Faculty

Suzanne C. Arne, Headmistress, has worked for thirteen years as a credentialed public school teacher in Chicago and San Jose.  She served as President of Saratoga Toastmasters for the past year where she mentored young adults in learning to perfect public speaking skills. In the past she has taught and performed music and conducted large school assemblies; she coordinated fine arts programs where she mentored over eighty teachers in an artist's residency program.  She has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Loyola University and many Masters level units in Educational Psychology.  Fluent in Spanish and accomplished in ESL and special education, this TESL certified instructor loves to teach languages, reading and writing.  She coordinates teacher training and works with students of varying abilities.  Her commitment to quality teaching has enabled students to learn to study effectively and to develop self-confidence in all areas of life.
E-mail: suzanne@schoolofchoice.com

Robert C. Arne, M.A., M.Litt., Headmaster, is a Ph.D. Candidate and published author in history at the University of Chicago.  Robert graduated with degrees in history, political economy and an individual major in the Social Sciences. He then obtained a M.Litt. from a world-class University organized on tutorial principles: Oxford, England.  He holds a M.A. from the University of Chicago and is preparing a thesis which probes the influence upon modern professional society of a great champion of individual liberty and educational choice: Herbert Spencer.  Robert has taught all subjects in San Jose area high schools: he managed reform school boys as well as students of elite academies. 

More than anything, he loves great books and ideas; thus, he teaches in our Writing and English and Advanced Placement programs. He teaches writing with the "Little Red Schoolhouse" course in advanced professional writing which he had once taught at the University of Chicago.  With his partner, Suzanne, he decided to blaze new paths for independent professionals. At The School of Choice, he teaches critical and creative thinking as it is best taught: in small seminars.
E-mail: robert@schoolofchoice.com

David R. Delgado, Executive Director, a graduate of UC Berkeley, brings us over 13 years of private school management experience. His experience includes various levels of administration, school development and organization, multi-campus accreditation, quality assurance, curriculum development, teacher selection and training, student assessment, student counseling, teaching, and problem solving.

He has taught U.S. History, World History, Literature, and Spanish to our middle school students, and his busy life also includes a full-time management position with the nation's largest private school system, Internet consulting via his company D2 Internet, and studying to complete his M.Div at Trinity School of Theology.

"Children become excited and motivated only after they've caught a glimpse of their true potential. Gifted children are less likely to have this experience in the uncreative, inflexible school environments at many of today's public and private schools. But there is good news. When expert teachers are allowed to exercise their professional creativity with individual children, the results are amazing."
E-mail: dave@schoolofchoice.com

Emmanuel "Manny" De Leon, Director of Science and Technology, is veteran of a Bachelor's program in Electrical Engineering and a MBA program from the Central Colleges of the Philippines. He brings excellent teaching and industry experience to the school: he served 10 years as President and Owner of BTS testing company and three years as general manager of Stanford Engineering Corporation. He also worked for twelve years as a college instructor at Phillips Junior College where he was consistently ranked number one or two in student evaluations between 1990 and 1997. He even wrote the Basic Math textbook used at Phillips College during these years. Manny's enthusiasm for math and science thrills the students whether or not they seek careers in math and science.

Heshimu Colar, Physical Education
We are fortunate to have Heshimu with us, for he brings experience working with youth from a wide variety of backgrounds. He has worked with youth for 11 years as a counselor in Unity Care, Inc. Residential Group Home and has a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University in African - American Studies.

Heshimu was the first freshman in ten years to be a starter for San Jose State's football team. He started for 4 years, earning All-American status in 1988 and 1991. He was captain of the football team in 1990 and 1991. Heshimu then signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos of the NFL and played professionally in the Canadian Football League.

Since that time, Heshimu has been active in church related activities and now pastors The Gospel Church in Sunnyvale CA.

He has worked with athletes and non-athletes to give them enjoyment in competition and in working to achieve goals. He knows that every youth has something to gain.
E-mail: heshimu@schoolofchoice.com

Koungmi Park studied Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture at Tuscany, Italy, during the summer of 1999. She graduated from the Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA, with a degree in Traditional Illustration Art. She now teaches art for the Yavneh Day School, Kehillah Jewish High School, the California School of Art and Design and, of course, for the School of Choice. She teaches many kinds of art, but is especially strong in drawing and oil painting.
E-mail: park@schoolofchoice.com

Dominic Ortez, Physical Education and Breaktime Supervision

Mona Hernandez, Secretary
E-mail: mona@schoolofchoice.com