At 4701 Grove Street in Rocklin, California, Holy Cross Lutheran Church shares its campus with Holy Cross Lutheran Academy, a Christian preschool and kindergarten that has welcomed local families for more than a decade. The church, a member of the Lutheran tradition, hosts the academy within its facilities and supplies pastoral leadership for chapel and catechism. Together, the church and school form a single ministry centered on nurturing children and their families in faith, learning, and community life in Placer County.
California license #313614186 covers the academy, which serves as the church's primary outreach to families with young children. Programs span from Preschool Prep through full-day Kindergarten, and the school's stated philosophy is plain: each child is a unique gift from God, parents are their children's primary teachers, and the academy exists to walk alongside them in a safe, loving environment where children can explore, learn, communicate, and grow.
A Full Sequence from Age Two to Kindergarten
Holy Cross Lutheran Academy runs five programs designed to grow with each child. Preschool Prep welcomes children at age two and serves as a first experience away from home. The program features a low student-to-teacher ratio, assists with potty training, and focuses on fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, language, social-emotional development, and first academics. Children are introduced to Learning Without Tears and Zoo-phonics.
Preschool serves fully potty-trained three-year-olds with small class sizes, highly trained and experienced teachers, and a stimulating environment. Age-appropriate activities round out the day, and the curriculum is built on the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence, Zoo-phonics, and an introduction to Learning Without Tears.
Pre-Kindergarten is for children who are four years old and emphasizes independence and self-help alongside teacher-led group activities, indoor and outdoor play, exploration, and new lessons. The same Core Knowledge, Zoo-phonics, and Learning Without Tears foundations continue.
Transitional Kindergarten serves children who turn five between September 2 and December 2. The TK classroom builds self-esteem and gives children additional time to prepare for the rigor of full-day kindergarten. Curriculum includes Core Knowledge Language Arts, Writing Without Tears, Saxton Math and SFUSD Math Core, Enduring Faith religion curriculum, and Spark Physical Education.
Kindergarten is for children who turn five by September 1. The program encourages critical thinking, independence, and productivity in a stimulating classroom environment with small class sizes. Core Knowledge Language Arts, Handwriting Without Tears, Saxton Math and SFUSD Math Core, Enduring Faith, and Spark Physical Education round out the academic day.
Faith Woven Through the School Day
Christian formation shapes the rhythm of the day at Holy Cross. Each morning begins with Jesus Time, a daily exploration of Bible stories and lessons with the entire student body. God's love and the creation story are embedded in every lesson, paired with songs and music. Twice a week, the entire school gathers in the church sanctuary for chapel with Pastor Shamburger, and twice a week the students meet with Mrs. Manners, the Coordinator of Christian Education, for Bible story lessons. Kindergartners add a weekly catechism class with Pastor Shamburger.
The school observes Easter and Christmas celebrations, and Advent brings Christmas caroling. Children sing in the worship service at the church twice a year, and families are invited to attend church events throughout the year.
The Church-School Connection
Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a partner in the school's ministry. Pastor-led chapel takes place in the church sanctuary, weaving the academy into the life of the congregation. Families enrolled at the academy are invited to worship at Holy Cross and to participate in the wider life of the church.
The academy states its mission plainly: Christ's love is reflected in student-teacher interactions, in the philosophy of teaching, and in the use of Christian curriculum. The school sees itself as a place where children and their families can discover and strengthen their relationship with Jesus as Lord, Savior, Teacher, and Friend, and share the Good News with others.
The church's purpose, as expressed through the academy, is to guide and support each child's social, emotional, academic, physical, and spiritual development; to prepare children to succeed in school and life as self-directed learners and responsible citizens; to teach the Gospel and foster the development of Christian character; to promote a love of learning, exploration, inquiry, problem solving, and critical thinking; and to foster a sense of belonging and healthy relationships.
A Day at HCLA: Schedules, Snacks, and Naps
HCLA provides half-day educational programs two, three, or five days a week for children ages two through four. TK and Kindergarten are offered five days a week. Morning and afternoon enrichment is available for children from Preschool Prep through Kindergarten.
The school provides snack twice a day; students bring their own lunches. Lunch begins at 12:00 for Preschool Prep through Pre-K, and at 11:45 for TK and Kindergarten. Children who stay past 1:00 (with the exception of Kindergartners) take a nap. The school supplies nap mats, a quiet darkened room, relaxing music, back rubs, and stories. TK and Kindergarten children follow a different rhythm and do not nap.
Regular hours run Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Summer hours shift slightly to 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The school grounds include three playground areas, and small class sizes allow teachers to tailor activities to each child's needs.
Music, Library, and SPARK
Two to three times a week, the schedule includes SPARK, the school's physical education program. SPARK focuses on fine and gross motor skills, tracking skills, crossing the mid-line, building self-confidence, and learning how to keep bodies happy and healthy. Units include parachute, music and movement, balloons, bean bags, and jump ropes.
Music and Library are taught once a week by Ms. Pat, the school's music and library teacher. Children are introduced to a variety of instruments, including piano, violin, and bagpipes through guest visitors, and learn songs to accompany Ms. Pat's piano playing. Older students begin keeping time and reading music. During library time, children listen to stories and act them out; older children perform in a play at the end of the year.
Beyond the Classroom
The school-wide pumpkin patch field trip is a fall tradition. The TK and Kindergarten class adds many more outings: petting zoos, exotic animal experiences, science fairs, nature exploration days, and recycling art days all come to the school or take students out into the wider community.
The Parents' Corner
Parents are invited into the life of the school through Parents with a Purpose, a club that meets monthly to plan activities and events. Parents with talents in DIY, art, parties, or science are particularly welcome. Teachers also welcome classroom volunteers, and parents can check with their child's teacher to see what help is needed in the classroom.
The school curates a set of resources for families on its parents' page, including links on Love and Logic parenting, potty training, separation anxiety, and required immunizations for school entry.
The People You'll Meet
Ms. Kim has served as the academy's director since 2010. A Minnesota native who came to California on a one-year plan that stretched into three decades, she has taught since 1991, with experience in special education and primary classrooms. She and her family moved to Rocklin from the Bay Area in 2008 and became members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Ms. Octavia Williams serves as Assistant Director. She came to the Sacramento area in 2008 and earned her Bachelor's degree in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Her hope and prayer is that children leave the academy spiritually, socially, emotionally, and academically confident, knowing God loves them unconditionally through His son Jesus Christ.
Ms. Anna has been on the Pre-K team since 2011, having previously run a licensed daycare for thirteen years and taught preschool. She and her husband live in Roseville and have four children and five grandchildren.
Ms. DeAnna teaches the three-year-old preschool program. She previously taught Pre-K for Santa Clara Unified School District and served as Education Coordinator at a local childcare facility. She has lived in Rocklin for over twenty years.
Ms. Lori has taught for over forty years and joined Holy Cross Lutheran Academy in 2012. She serves in a flexible role covering classrooms, breaks, and the afternoon nap room.
Ms. Dulci moved to Rocklin in February 2020 and has been a Preschool teacher at the academy since July 2021.
Pastor Shamburger leads chapel twice weekly and teaches weekly catechism to Kindergartners. Mrs. Manners serves as Coordinator of Christian Education and teaches Bible story lessons.
Visiting Holy Cross
Tours of the academy can be booked online or by calling (916) 624-2123. A typical tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes time in the classrooms and a chance to meet teachers. The school encourages the whole family to visit so everyone can get a true sense of the community. Cancellations or reschedules require 24 hours' notice.
Holy Cross Lutheran Academy is currently accepting resumes for teaching positions. Those interested in working in a warm Christian environment with Early Childhood Education units can contact Ms. Kim at director@hclarocklin.org.
Families enrolled at the academy are warmly invited to worship with the congregation at 4701 Grove Street.