Mission Statement
The Living Oaks Middle School Academic Alliance (LOMSAA) is committed to leading students into a genuine, life-changing relationship with Christ while providing an excellent academic program to change their world and bring glory to God.
LOMSAA Is Committed To:
Families
- Who desires an education that is Christian.
- Who desire to have their children develop a Biblical worldview, to see the world through and by the principles set forth in God’s Word.
- Who are actively pursuing a Biblical lifestyle in their day-to-day personal lives.
- Who are faithfully striving to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
- Who desire to have their children in an educational environment with other like-minded families, believing that their home will be strengthened by this fellowship. (Proverbs 13:20, Psalm 1:1)
- Who have a sense of “otherness” and realize that their actions affect not only themselves but those around them as well.
- Who desires that each year their children become more like Jesus in their attitudes and actions. (Romans 12:2; 16:19)
- Who are willing to respectfully submit to and support the leadership of LOMSAA. (Hebrews 13:17)
Faculty & Staff
- Who are disciples of Jesus Christ, having received God’s gift of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
- Who demonstrates a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Who are actively involved in their local church.
- Who will act as mentors or role models before the children by the way in which they conduct themselves.
- Who loves children and has the gift of teaching, as well as the training and understanding to teach the subject matter from a Biblical perspective.
- Who enthusiastically WANT to be a part of this unique school.
- Who fully supports the Vision, Purpose, Core Values, and Leadership of LOMSAA.
Teaching
- Which has as its primary goal the building of the character of the students through loving, tender training, strong, biblical instruction, put into practice through real-world experience.
- Which helps students understand all of life from a Biblical worldview, and be able to give an answer for the hope that lies within them. (1 Peter 3:15)
- Which helps students develop a love of learning.
- Which will produce in children the foundation skills necessary for success in life and for a leadership role in whatever calling the Lord has for them.
Leadership
- Which is committed to assisting parents in their God-given duty to educate their children. We believe parents may delegate a portion of their authority to educate their children, but none of the responsibility (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:6-9; Psalms 78:1-8; 127:3-5; Proverbs 19:27; 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-4).
- Which does not take on the task of doing the parenting of the children, but which creates and protects an educational environment based on God’s standards of conduct and personal accountability.
- Which provides tools and protocols to assist parents in raising their children, for implementation by the parent.
- Which is committed to developing and supporting a community of like-minded families.
- Which must clearly articulate the vision and mission of the school to prospective families and to conduct the admissions process in such a way that families who are currently enrolled can be confident that the new families will be like-minded and maintain the unity of the program.
When the Body of Christ commits to God’s standards of behavior and these objectives are pursued within the program, the purpose of LOMSAA will be realized.
Regarding Special Needs... We provide academic resources for students at a multitude of academic levels. For additional information, please contact us at info@lomsaa.com. LOMSAA admits and does not discriminate against students of any gender, handicap, race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, or other administered programs. Though not part of our formal curriculum, some issues may be discussed in age-appropriate ways by our teachers in the classrooms and by speakers. These may include the subjects of abortion, pre-marital sex, drug use, homosexuality, and the creation/evolution models of origins. Our intent will be to impart values based upon Biblical teaching.
Statement Of Faith
WE UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
- That Christian ethics and biblical teaching will be a part of this extracurricular component.
- That we will not oppose the Co-op's philosophy or statement of faith.
- That we will use biblical principles to solve any grievances we may have.
- That our student and we will abide by all Policies, Procedures & Protocols adopted by the co-op upon enrollment, and from time to time amended by vote.
- That enrollment in this program is voluntary, and no student will be accepted nor kept in the program who does not voluntarily wish to be a part of it.
WE FURTHER AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF FAITH:
- The Word of God: The Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
- The Trinity: God has existed from all eternity in three Persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14, John 1:1-2, 14)
- Salvation: All men violate God's righteous requirements and His holy character both by nature and act. (Romans 3:23 and 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-2) Salvation is offered as a gift, free to the sinner. This gift must be responded to by faith, not by any personal works, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone. (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)
By applying, we agree to submit to the authority and decisions of the LOMSAA Director, Board, and the Co-op majority as determined by vote.
Program Benefits
This is just a sampling of what our LOMSAA students have experienced.
LifeSkills Training
- "Logic & Reasoning" with Kirby Bradford, parent, and Biola M.A., Apologetics
- "Introduction to Apologetics" with Kirby Bradford, parent, and Biola M.A., Apologetics
- "Handling Your Emotions, Biblically" with Rick Shurtz, parent and family counselor
- "Leadership Training 101" with Director, Laurie Gourley
- "STAR" Peer Pressure and Drug Prevention training
- "Chinese Exchange Student" Cross-Cultural Communications, Laurie Gourley & Elaine Yamasaki
- "Why Believe Anything?" Critical Reasoning series with Fred Hauter, parent and physician
- "Hermeneutics: How to Study Your Bible," series with Rick Shurtz, parent and Family counselor, missionary's kid!
Discipleship & Character-Building
- Daily Bible Devotion & Prayer
- Weekly "Developing Convictions" chapel study
- Journaling & Personal Reflection
- Dedication Hike & Communion
- Student Self-Improvement Plan
- Jr. Ambassador In Training Program & Tracking log
Service & Outreach
- Skip1 Food Packing for Children's Hunger Fund
- Served the Homeless and Seniors in the community by hosting our own Thanksgiving feast
- Operation Christmas Child, Truck unloading and packing at LOCC drop-off station
- Skip1 Toy Wrapping at Children's Hunger Fund
- Childcare service for "Shepherding A Child's Heart."
- Christmas Caroling at Goebel Senior Center
- Christmas Caroling for Single Moms Ministry at Calvary Community Church
- Adopt A Family for Christmas, with Christmas Eve meal and gift drop-off together
- Ventura County Rescue Mission Service Project
- Sycamore Charter School Chili Project--a student-led outreach making and serving lunch to disadvantaged students
- "Good News Club," Leading weekly after school Evangelism program at Madrona Elementary
- VBS "High Seas Adventure" set decorating and dance team
Curriculum Enrichments
- Writing Workshops and regular instruction
- "An Overview of Christian History" by Marshall Foster, Christian Historian and found of The Mayflower Institute
- "The Dangers of Revisionist History" by Marshall Foster
- Renaissance Review with Christ Bruynzeel, pastor, EVFree
- History Discussion Sessions, Review & Skits
- Writing & Composition
- Hands-On Science Labs
- Nationally Renowned Artist Timothy Chambers, Workshop
- Scopes Monkey Trial II- a Creation vs. Evolution mock trial with parents who are also lawyers, apologists, and scientists
- Latin-based Vocabulary Units, weekly
- "Hope for Our Time" History presentations inspired by Marshall Foster's review of Christian history
Excursions & Field Trips
- Reagan Library, Role Reenactment
- Exploration of Getty Museum
- CA Science Center-Coral Reef IMAX documentary and African History tour
- Creation Week Outreach Event to local schools
- Week-long Outdoor Ed Camp at HUME LAKE for 7th Grade & 8th Grade
- 8th Grade 9 Day historical tour on the East Coast
Team-Building & Fellowship as a Body
- Family Picnic & Beach Day
- Wilderness Ropes Course
- Monthly Parent Meetings & Round Table
- Care & Concerns, meals for families in our Body
- Gollatz Cotillion at LOCC
- Treehouse Building Project
- Encouragement and Greeting Card design
- Blanket Ministry
- Cooking Class & Tea Party
- Scavenger Hunt by Student Government
Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
- Scripture Candy-Gram Fundraiser
- Kettle Korn 1 & II Student Fundraisers with Scripture sharing
- Teen Center Rummage Sale
- The Habit fundraiser by Student Government
Our Staff
Mrs. Laurie Gourley, School Director
Laurie was born and raised in the Midwest. She has been married to Terry for 35 years, has 4 children, a new daughter-in-law, and a new granddaughter, sweet Mercy Lynn Gourley. They moved from Chicago to California in 2000 and have never regretted that decision! She has been teaching for 33 years, including homeschooling her oldest 3 children; teaching illiterate adults; teaching composition at CASA; teaching English, and holding the role of Activities Director at Grace Brethren High School, and lastly since 2009, she has enjoyed teaching English at LOMSAA along with being the Director! She feels incredibly blessed by the Lord to have worked with so many wonderful families.
If you would like to contact Mrs. Gourley, you may email her at director@lomsaa.com
Mrs. Shireen Russell, Teacher
Shireen has had a passion for being a teacher since she was in elementary school. She achieved this dream when she graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from CSU Fullerton and attended California Lutheran University for her teaching credential. She has over 25 years of teaching experience in both traditional and virtual school settings. She is eager to help her students succeed and is always looking for ways to make learning a fun experience! Shireen has three children, Cameron, Courtney, and Cailyn. When not teaching, Shireen enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, and traveling. "I am so blessed to be a part of the LOMSAA family!"
If you would like to contact Mrs. Russell, you may email her at
teacher@lomsaa.com.