeff Cooper since December 2005 and are now enjoying their first child, Charis Hope, born November 2012. When not working at USCS or caring for their baby girl, Lessie loves to sip coffee with friends, canyoneer, ski, camp, and hike in the mountains. Email Lessie at lessie@usofcs.org