Head of School
David Jackson currently serves as the Founding Head of School at South Bay Classical Academy, a K-5 private classical school opening in August 2026 in Hawthorne, California. Previously, he was Head of School at Canterbury School, an age 2-grade 12 independent day school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he led the school through the Covid-19 pandemic, partnered with the Board of Trustees on strategic planning, and raised nearly 20 million dollars for Canterbury’s capital campaign, including an 18,000 square foot Fine Arts Center and 5 million dollars in endowment growth.
Before Canterbury, David spent eighteen years at Oak Hall School, a PK-12 day school in Gainesville, Florida. He began teaching Latin and over his 22+ years in education has taught all levels of Latin, AP World History, AP European History, and AP Government & Politics. With his wife Generosa, a Ph.D. in Classical Philology, David built one of the nation’s best secondary Latin programs. He has served as World Language Department Chair, Upper School Head, Middle School Head, and Assistant Head of School.
David graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a triple major in History, Political Science, and Classical Studies, plus a minor in Philosophy. He earned the University Scholars Award for research on the United Irishmen in Dublin and Belfast. In 2011, he received his M.A. in Latin from UF and in 2013 was named Florida Latin Teacher of the Year.
David has served as Treasurer of the American Classical League and Chair of the National Junior Classical League, a nationwide organization of over 15,000 Latin students and teachers. He has also served on boards for Young Scholars Academy and the Early Childhood Alliance, two Fort Wayne non-profits dedicated to changing lives through education.
Educational Background
B.A. History, Political Science, Classics – University of Florida
M.A. Latin – University of Florida
Director of Admissions
Registrar & Receptionist
Teacher
Alison Avina earned her B.A. in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach and her Master’s in Education, along with her teaching credential, from Loyola Marymount University. She has spent the past five years teaching Kindergarten and is passionate about fostering a joyful and engaging learning environment for young students. Alison is thrilled to be joining the South Bay Classical Academy community this year. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys watching sports, especially cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and spending time with family and friends.
Teacher
Mrs. Pamela Karten is an accomplished music educator, vocalist and performing artist with more than 15 years of experience teaching students in both private studio and public school settings throughout Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the South Bay. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree, with honors, from New York University, specializing in Musical Theater and Vocal Performance. She later completed her Music Teaching Credential at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she graduated at the top of her class.
Known for her joyful and engaging teaching style, Mrs. Karten is passionate about nurturing each student’s musical potential while encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression. She believes that music education plays a vital role in a child’s intellectual and emotional development, and she is committed to creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore, achieve, and thrive.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Karten enjoys traveling, gardening, spending time at the beach and riding her horse, Folsom, pursuits that reflect her appreciation for patience, and lifelong learning. Her most cherished role, however, is being a mother, a perspective that deepens her appreciation for the wonder, creativity, and growth of young learners.
Mrs. Karten is excited to join the SBCA community and looks forward to sharing her love of music with students and families while helping young musicians develop the skills, confidence, and appreciation that will enrich their lives for years to come.
Teacher
Ms. Samantha Root is ecstatic to be the third and fourth grade teacher as part of South Bay Classical Academy’s founding faculty. Ms. Root has been teaching for eight years, working at schools in Washington state and in Orange and LA counties. Along with the core subjects, she also has experience in teaching Spanish to K-8 students, leading Battle of the Books, and directing student handbell and chime groups. Ms. Root attended Concordia University Irvine, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, her Multiple Subject Credential, as well as her Master of Arts in Education focusing on Educational Technology. She has also sought out opportunities to seek additional training in technology, becoming a Google Certified Level 1 Educator, and servant leadership.
Ms. Root is committed to positivity leading her classroom with authenticity and kindness. She strives to be an educator who discovers, grows, and celebrates each student’s shining light. This not only focuses on their academics, but on how they positively play a role in the world around them.
When not at school; you may find her baking sweet treats, reading a good book, playing kickball, spending time with her loved ones, going to concerts, and anything else that will spark joy!
Teacher
Hannah Wagner is thrilled to join South Bay Classical Academy’s founding faculty this year as a 4th grade teacher. She brings nine years of diverse professional experience to the program including in journalism, local government, and classical education.
Originally from northern Illinois, Ms. Wagner has now called Southern California home for over half of her life. Through honing her skills in both Los Angeles and Orange County as an election worker training facilitator and elementary educator, her career has been centered around serving her local community through high-quality instruction. By partnering with parents and administration, she looks forward to continuing that mission as a teacher at SBCA; her classroom will be a structured, joyful environment that inspires citizenship, virtue, and lifelong learning.
In her free time, Ms. Wagner enjoys discovering the world through music, museums, train travel, cooking, and listening to people tell their life stories. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Integrated Media with a Minor in Theological Studies from Biola University.
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