Excellence in Character and Achievement

Faculty & Staff

Our Educators

Sandhills Classical Christian School’s educators are among the best in their field. They bring with them not only the tools of their craft but a belief in the school’s mission to cultivate students for the glory of God. We invite you to contact a member of our faculty or staff.

Meet Our Administrative Staff

Head of School

Dell Cook

Dell Cook comes to Sandhills Classical Christian School with over 20 years experience in classical and Christian education. Mr. Cook holds two masters degrees in Divinity (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) and Theology (Reformed Theological Seminary). In 20 years at Cary Christian School, Mr. Cook taught, served, and led in a variety of roles and capacities. He has taught in all three stages of the trivium from 4th to 12th grades, including Old and New Testament, Theology, History, Apologetics, Hermeneutics, Hebrew, and Greek. Additionally he has served in several administrative roles as Athletic Director, Rhetoric School Principal, and Headmaster. Mr. Cook has been blessed to serve on the national board of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) and served on and lead several accreditation teams through ACCS. Dell and his wife of 25 years, Ginny, have three children: Katie, Lauren, and Andrew. A few details about Mr. Cook include:

  • Two masters degrees in Divinity (Southeastern Theological Seminary) and Theology (Reformed Theological Seminary)
  • Served on the national Board of Directors for the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS)
  • Served on and led several ACCS accreditation teams nationwide
  • President of the Board of Trustees for Worldview Academy
  • Teaching experience in all three levels of the trivium from 4th to 12th grades
  • Administrative experience as Athletics Director, Rhetoric School Principal, and Headmaster

Ryan Baker

Dean of Academics

Ryan Baker is a veteran of over 20 years in education in both teaching and administration. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Northern Arizona University. His teaching experience includes 5 years at Xavier College Prep in Phoenix, Arizona teaching Literature and Humanities and 12 years at Cary Christian School where he and his classes were consistently honored and acknowledged by students and parents alike as one of the most impactful and important in their education. At Cary Christian, Mr. Baker also served as Rhetoric School Principal and then Dean of the Upper School. Most recently, Ryan was the Headmaster at Grace Classical School in Jacksonville, NC. Ryan and his wife of 23 years, Heather, have six children.

Brandon Shell

Dean of Students
In addition to serving as Dean of Students, Brandon Shell is the SCCS Athletic Director and Upper School P.E. instructor. He has a passion for leading students through intention, integrity, and communication. More than anything else at SCCS, he appreciates the freedom this school provides its students and staff to deepen their own walk with the Lord daily. Both staff and students can glean from one another- sharpening their faith, strength, and courage in God. Brandon graduated with a BA from Queens University of Charlotte. He has a wealth of experience coaching Wrestling, Football, Soccer, and CrossFit. When he is not teaching, he loves spending time with his wife, CrossFit-ing, traveling, being outdoors, and working with his hands.

Shanna Browning

Preschool Director

Shanna Browning has over 15 years of experience, both administratively and teaching in a preschool environment. She enjoys watching little minds connect with what they are being taught. Spending time with her husband, Henry, her three children, two step-children, and grandson is one of her greatest joys. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Christian Counseling and is currenty working towards her Masters: Early Childhood Education through Liberty University.

Gene Liechty

Development Director

Gene Liechty comes to Sandhills Classical Christian School with 18 years of experience in the area of marketing & development. Mr. Liechty received his BA in Marketing/Communications from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. More recently, he attended Greyfriars Ministerial Hall in Moscow, Idaho. Gene served as Director of Advancement at Cary Christian School in Cary, North Carolina (2002-2012) and Director of Development at Logos School in Moscow, Idaho (2013-1018). Mr. Liechty has also planted several churches over the last 20 years. Gene and his wife of 24 years, Kimberly, have four grown children: Grace, Carter, Silas, and Ian.

Angela Pihlgren

Admissions Director

Angela Pihlgren previously taught preschool at SCCS. She has also worked with children for many years in her church and loves helping children to learn and become independent. Mrs. Pihlgren holds an Associates in Baking and Culinary Arts. Her many talents include cooking, baking, gardening, and making crafts. She has two children that attend SCCS. Mrs. Pihlgren appreciates the loving environment, smaller classes, nurturing Christian teachers, and the family like atmosphere at SCCS.

  • 100% of our K-12 academic teachers hold a Bachelor’s Degree or above
  • 48% of our K-12 academic teachers hold a Master’s Degree or above
  • 100% of our K-12 academic teachers pursue ACCS certification
  • Teachers have two years to complete their certification
  • Multiple CPR and First Aid Certified staff are available on each campus
  • 100% of our K-12 teachers are Christian educators

Faculty & Staff

Preschool

  • 6 Carter Street
  • Pinehurst, NC 28374
  • (910) 420-6974

Preschool

  • 1425 Midland Rd.
  • Southern Pines, NC 28327
  • (910) 420-6974

Grammar & Upper School

  • 1487 Rays Bridge Rd.
  • Whispering Pines, NC 28327
  • (910) 695-1874
Sandhills Classical Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, or employment policies, or any other programs administered by the school.
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