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History & Heritage

Monte Vista Christian School is a story of God's providence and faithfulness; He gave the vision, and He sustains the school every single day. To God be the glory for our remarkable story.

MVC Administrator

1920s

 

The story begins with R.O. Price, born in 1886 and raised on a prune and apricot ranch in California. At age 15, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and felt called to ministry. In 1925, the Murphy family, distant relatives of the Prices, offered their 66-acre Watsonville ranch, planted with apples, apricots, and grapes and known as Monte Vista Ranch, as the future site for the school.

 

 

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A large group of people, mostly men and boys, gathered outside a wooden building with a porch.

 

The story starts with R.O. Price, born in 1886. He grew up on a prune and apricot ranch in California. At age 15, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and felt a call to ministry.

He graduated from San Jose State in 1910, and became a teacher in the Central Valley. While there, he married his wife, Nell, whom he had known since high school.

R.O. taught in the Fresno city and county schools for about 12 years, and served on the Board of Education.

Rich in faith, he began to dream of a private school that would meet the needs of the soul. Locations were considered from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

R.O. loved farming and knew that the income from a farm could help meet the expenses of a school. He also knew that producing vegetables and meat could be useful in feeding staff and students.

In 1925, the Murphy family, distant relatives of the Prices, told them that they had always wanted their ranch in Watsonville to be used for Christian ministry, and offered it as a site for the school. Its 66 acres were planted with apples, apricots, and grapes, and it was known as the Monte Vista Ranch.

In the summer of 1926, the Murphys cheerfully moved out of their beautiful farmhouse and into a tent on the front lawn, giving the Prices access to their home and other buildings.

When school opened in the fall of 1926, there were 45 students, grades 3 to 10. Fourteen of these were day students who paid $10 per month tuition, and thirty-one of them were boarding students who paid $30 per month for tuition, room, and board.

Work on the Administration Building began in 1928, and finished in 1931. It was located next to the present-day cafeteria. With an indebtedness of $12,000, the Depression came with a sudden and devastating impact.

1930s

 

During the early 1930s, enrollment went as low as 15 students. However, there was always food on the table, and the payroll was always met. The Lord preserved Monte Vista Christian School from the fate of many other enterprises through the generosity of Henry Books, a Fresno farmer, who liquidated all indebtedness of the school.

 

 

 

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During the early 1930s, enrollment went as low as 15 students. However, there was always food on the table, and the payroll was always met.

The Lord preserved Monte Vista Christian School from the fate of many other enterprises through the generosity of Henry Books, a Fresno farmer, who liquidated all indebtedness of the school. He and Leo Westwater, VP of Granite Construction, plus Ernest Frasher, a member of the Fresno County Board of Education, formed a non-profit corporation. The corporation took title to the small piece of land on which the Administration Building was located, plus the right of way to the main road.

The elder Murphys were no longer able to handle the property, and it passed to their heirs, who were not favorable toward Christian schools. They decided to sell the ranch.

When people came to the ranch to buy, they did not want it with a fenced-in school building in the middle of it, so it did not sell.

1940s

 

In October 1941, Mr. and Mrs. M. Arganbright purchased the 66-acre property for $5,250, well below its $40,000 value in the 1920s. The school later purchased the land from them over ten years, with the final portion deeded to MVC in 1964. Around this time, Martha Sailer, who enrolled as a freshman in 1940, met Don Price, son of R.O. and Nell Price; they married in December 1944.

 

 

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Mr. and Mrs. M. Arganbright purchased the land when it was at its lowest value in October 1941, for $5,250, for all 66 acres, instead of $40,000 like it was in the 1920s. The school purchased it from them over a ten year period, and in 1964, the small piece of land held in trust was deeded over to the school.

Martha Sailer came to Monte Vista Christian School in 1940 as a freshman. During her senior year, she became good friends with Don Price, the son of R.O. and Nell Price. They were married in December 1944.

After finishing his degree, Don Price taught at MVCS, and later served as principal. Jim Price stayed for several years, and he and his wife Anita became missionaries in Peru.

The early 1940s were the war years, and times were sometimes difficult. However, enrollment stayed at about 70 students, and a larger cafeteria was needed. It was built in 1948 and is still in service today, with two additions in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and a complete redecoration in 2006.

In the late ‘40s, an airstrip was developed near the present stadium along the row of eucalyptus trees, and a hangar was built. Friends, parents, and staff flew into this small strip.

1950s

 

The 1950s were a time of faith and perseverance for MVC. As R.O. Price’s health declined, the administration faced a season of change, yet Don and Martha Price were encouraged by the promise in Philippians 4:19 that “God will provide,” and faithful teachers and staff rallied to sustain the school. During this decade, John and Lorna Sailer joined MVC after graduating from San Jose State and greatly strengthened the community, though John was diagnosed with polio in 1956, leaving him largely paralyzed.

 

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The 1950s were a time of trusting the Lord, as it became clear that the administration would undergo a time of change due to the failing health of R.O. Price. After much prayer, Don and Martha Price were encouraged by the promise in Philippians 4:19 that “God will provide." Faithful teachers and staff pulled together to sustain the school.

John and Lorna Sailer came to Monte Vista Christian School in 1950, after both finished at San Jose State; they greatly strengthened the school. But in 1956, John was diagnosed with polio, leaving him completely paralyzed except for partial use of one hand and arm.

In 1954, Monte Vista Christian School was made into an irrevocable non-profit corporation, which meant the school could never be sold to benefit anyone.

Nell Price suddenly passed away 1957. R.O. Price was sick. There were financial struggles. The school hung on to that scripture, “God will provide.”

In February, R.O. Price resigned as president, and Don Price was chosen in his place.

In 1958, R.O. Price married Ruth, a 1930 MVC graduate whose husband had passed away. Ruth loved R.O., and took good care of him during his last 18 months. After his death in 1959, she spent the next 30 years developing and maintaining the school library.

John Sailer came back into the classroom, although in a wheelchair after being hospitalized for a year. He was able to continue teaching math and science for 20 more years.

In 1951, the school newspaper, The Messenger, was begun. A print shop was built to accommodate the printing press and other equipment necessary. That building was later used for the music department, then history classrooms, and in 2007 it started a new life as a blackbox theatre for the drama department.

The student population was more than 100 at the end of the 1950s. The first phase of the boys dorm was begun in 1959, and it was first occupied in 1960. A second story was added in the 1970s.

1960s

 

In 1962–63, Monte Vista Christian School received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). One member of the accreditation team remarked that if he had a daughter, he would send her to MVC because of the loyalty and commitment he saw among the staff and students. During this time, the Athletic Department was organized under Dale Lebeck and C.C. Richardson, and the gym—now the James Bard Black Box Theatre—was built by Harry York, who moved a Quonset hut from San Jose piece by piece for under $5,000.

 

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In 1962-63, Monte Vista Christian School received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Afterwards, one of the professors on the accreditation team said that if he had a daughter, she would attend Monte Vista Christian School, because he had seen such loyalty and commitment among the staff and the students.

In the 1960s, the Athletic Department became organized under the leadership of Dale Lebeck and C.C. Richardson. The gym (now the James Bard Black Box Theatre) was built by Harry York by moving a Quonset hut piece by piece from San Jose, at a total cost of under $5,000.

A group of people, likely students, standing in front of a large building labeled "M.V. Gymnasium" against a backdrop of a hilly landscape.

In 1960, a new Grade-A dairy was built on campus by Mrs. Jackson and her son, Roy. Students enjoyed the fresh milk for many years.

The student body grew to 150 boarding students and a few day students. The athletic teams were doing well in competition.

1970s

 

The 1970s were a time of growth at MVC. Construction on the girls’ dorm began in 1970 and was completed in 1971, largely funded by alumnus Robert Stotts and Mrs. Robert Hellman of the Hellman Mayonnaise Company. During this decade, key staff members Lyle and Julie Olson also left a lasting impact. Lyle beautified the campus, placed utilities underground, oversaw construction of the swimming pool and Library/Science complex, and installed several acres of lawn between the buildings.

 

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A black and white photograph of a baseball team, with the players seated and standing in a group, wearing matching uniforms and caps, against a backdrop of what appears to be a stadium or sports facility.

The 1970s were a time of growth. Construction on the girls dorm began in 1970 and was completed in 1971. Mr. Robert Stotts, an MVC alumnus, and Mrs. Robert Hellman of the Hellman mayonnaise company, were largely responsible for paying for the building.

Among the key staff members to serve in the ‘70s were Lyle and Julie Olson. Lyle beautified the campus, put utilities underground, oversaw the building of the swimming pool and the Library/Science complex, and he installed several acres of lawn between the buildings.

Another was Dale Lebeck, who worked first as Registrar, then as High School Principal.

Clark Wetzel came in 1974, starting as the boys dorm dean and science teacher, and later became principal of the high school. He had a vision for more day students.

Paul Lyons became Athletic Director, and steadily started improving and expanding the program. Ed Coddingham worked in the financial area.

Much of this growth was made possible by friends of the school who donated property in the Oakland area. They were Rod Busk, Oliver Fox, and Jack Wade. The property was sold, and the money used for the campus improvements.

The 1970s finished with about 400 students.

The baseball field was built in the 70s, and was improved in the 80s with dugouts and a beautiful view of the campus.

The daily busing program was started in 1978 with a single bus to bring students to campus. Additional routes were added as they were needed, and today we have 11 bus routes to four counties.

MVCS has always had at least a few horses. R.O. Price rode his horse around campus to oversee various projects. In the late 1970s the MVC Equestrian Program took over the old dairy building and began to expand until, in the 1990s, there were over 30 horses. In 2000, the equestrian facility was leased to an independent operator, who still offers horsemanship as a Monte Vista PE class and holds summer equestrian camps.

1980s

 

In the 1980s, Dale Lebeck saw the need for a lounge in the girls dorm. He, along with Mary Jackson’s input, designed it, and Harry York built it in 1982. Dale supervised the building of the high school gym, which began in July 1984. The main part of the gym was dedicated in November 1984, and the rest was completed over the next several years. When it was finished, it was completely paid for.

 

 

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In the 1980s, Dale Lebeck saw the need for a lounge in the girls dorm. He, along with Mary Jackson’s input, designed it, and Harry York built it in 1982. Dale supervised the building of the high school gym, which began in July 1984. The main part of the gym was dedicated in November 1984, and the rest was completed over the next several years. When it was finished, it was completely paid for.

In 1989, the October earthquake made the old administration building unusable, so classes were held all over campus, including hallways, lobbies, the staff dining room, and the outdoor picnic tables.

The student body was now up to 700. The middle school was also growing, under Jim Hyman who served as principal during much of the 80s.

Because of the earthquake, a permit was obtained in record time to build a new administration building.

1990s

 

In the 1990s, MVC saw significant growth and development. The high school gym was completed and named the Dave Hart Gymnasium, and the MVC football program was launched in 1992, marking a new chapter in the school’s athletics.
Don Price served as Head of School until 1997, when Clark Wetzel, then the High School Principal, succeeded him as Head of School, continuing the school’s legacy of strong leadership and growth.

 

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In the 1990s, MVC saw significant growth and development. The high school gym was completed and named the Dave Hart Gymnasium, and the MVC football program was launched in 1992, marking a new chapter in the school’s athletics.

Enrollment grew steadily throughout the decade, rising from 700 students in the late 1980s to nearly 1,400 by 1999.

Don Price served as Head of School until 1997, when Clark Wetzel, then the High School Principal, succeeded him as Head of School, continuing the school’s legacy of strong leadership and growth.

2000s

 

During the 2000s, nationwide political events contributed to a temporary decline in enrollment at MVC. As Head of School, Steve Sharp focused on rebuilding enrollment and strengthening the school’s technological infrastructure. Under his leadership, MVC also built the Sports Performance Center, providing state-of-the-art strength and agility training facilities for student-athletes.

 

 

 

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The early 2000s were marked by significant political unrest, including the contentious Gore/Bush election, the devastating terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and the United States' subsequent involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq.

For MVC, these events along with others resulted in a temporary decline in enrollment. During this challenging time, Steve Sharp took on the role of Head of School and dedicated himself to rebuilding and strengthening both the school’s enrollment and its technological infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the Sports Performance Center was built, providing state-of-the-art strength and agility training equipment and spaces for student-athletes, enhancing the school’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

2010s

 

MVC has long been at the forefront of educational innovation. On April 3, 2010, the school purchased 35 iPads for classroom use, becoming the first school in the world to provide students with this technology and later implementing a 1:1 iPad program. During this decade, MVC also reached its highest enrollment to date, with 1,085 high school students and 284 middle school students in 2016.

 

 

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MVC has always been at the forefront of educational innovation. On April 3, 2010, MVC purchased 35 iPads for classroom use and became the first school in the USA and the world to supply their students with that technology. MVC was also the first to implement a 1:1 iPad student-to-device ratio, ensuring every student had the tools they needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. By seamlessly integrating technology into everyday learning, it empowered students to explore, create, and collaborate in ways that prepared them for the future.
 

During this decade, the school also reached its highest enrollment numbers to date, with 1,085 students in the High School and 284 in the Middle School in 2016.

In 2017, Mitch Salerno assumed the role of Head of School.

That same year, the MVC community lost Martha Price, and in her honor, the school established the Martha Price Award. This award was created to celebrate her selfless spirit and to recognize individuals who embody her legacy of humility, service, and love.

The 2010s concluded with the grand opening of the Don Price Performing Arts Center, a defining moment for MVC's growth and commitment to the arts.

2020s

 

The 2020s have been a decade of resilience and growth for MVC. Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school achieved significant milestones, including authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School, completion of the Mustang Stadium renovation, the reopening of the boarding program, the opening of the Martha Price Day Care program, the launch of the Lower Grades program, and the celebration of MVC’s centennial year in 2026.

 

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, MVC had to shut down the Boarding Program, but remained steadfast in its commitment to keeping learning uninterrupted for the Day Program. MVC swiftly implemented the technology and safety protocols to ensure a safe, continuous educational experience. With advanced online learning platforms, enhanced sanitation measures, and flexible hybrid models, MVC stayed open and adaptive, providing students with the resources and support they needed to thrive, whether in the classroom or at home. The Lord continued to provide, and the school’s dedication to the well-being and success of every student was reinfored and blessed during this season.

Under the direction of Head of School Mitch Salerno, the authorization process with the International Baccalaureate Programme began for both the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme in 2020. IB World Schools are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education. MVC was authorized as an IB World School for the DP in 2021 and for the MYP in 2023.

In 2020, the Mustang Stadium renovation was completed.

In 2021, MVC appointed Nikki Daniels as Head of School, reopened the Boarding Program, and returned to full-time, in-person learning on campus. To further support the school community, the Martha Price Home Daycare was established, providing childcare for staff and faculty in need.


In 2023, MVC launched a pilot 5th Grade program and celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Diploma Programme (DP) students.

The following year, 2024, saw the addition of 4th Grade to the school. By 2024, the student body had grown to 835 students, reflecting the school’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.

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Founders, R.O. and Nell Price