About Us

How Calvary Makes a Difference

At Calvary Day School, we are called to a higher mission. We infuse faith into our classrooms, clubs, gymnasiums, playing fields, etc.; in essence, into whatever is being done or taught. At Calvary we also pursue excellence in whatever we do. As a result of this internal pursuit of excellence, Calvary was recognized as the first charter member of the National Elementary Honor Society, and our students are accepted each year into some of the finest colleges and universities in the United States, with over half of these students typically receiving academic scholarships. In addition, a number of our student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent and receive athletic scholarships each year.

What We’ve Accomplished

Thanks to our generous supporters, Calvary Day School has been able to provide new and improved educational facilities. Calvary’s state-of-the-art High School offers a fully developed Media Center as well as research labs, science labs, technology labs, and upgraded athletic facilities. Likewise, every classroom in the Lower School has an interactive projection system, and in 2015 we implemented 1:1 technology from Pre-K through twelfth grade. These technological investments are just a few examples of our commitment to continued growth and the offering of the highest quality of education to each student.

In addition to technological opportunities, students are able to choose from a wide variety of electives and extracurricular activities which support our goal of developing the whole student. Our school continues to produce National Merit Scholars, and we enjoy success in athletics at the state and local levels as a result of this commitment. Calvary offers more opportunities for student development outside of the classroom than ever before because of our supporters who continue to believe in the mission and ministry of Calvary Day School.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission at Calvary Day School is to provide a Christ-centered educational experience for grades Pre-K – 12 through the development of the total student- spiritually, academically, socially, and physically.

Our Vision Statement

We are a community of learners and leaders where teaching and learning are stimulating, interesting, and Christ-centered. Students, staff, and parents are supportive of one another and work cooperatively to reach ever higher academic, social, emotional, and spiritual competencies. Differences are accepted and respected by students, staff, and parents. We follow many pathways to learning while sharing goals that unite us, a common core of knowledge, and a belief in biblical truths.

Administrative Staff

List of 12 members.

Dr. James Taylor

Head of School

jtaylor@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2005
Bio
James Taylor received his B.A. in English literature and educational philosophy from Messiah College, his M.A. in literature from Bridgewater University, his Ed.S. in educational leadership from Bridgewater University, and his Ed.D. in educational administration from Georgia Southern University. Taylor attends Calvary Baptist Temple and lives by Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Taylor’s greatest joy is to see Christ’s truth take root in the lives of young people. He is amazed to watch their worldviews become deliberately and intricately intertwined with the creator of the universe. Taylor challenges his students to live deliberately in the pattern of 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” In his spare time he loves bicycling (mountain biking and road riding) and kayaking. His wife and two children are the absolute loves of his life.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2005
Mr. Joseph Almeida

Lower School Assistant Principal

jalmeida@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2018
Bio
Joseph Almeida is the Assistant Principal of the Lower School at Calvary. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Development and Learning with teacher licensure from Maryville College and both a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership and an Educational Leadership Certificate from Buffalo State SUNY. Mr. Almeida has experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Tennessee, Brazil, South Carolina, and now Georgia. He went to Brazil on a mission trip, and God kept him there for seven years where he served as a teacher and later as the Elementary Principal at School of the Nations in Brasilia, Brazil. What amazing experience he will be able to share with our youngest Cavaliers! He, his wife, Kathleen, and their awesome children live in Bluffton, SC. Mr. Almeida loves to be outside playing with his kids, running, or doing crossfit. John 15:12 is a verse he tries to live by every day: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Mrs. Tonja Brunn 89

Director of Media Services

tbrunn@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2000
Bio
Tonja Brunn holds a B.S. degree in health and physical education from Armstrong State College, an M.Ed. in counselor education from Georgia Southern University, and an M.Ed. in administration and supervision from the University of Georgia. She attends Calvary Baptist Temple, and her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Brunn most enjoys her job because of the family atmosphere and the direct impact on students that she witnesses every day. She counts it a true joy to see the physical, academic, social, and spiritual growth of the students at Calvary Day School. Brunn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, enjoying the beach, and reading.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2000
Mr. Chad Griffin

Athletic Director/GOAL Director

cgriffin@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2002
Bio
Chad Griffin received his B.A. in history with a minor in criminal justice from UNC-Pembroke and his M.Ed. in education administration from Madison University. Griffin attends First Presbyterian Church and strives to live by Mark 9:35, “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be very last, and a servant to all.’” He has been blessed with a wonderful, caring wife, Sherry, and two remarkable children, Hayes and Addison. He is thankful for the ability to serve our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff through athletic endeavors. Griffin sincerely believes the values of “Building Champions through Christ,” and uses this motto to challenge our student-athletes to be the best young men and women they can be. Griffin prays that student-athletes will not only find individual success, but also spiritual success through true salvation that matters — a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2002
Mr. Jackie Hamilton 80

Middle School Athletic Director

jhamilton@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 1989
Bio
Jackie Hamilton holds a B.S. in health and physical education and an M.Ed. in health and physical education from the University of Georgia. Hamilton attends Calvary Baptist Temple and abides by John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Hamilton enjoys being with his family and friends, sports, the competition that comes with playing the game, and the successes of his students.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 1992
Mr. Gordon Hunter

Director of Development

ghunter@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2016
Bio
Gordon Hunter received his B.S. in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University in 2008. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Sports Management. Gordon is a member of Garden City United Methodist Church and a Savannah native. He believes that all Christians are called to give: give of your talents, time and resources. Deuteronomy 16:17 “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given to you.” Gordon is married to Calvary High School Physical Education teacher and Varsity Volleyball coach Hannah Hunter. They have one son, Nelson, who was born in July 2015. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, golf, and spending time with family.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2016
Mr. Phillip Lee 03

Director of Admissions

plee@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2008
Bio
Philip Lee received his B.A. in middle grades education for science and history from Brewton-Parker College. Lee attends Calvary Baptist Temple, and his favorite verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Lee loves that his job offers not only a present impact on students’ lives, but an eternal one as well.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2008
Mr. Cory Martin 03

Middle School Principal

cmartin@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2010
Bio
Cory Martin has his B.S. in biology from the University of Georgia and his M.A. in science & math education from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Martin attends Community Bible Church and gains inspiration from Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” For Cory, the best aspect of his position as the Dean of Curriculum & Instruction is the opportunity to build relationships with students all the while helping each student reach their academic goals. He is thankful for his wife Katie and their new daughter Carter Anne. He loves time spent with his family, sports of any kind, and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2010
Mrs. Stacey Mell 82

Director of School and College Counseling

smell@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 1987
Bio
Stacey Mell is a 1982 graduate of Calvary Day School. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts. in psychology with a minor in computer programming from Armstrong Atlantic State University and an M.Ed. in counseling as well as an Ed.S. in counseling from Georgia Southern University. Stacey has been married to Jeff Mell for twenty-nine years . Their son Matthew was a high honor graduate from Calvary in 2012 and is currently a senior at Georgia Southwestern University. Thier younger son Ryan, is currently a junior at Calvary and is on the track and football teams, as well as a member of the BEACON staff. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church and finds inspiration from Ephesians 2:8, “For grace you are saved through faith – think not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.” Mell enjoys spending time with her family on the beach, cruising to any Caribbean island, football games, and to dinner and a movie.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 1987
Dr. Patrick Mulvehill

Director of Technology

pmulvehill@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2006
Bio
Patrick Mulvehill holds a B.A. in ministry, an M.A. in theology, and a D.Min. in theology from Covington Theological Seminary. He attends Calvary Baptist Temple and claims John 3:30 as his life verse, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” His favorite pastime is spending time with his beautiful wife, Mary Ann, and his sons, Cameron and Cooper. God has blessed them with amazing little boys, and they just can’t get enough of their joyful smiles and addictive cuddles. Mulvehill’s hobbies include mountain biking, kayaking, and exploring technology of all kinds.

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2006
Mrs. Marianne Nordahl

Lower School Principal

mnordahl@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2007
Bio
Marianne Nordahl holds a B.S. in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Armstrong State University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Nordahl is married to Jeff, who works for Calvary Baptist in the maintenance department. She has three grown girls and loves spending time catching up with all of them as much as possible. She enjoys connecting with Calvary families and sharing her love of learning with the staff. She is amazed to see God working in the children's lives each and every day. Mrs. Nordahl lives by Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2007
Mrs. Susan Tigert

High School Principal

stigert@calvarydayschool.com

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2016
Bio
Susan Tigert was born and raised in Denton, Texas, and has lived in Texas most of her life. Susan graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Communications. She comes from a family of educators and fought going into that field. However, after a year out of college, she realized God’s calling for her life. Mrs. Tigert went back to school to obtain teacher certification in English and speech at Midwestern State University. Then after twelve years in the classroom, she pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Wayland Baptist University. Currently, Mrs. Tigert is working on her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. She has been married for fifteen years to her best friend, Brady. They have three wonderful children: Matthew, Brenden, and Madalynn. The scripture that grounds her on a daily basis is Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

Serving Calvary Day School Since 2016