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t Avondale Seventh-day Adventist School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Eagles are soaring higher than ever. What began as a prayerful vision by Principal Luis Ortiz—to give a 'beautiful little school' big-school opportunities—has taken flight through new clubs, new initiatives, and a brand-new student-led video production studio.
Nicknamed “The Eagle View,” the studio now serves as a creative hub where students learn to produce newscasts, record interviews, highlight school events, and share their voices through Bible studies, sermons, and testimonies. During this new 2025/2026 academic year, the studio is also preparing young leaders to contribute to other evangelistic initiatives. “This is more than technology,” Ortiz explains. “It’s about equipping our children with skills to communicate Christ’s message clearly, creatively, and confidently.”
The studio is just one part of a broader vision: offering Avondale’s students opportunities that rival much larger schools. Avondale has launched a vibrant network of clubs—including Ukulele, Bells, Yearbook, Sports, Public Speaking, and Media Production. Each provides hands-on learning where children discover talents, build confidence, and develop Christlike character.
The Eagle View:
Small School, Big Vision
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Closing Day – Pentecost 2025
As a result, Avondale’s students are not only learning important skills but also putting them to work in service. At our Pentecost 2025 Campaign in April, students presented sermons, led Bible studies, and many expressed interest in baptism. The same spirit is alive in their clubs: music for worship, media for outreach, and sports for teamwork.
This year’s school-wide theme—“Christlike Character Counts!”—reflects Avondale’s intentional focus on character education. Avondale recently became an official CHARACTER COUNTS! School, aligning with the nationally recognized Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Video Production Studio
For Ortiz and his team, this initiative goes hand-in-hand with the South Central Conference motto: 'Christ, Character, Curriculum.' “We are developing the whole child,” Ortiz emphasizes, “giving them tools to take Christ to the community through the classroom.”
Founded in 1919, Avondale SDA School has served Chattanooga families for more than 105 years. Today, the school is carrying forward that legacy with a renewed sense of mission and creativity. Whether through strumming a ukulele, reporting from the 'Eagle View' studio desk, or preaching a student-led sermon, Avondale students are practicing leadership that blends faith, learning, and service.
As Ortiz reflects:
“Every one of our Eagles matter. When they walk into this school, they are not only loved—they are prepared to soar.”
Clubs & Enrichment:
Constituent & Contributing Churches:
Come and see the amazing things God is doing at our school!
This video is just a glimpse of the wonderful educational journey at Avondale SDA School!
Avondale SDA School
Fast Facts
Location:
Chattanooga, Tennessee (near the Tennessee River)
Enrollment:
45 students (K–8)
Mascot:
The Eagle
School Theme (2024–25):
Christlike Character Counts!
South Central Conference Motto:
Christ, Character, Curriculum
Website:
Luis Ortiz is a 30-year veteran of elementary education, with experience in both public schools and Adventist schools. He holds a specialist degree in Administration and Leadership and will be defending his dissertation at La Sierra University on the role of multi-grade teaching principals, this fall.
Originally a music education major, Luis followed God’s call into elementary education and continues to share his love for music as an accomplished pianist. He is also a Master Guide, committed to mentoring young people in leadership and service.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Luis attended an SDA church school himself and now serves in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he leads with the same Christ-centered passion he shares with his wife, Sany, a fellow Adventist educator and former academy principal in Mexico.
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