Terry Neven

Perhaps no other Southern Californian couple has done as much for home schooling than the husband and wife team of Terry and Laura Neven.  Since Terry Neven first became involved in home schooling in 1981, home school in California has seen its fair share of change—for the better, of course.  A former pastor for both youth and adult congregations, Terry Neven has demonstrated extensive commitment to the improvement of independent study in Southern California and throughout the nation.  Terry Neven’s commitment to his own education is proof of the value he places on education. Terrence Neven has been educated at Southern California Bible College in Norwalk, California; he has received leadership training from Fuller Theological Seminary, and has completed the Los Angeles County Office of Education Leadership Development Academy for Private School Principals.  Evidence of Terry’s standards for excellence in education are evident: Alumni of Sunland Christian School have gone on to attend universities that include Harvard and University of Southern California. Through Terry’s hard work and dedication to his ministry, Sunland Christian School has served over 3,000 families since it was founded in 1981.

Before working full-time in the home school ministry, Terry Neven served as pastor to congregations in Southern California.  After receiving his Bachelor’s in Theology from Southern California Bible College in Norwalk, California, he was appointed youth pastor at the Community Christian Center in Sunland, California.  Two years later, he founded Sunland Household of Faith, which later merged with San Fernando Foursquare Church.

For eight years, Terry produced and hosted the show “Educating Our Children.”  As the executive director and administrator of the National Independent Study Accreditation Council (NISAC), he continues to act as head of a council that has—since 1996—provided national accreditation for home school and programs of independent study.  The NISAC site (http://www.homeschoolaccreditation.com) provides operational guidelines, standards for accreditation, details on the application process, and guidelines for self-study—filling a former void in the homeschool landscape.

Terry has made a name for himself as a highly-regarded expert on countless matters related to home education.  Frequently called upon to give speeches at churches and home schooling conferences, Terry has also appeared as a guest on radio and television talk shows to discuss topics pertaining to home schooling and independent education.  For private groups and individuals, Terry makes himself available to consult those who may be interested in starting their own home school programs.  Today, he and Laura—along with Brad Dacus, Kevin Snider, and Pacific Justice Institute legal staff—continue to be active in defending homeschool rights in the state of California.

Making a joyful noise unto the Lord, Terry is proud to serve as the chairman of the Sing for Joy Gospel Choir.  As a member of the California Association Supervisors Child Welfare and Attendance, he belongs to a network of school professionals who are fervent believers in the improvement of school climate and safety.  He lives in Southern California with his wife and family.  Along with his wife, Laura Neven, he is co-chairman of the Outreach Team at their local church.

Tags: Terrence Neven, Terry Neven