Word from the Principal
Welcome to Mother Lode Christian School (MLCS)! We are thrilled that you’re here, whether you’re returning to us or visiting our website for the very first time. We are excited to share a glimpse of our school and our dedicated mission to nurture the next generation of Christian leaders in beautiful Tuolumne County.
At MLCS, we believe that academic excellence and a Christ-centered faith go hand in hand. We encourage our students to see and celebrate God’s amazing work in their lives, in our communities, and throughout the world. Our passionate staff set high academic standards, all within a safe and loving environment where we can worship God with our hearts and minds. And with our small class sizes, we truly cherish every child who walks through our doors.
Building a strong sense of community is a key focus at MLCS. We want our school to be a special place where we genuinely care for one another. We warmly invite families to engage in our school events, weekly chapels, and service projects, as we believe that together we create a powerful foundation for our children to embark on a lifetime of leadership and service.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit to our campus, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to hear from you, and may God abundantly bless you and your family!
Thomas Higgins – Principal
Returning to Mother Lode Christian School (MLCS) as principal is a tremendous honor and a true homecoming for me. Having grown up in Tuolumne County, I attended MLCS from kindergarten through twelfth grade. My father dedicated over twenty years of his life to teaching here, and I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. As I reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities facing the next generation, I am incredibly proud to lead our MLCS team in equipping students and supporting the families of our community through a Christ-centered education.
My academic background is rooted in church history and social science, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Simpson University, a Master’s Degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to being at MLCS, I served as an Adjunct Professor at UC Davis and taught middle school at Soulsbyville Elementary School. These diverse roles broadened my instructional expertise and deepened my appreciation for the value of education.
I have been happily married for twenty-six years, and I first met my wife in kindergarten, right here at Mother Lode Christian. Together, we have two children, who are proudly continuing the family tradition, by becoming the third generation to be involved with this school!