Exciting Leadership Updates at LCA

We are thrilled to announce exciting updates within the leadership team at Layton Christian Academy (LCA) as we continue to grow and strengthen our community with Christ at the center.

Mrs. Anna Long Appointed as K–8 Principal
We are delighted to welcome back Anna Long to LCA as our new K–8 Principal! Anna first joined LCA 15 years ago after a distinguished career in Christian education leadership roles at Bradshaw Christian School and Capital Christian School in Sacramento, California. When she first joined LCA, she taught Jr. Kindergarten before moving into middle school, where she taught 6th–8th grade English, Honors English, Bible, Ministry Class, and Choir. Her additional background includes serving as a curriculum writer for Purposeful Design (ACSI) and launching new academic programs as a Founding Director at Monticello Academy, a prestigious Utah Charter School. Her private and charter school experience will be a great benefit to LCA students.

Anna is passionate about faith-centered education, academic excellence, and building a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels valued. She brings deep expertise in literacy leadership, teacher development, and school culture building. Anna shares, "Coming back to LCA feels like coming home. I’m honored to step into this role and be part of the amazing work God is doing here."

Her goals for the K–8 program include ensuring Christ remains at the center of everything we do, fostering academic excellence, supporting teachers with practical and Christ-centered professional development, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging for our beautifully diverse student body.

Anna's leadership is rooted in Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

We are blessed to have Anna back in the LCA family!

Gabe Pethtel Transitions to High School Principal
After serving as our K–8 Principal during the fall semester, Mr. Gabe Pethtel will now transition into the role of High School Principal for the 2025–2026 school year. Gabe brings a heart for Christian education, a strong background in athletic leadership, and a deep passion for building an outstanding high school culture.

Reflecting on his time with the K–8 students and teachers, Gabe shares, "I have been blessed to see the amazing students, teachers, and families at LCA, who welcomed me with open hearts. That spirit of faith, flexibility, and community is what makes LCA so special."

Gabe is especially excited to focus on helping high school students prepare for life beyond LCA—whether in college, career, or ministry. He has worked closely with Head of School Pastor Chris Crowder to create a new Guidance Counselor role to better support college and career pathways, led by Mrs. Kelsey Mills.

"At LCA, we are not just educating minds; we are nurturing hearts for Christ," Gabe said. "I can’t wait to help our students grow academically, spiritually, and socially in a community they’ll remember for the rest of their lives."

A Message from Our Head of School, Chris Crowder
Under the leadership of Chris Crowder, LCA continues to thrive with a mission rooted in loving God, loving people, and serving others. Pastor Chris brings over two decades of executive leadership experience across education, government, and community development.

As he shares: "We are committed to not only offering a world-class education but to cultivating a place where students from over 50 countries experience Christ-centered love, excellence, and opportunity."

With students from across Utah, the United States, and around the world, LCA’s diverse and vibrant campus is a true reflection of the Kingdom of God—and we are incredibly proud to see the mission of LCA continue to grow.