Houston, TX – Northland Christian School, a premiere private K-12 college preparatory school in the Northwest Houston and Spring area, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Ryan Berens as the new Head of School. Dr. Berens, a seasoned educational leader with over twenty years of experience in Christian education, joins Northland Christian School from his previous role as Vice President of Academics at Cypress Christian School.
Dr. Berens has been selected to lead Northland Christian School into its next chapter of excellence in education, spiritual growth, and community engagement. His appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search process, during which he engaged in extensive discussions with a wide range of stakeholders within the Northland community, including parents, faculty, staff, administration, the search committee, and the Board of Trustees. Feedback from these interactions was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting Dr. Berens’s vision, leadership qualities, and his heart for Christ-centered education.
A Leader Dedicated to Excellence and Community
Dr. Berens brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to Northland Christian School. As Vice President of Academics at Cypress Christian School, he oversaw significant growth and enhancements in school culture and spiritual development among students. His commitment to excellence in academics and a strong Biblical foundation helped lead to a 27% increase (833 students) in enrollment over last three years,
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in History from Rhodes College, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and a Doctorate Of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia, Dr. Berens is well-prepared to guide Northland Christian School towards a bright future. His educational philosophy emphasizes service, relationship-building, and fostering a community that glorifies God.
“I am honored and excited to join the Northland Christian School community as its Head of School. The passion for excellence in education, grounded in Christ’s teachings, resonates deeply with my own values. I look forward to building on this strong foundation, working alongside the talented staff and faculty, and engaging with the students and parents to create an environment where every student can thrive both academically and spiritually.
As a seasoned school administrator and parent of two school-age children, my wife Carmen and I were particularly attracted to Northland for its warm and inviting family community, its structure for developing well-rounded students that colleges and universities seek, its exceptional college acceptance rate, and its Christ-centered focus. Northland’s commitment to combining rigorous academics with opportunities in arts, athletics, sciences, and debate aligns perfectly with our vision for a holistic Christian education,” said Dr. Berens.
A Family Committed to Christian Education
Christian education is a family commitment for the Berens. Dr. Berens, along with his wife Carmen and their children, Claire and Mason, who will be attending Northland Christian School, are active members of Champion Forest Baptist Church, where they have served in the children’s ministry. The Berens family embodies the values and mission of Northland Christian School, making Dr. Berens not just a leader, but also a parent deeply invested in the community and who understands the importance of viewing education through the lens of a Christ-following family.
A Warm Welcome and Bright Future Ahead
The Northland Christian School community extends a warm welcome to Dr. Ryan Berens and his family. Roger Elswick, Parent and Chair of the NCS Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for the support of the school community and excitement for the future under Dr. Berens’s leadership. “Dr. Berens’s appointment is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional Christian education. His leadership, vision, and devotion to our students’ learning, life, and community will undoubtedly lead Northland Christian School to new heights of success and spiritual growth,” said Elswick.
Northland Christian School looks forward to the positive changes and advancements that Dr. Berens’s leadership will bring to the school and its community. The school invites all stakeholders to join in welcoming Dr. Berens and his family to Northland and to support them in this exciting new chapter.
About Northland Christian School
Established in 1974 and situated in Spring and Northwest Houston, Texas, Northland Christian School is a premier PK-12 private college preparatory school dedicated to excellence in academics, spiritual growth, fine arts, and athletics, all within a nurturing Christian and family environment. Serving a diverse community of students with a personalized student-teacher ratio, Northland offers a rich curriculum including advanced placement, honors courses, and robust STEM/STEAM programs, complemented by competitive arts and athletics. Renowned for its A+ overall grade, 100% graduation rate, award-winning programs, and exceptional college entrance exam scores, Northland Christian School commits to preparing future leaders who are academically accomplished and spiritually grounded, ready to contribute positively to society and embody their faith in action.