Welcome

Emerald Heights Academy is a private PK-8 school rooted in Catholic tradition. We are
located in Bellevue, Washington, offering a classic liberal-arts education focused on developing the whole child – mind, heart, and character. EHA blends traditional curriculum with values-based formation in a supportive, close-knit community. Our small class sizes and experienced teachers, combined with a focus on leadership, critical thinking, and moral development, allow us to provide a nurturing environment where students grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

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Principal’s Welcome

God bless you and welcome to Emerald Heights Academy!

As the principal at EHA, I am honored to be a part of a long tradition of producing Christ-centered individuals who make the world a better place. At Emerald Heights, we are committed to the Catholic faith. All of our teachers sign a pledge not to teach anything contrary to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our days are infused with the faith, from morning prayer to Friday morning Mass, to special feast days and retreats. We also uphold academic excellence through a classical education program that exposes students to the timeless wisdom of those who have come before us.

I pray that God blesses you and yours, and I hope to see you soon at Emerald Heights!

Joseph Thomas, Principal

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Mission

Transform our society by forming Christ-centered leaders in the Catholic tradition. This
is reflected in our school motto, Semper Altius, which is Latin for “Always Higher”.

Emerald Heights Academy encourages our students to aim high and pursue excellence
in all areas – for God, for their neighbors, and for themselves.

Our School

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FAQs

Find quick answers to the most common questions about our school, programs, and community experience.

Read FAQs

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News & Events

Discover school news and events along with curated articles that celebrate our mission and articles that deepen understanding of our Catholic identity and community life.

News & Events

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Support EHA

Discover how your support through giving and volunteering helps EHA keep tuition accessible and strengthens our mission of forming confident, faith-filled students.

Giving Opportunities

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Faculty & Staff

Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for our students.

Principal / 7th & 8th Grade Teacher

Joseph Thomas

Mr. Thomas attended Western Washington University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Washington State teaching certificate. In 2006 he became a National Board-Certified Teacher. He is a member of the Washington State Historical Society and The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Mr. Thomas has over 20 years of teaching experience in K-8 education, with 5 years in school leadership. He is excited to integrate his twin passions of faith and learning as a teacher at Emerald Heights Academy. Mr. Thomas attends the North American Martyrs Parish with his wife and two sons. He loves the outdoors, especially camping and exploring the national parks. Joined EHA in 2021

Office Manager

Sarah Cameron

Mrs. Cameron attended Bellevue College and received her Associates Degree in Arts and Science. She continued in Early Childhood Education with her Childhood Basics Certification last year while teaching Preschool. She enjoyed a career in Office Administration for 10+ years managing multiple projects. Mrs. Cameron, her husband, and their three children are parishioners at Saint Louise Parish. She is very involved in the Parish community, including Auction office, substitute teaching, volunteering in classrooms and recess. She enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, and yoga. Mrs. Cameron is excited to join the community at Emerald Heights Academy. Joined EHA in 2025

5th & 6th Grade Teacher

Bonnie Teske

Mrs. Teske received a degree in accounting and ran her own company for many years. After homeschooling her three children for 16 years, she discovered her love of teaching. Mrs. Teske later pursued her teaching bachelor's degree, along with a master's degree in Educational Studies, from Western Governor's University. A passionate supporter of her community, Mrs. Teske has volunteered in a number of positions with Boy Scouts of America, American Heritage Girls, St. Thomas More Home Educators, VFW Post 2995, and WWIN. Mrs. Teske is a long-time parishioner to three churches: St. Monica's, St. Louise, and Holy Family Kirkland. She enjoys camping, hiking, and playing board games with family and friends. Joined EHA in 2017

3rd & 4th Grade Teacher

Molly McCool

Mrs. McCool attended the University of Oregon where she received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She then attended Seattle University where she earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. McCool taught for 8 years at Holy Family Parish School in Kirkland, before deciding to stay home with her four children. She is actively involved at Holy Family Parish where her family has been parishioners for over 25 years. Mrs. McCool loves to spend time visiting her friends and family, especially if there is something to learn along the way. Joined EHA in 2014

1st & 2nd Grade Teacher

Katie Harkins

Ms. Harkins is a graduate of the University of Washington and is currently working on a master’s degree in teaching from Western Governors University. While most of her career was spent in the corporate sector, Ms. Harkins discovered her love and passion for teaching when she taught Sunday school at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seattle. After spending time in the classroom and thriving in this environment, Ms. Harkins felt called to pursue teaching as a career. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 14 nieces and nephews, listening to music and decorating cakes. Joined EHA in 2023

Kindergarten Teacher

Anna McCool

Ms. McCool is a dedicated educator who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from California Polytechnic State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching through Western Governors University. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, she has always been passionate about education and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Emerald Heights Academy.

Kindergarten Teacher

Martie Shuk

Ms. Shuk has 30 plus years of elementary teaching experience, and we are so thankful to have her as part of the EHA community. She is an active member of St. Louise Parish and loves living on the Eastside and working with the students of EHA. Joined EHA in 2018

Art Teacher

Corine Bergstrom

Mrs. Bergstrom earned her Bachelor Degree in Paralegal studies. Soon after she received her degree she accepted a Sales and Marketing position where she would spend the next 10 years sharing her creative skills at a small company in Woodinville. In 2010 Mrs. Bergstrom began volunteering as an art teacher in the Lake Washington School District to share her love of art and over the next several years she found her true passion as an Art Teacher. She enjoys creating her own art, viewing other artists work, and helping her students find their creative side. She takes pleasure in sharing her knowledge about art history, sharing art concepts, and teaching students how art affects their lives. Mrs. Bergstrom resides in Redmond with her three daughters and husband. Her weekends are spent either on the soccer field or the basketball court watching her daughters' games. She enjoys all things crafty, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Spanish Teacher

Sra Jesica Capra

Senora Capra received her degree in Business Administration from UNICEN University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a native Spanish speaker, and worked in the area of financial consulting before moving to the United States in 2014 from Argentina. Senora Capra volunteered at a Catholic elementary school, where she found her passion for teaching her own language and sharing different cultures with the children of EHA. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and baking.

Drama Teacher

Laci Smith

Mrs. Smith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Chapman University in Orange County, CA. She has worked as a professional actor in many capacities, some of which include: Face Character at Disneyland, Medieval Times, Knotts Berry Farm, The All American Melodrama Theater & Music Hall, various dinner theatres and theatre companies around Orange County and L.A. She has performed with Rock Harbor Church, Saddleback Church, and Masquer Ministries to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through the art of theatre. She enjoys reading, singing, dancing, travelling, hosting parties, and most recently cooking. She is a parishioner of North American Martyrs in Edmonds, WA and is thrilled to be part of the EHA community. Joined EHA in 2022

PE Teacher

Josh Abenojar

Mr. Abenojar attended the University of Washington where he received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Officer Commission into the United States Navy. After actively serving for 5.5 years, he hung up his uniform and is now a User Experience Designer for Booz Allen Hamilton. He is excited to be part of the EHA community and be a servant leader of faith, sportsmanship, and well-being for our students. Mr. Abenojar, his wife, and 3 kids are parishioners at St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. Jude. His time is mostly spent working from home, homeschooling, keeping up with his kids' sports and activities, and quality time with family. In the off hours he enjoys all things technology, the outdoors, reading (or listening to) a good book, and going on runs

Music Teacher

Courtney Cole

Mrs. Cole developed her love of music from an early age, learning piano from her parents before pursuing a degree with a dual focus on Music and English from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. Likewise, she discovered her passion for teaching in her teenage years, learning to teach private piano in her senior year of high school and continuing to teach privately for many years. In recent years, while she and her husband welcomed 5 beautiful blessings of God, she taught History and English at homeschool co-ops. As a convert from Protestantism entering the church Easter of 2025, she is excited to teach at a school where the true faith in encouraged, celebrated, and nurtured. Joined EHA in 2025

Marketing

Dominic Munjanattu

Mr. Munjanattu is a Seattle native who earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Seattle University. He is continuing his education at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, where he is pursuing his MBA. He has worked in product management and marketing at T-Mobile as well as at a local consulting firm. Mr. Munjanattu, his wife, and their young daughter are longtime parishioners at both St. Anthony’s and St. Stephen's the Martyr. He also enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and road biking. Joined EHA in 2025.

Director of Finance and Operations

Diana Grusczynski

Diana studied finance at the University of Notre Dame and received a master's from the University of Los Andes in Colombia. She has worked in large and small nonprofits supporting program work and back-office operations. She is an active member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Seattle Washington. Joined EHA in 2025