Lopez Academy is a K-12 Christian microschool in Catalina, AZ. Currently, we’re enrolling K-8.

Our Contemporary Christian Education preps students for the 2050s, not the 1950s. A Christian education designed for today's smart world.

Think classical but for the AI-generation.

We love classical education’s commitment to developing great minds. We simply take a different route. Instead of filling the school day with Latin electives and poetry studies, we introduce students to great books on entrepreneurship, economics, finance, tech, business, and civics. Our goal is the same intellectual excellence, but with twice the emphasis on systems thinking and real-world apprenticeship skills.

Mr. Lopez’s Birbalsingh–Washington Philosophy brings the best of two successful educational traditions: Katharine Birbalsingh’s conservative values, high academic expectations, and a disciplined school culture, and Booker T. Washington’s practical wisdom, productive enterprise, and personal agency.

Inspired by the achievements of Michaela Community School and Tuskegee Institute, Lopez Academy combines these principles with a Christian worldview to raise skilled scholars and wise workers—young people who think for themselves, work hard, solve problems, and grow into capable adults.

David Lopez, Principal

Background

  • 15 yrs pastoring & teaching kids and teens

  • Master’s degree, ACSI-certified (2024-26)

  • SARSEF 2nd place statewide winner (6th grader, 2024)

  • ASU Prep Microschool Entrepreneur Fellowship winner

  • VELA Education Fund Grant winner

  • Autozone Liberty Bowl champion (2010)

  • Division 1 SEC student-athlete scholar

  • NFL 1st round prospect & Jr. Olympic recruit

  • Track & Field record holder & state champion (2008, 2009)

From Our Award-Winning Educator

I taught science for a private Christian school before leaving to start my own. When I left, a mom told me, “My son said you were his best friend.”

This is why I teach.

Lopez Academy imagines a world where kids are robot-proof, irreplaceable, ready for the future—where your little world leader learns to think well in today’s smart world.

Our school is a launchpad for thinkers.

A springboard to develop kids who can create and compete in the global market because their American Education works anywhere, anytime. For thinkers, creators, winners, hard workers, & entrepreneurs who chase dreams, ready for today’s digital renaissance. Above all, there are three things I want every child to gain from their education at Lopez Academy:

#1. STRONG FAITH IN JESUS

#2. BIBLICAL WISDOM FOR LIFE

#3. SKILLS TO BUILD THEIR OWN FUTURE

Lily Mattox, Teacher

Background

  • Elementary Education, UA (Pursuant)

  • FLEX Gymnastics, Coach

  • CS Design Studios, Podcast Producer

  • Ziplines Education, Digital Marketing Sc.

  • SWARM Pest Control, Social Media

  • My Gym, Social Manager & Teacher

  • Ironwood Ridge, Leadership Council

  • Missionary & Sunday School Teacher