K-12 Fine Arts Director & Creative Arts Teacher

Growing up in a pastor’s home certainly gave Beverly Altopp a taste of what it meant to dedicate your life to ministry and to her Lord.  Born in West Virginia and after living in several different states, Beverly’s family landed in Phoenix where both parents became teachers in Christian schools.  At that time, Mrs. Altopp (then a 6th grade student) began what would be a life long involvement in Christian education.

Believing that music was her calling, she decided to attend Azusa Pacific University in Southern California.  With the help from a music scholarship, she obtained her degree in Music Education and Music Theory in 1979.  It was during this time at APU that she met her husband of almost 30 years, Ben.  They have two wonderful sons, both of which have attended Joy Christian School. 

In 1983, through a series of God-led events, Mrs. Altopp met Pastor Walt Kallestad from Community Church of Joy.  She was then hired as a pianist for their worship services and an accompanist for their choir.  During this time, Mrs. Altopp also developed her own private music studio in which she taught more than 100 students over a 9 year period.  Mrs. Altopp also began to put her Music Theory degree to use by writing original music. It was during this time that she won grand prize at a national competition in song writing at the Christian Music Artist Seminar in the Rockies where more than 400 songs were entered.  Since that time she has written 7 musicals and numerous songs.

By 1990, she was approached by the pastors of Community Church of Joy to expand her responsibilities.  Over the next nine years, she directed children’s, youth and adult choirs. 
Her responsibility included touring each year with the Youth Choirs.  It was at that time that she developed a passion for youth and for the way in which the arts could bring together their faith and their talent to form an incredible ministry.

In 1997, she made the decision to be a pioneer teacher at the Joy Christian School.  Her first choir at JCS numbered 11 students.  In 2006, JCS choirs included almost 125 students.  She knows that this is truly a gift from God. Thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of yet another pioneering adventure with Joy Christian High School, Mrs. Altopp is anticipating God to work in incredible ways. 

Mrs. Altopp is currently the Director of Fine Arts for grades K-12 at Joy Christian School and a Creative Arts teacher at JCHS.