Welcome to Payson Christian School

Teaching to the Whole of the Child

A Missional Approach to Christ-Centered Learning

Christian Education in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Distinct from other educational institutions, at Payson Christian School, we nurture “The Whole of the Child” in a haven where academic excellence meets spiritual and ethical grounding. Discover a community focused on holistic development, where students preschool through 7th grade are empowered and relationships flourish. Join us for a transformative education in a safe, respectful, and positive environment—

Your child’s journey to a well-rounded future starts here.

Dual Accreditation

Here at PCS we don’t take our accreditations lightly. Our continuing education process is rigorous because we understand the educational power that accreditations hold. They equip and advance how effective we are in terms of innovation and research and are at the center of each of our programs.

All of the teachers at PCS are ACSI certified and Cognia certified and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree – more than half have a master’s or higher. Regardless of the degree, each teacher is dedicated to continuing their professional development and takes part in continuing education opportunities regularly.

ACSI Accreditation logo
Logo for Cognia Accreditation
Best of the Rim Logo 2022

A Note From Our School Administrator

Christian Education in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Welcome to Payson Christian School, Celebrating 40 years 1986 → 2026.

Hello, I’m Dr. Walp, PhD, DMin, EdS, the school administrator, and I’m delighted you’re here! My wife, TJ, and I have been married for over 35 years, we have two adult sons and a wonderful granddaughter who live on the East Coast. We love spending time outdoors, whether it’s backpacking, kayaking, or simply enjoying Arizona’s breathtaking scenery.

I have had the privilege and honor of serving in various leadership roles in six states, bringing a diverse background to my work. My goal since arriving in 2018 has been to implement a series of positive, data-informed improvements, always keeping students and families at the heart of every decision. Our guiding principles are: honoring God, never settling for mediocrity, avoiding the mindset of “That’s the way it’s always been,” and recognizing that there is always room for improvement. Further, we believe that nothing is beneath anyone; we are one Team with one voice, and as partners with you, we can accomplish much.

As servants of the Most High, we’re committed to forever growing, learning, and finding better ways to help students thrive. We’d love for you to join us as we make PCS a place where students, families, and staff thrive!

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Meet Our
Dedicated Staff

Administrative

Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Dr. Walp, PhD, DMin, EdS

Administrator

Susan Sanders Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Susan Sanders, MA

Dean of Faculty and Students

Melissa Wile Staff at Payson Christian School in Payson, AZ

April Stickley

Registrar and Special Events Coordinator

Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

TJ Walp

Scholarships Coordinator

Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Andrea McQueen

Financial Coordinator

Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Pastor James Lake

School Chaplain

Preschool Staff

Judy Contratto Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Judy Contratto

Preschool Instructor

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Gwen Nees

Preschool Instructor

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Amie Horsley

Preschool Instructor

Elementary School Staff

Sara Kariodimedjo Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Teryn Fabian

Kindergarten Instructor

Emily Walter Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Rae bailiff

First Grade Instructor

Sara Kariodimedjo Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Sara Kario

Second Grade Instructor

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Hunter Horsley

Third Grade Instructor

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Aidan Stockman

Fourth Grade Instructor

Middle School Staff

Private School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Margot Tan, MA

Middle School Science: 6 – 8th  & Whole School Art

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Gina Whitmarsh

Middle School Instructor: 5th Grade

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Nikki Brown

Middle School Instructor: 6 – 8th

“I have been blown away by the administration at this school. They ensure high-quality care to both the students and the parents, and they are always looking ahead to prepare the students for the future. On top of it all, they are centered on Christ!”

– The Campbell Family

News

Coming soon!

Calendar of Events

For more information about Payson Christian School please call our office at 928-474-8050, or share your information via a form and we will be in touch.

Payson Christian School
1000 E Frontier St
Payson, AZ 85541

Phone:
928-474-8050

Email:
info@pcspayson.org

Hours During School:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Hours During Breaks

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Payson Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs. As a Christian ministry, PCS reserves the right to select students and staff based on biblical standards of spiritual commitment, lifestyle choices, and personal conduct.