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When Rick Troia accepted his first teaching position more than 35 years ago, he never imagined it would lead to a lifelong career in Christian education.

Fresh out of college with a business degree, Mr. Troia expected to work in marketing. While coaching sports at a Christian school, however, he was offered the opportunity to teach high school math.

"By my second year of teaching in a Christian school, I knew this was what I wanted to do for my career," he says.

That calling has since grown into more than three decades of service as both a teacher and administrator. After leading both the elementary and secondary campuses at Fremont Christian School, Mr. Troia now begins a new chapter as Head of School, succeeding Dr. Tricia Meyer.

Rather than focusing on change, Mr. Troia sees his role as building on the strengths that have made Fremont Christian a trusted choice for Bay Area families.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Mr. Troia was first drawn to FCS because of its long-standing reputation for combining strong academics with a Christ-centered education.

"I thoroughly enjoy helping to provide a stellar, Christian-based, college-prep education to a diverse group of families in the Fremont area," he says.

That mission remains at the heart of his vision for the school's future.

He believes one of FCS's greatest strengths is its ability to offer the opportunities of a much larger school while maintaining the close relationships of a smaller one.

"We provide a large array of programs and opportunities that most small schools with small class sizes do not offer," he says. "That enables our staff to give a considerable amount of individualized instruction and attention to students and families while still giving students the freedom to be involved in a wide range of programs and leadership opportunities."

Preparing Students for Success

Academic excellence will continue to be a cornerstone of the Fremont Christian experience.

Students have access to numerous Advanced Placement courses, including new offerings in AP Finance and AP Cybersecurity. If a student wishes to pursue an AP course not currently offered on campus, FCS provides opportunities to take it online. High school students can also participate in dual enrollment through Ohlone College, earning college credit while still in high school.

The school's commitment to academic rigor has earned Fremont Christian AP Platinum recognition year after year, reflecting both the breadth of its AP program and students' strong performance on AP exams.

But for Mr. Troia, preparing students means more than academic achievement alone.

"I would tell prospective families about the different academic, leadership, and extracurricular programs we offer," he says. "Together, they provide students with an outstanding, well-rounded education."

A Community Where Every Student Is Known

While programs and academics matter, Mr. Troia believes relationships are what truly set Fremont Christian apart. Because of the school's low student-to-staff ratio, teachers and staff have the opportunity to know students personally—not only in the classroom, but also by supporting them at extracurricular activities and school events.

"It is my desire that students feel safe, welcomed, and loved every time they step onto campus," he says. "I make every effort to greet them each morning with excitement and positivity."

That same philosophy shapes his leadership style. Teachers describe Mr. Troia as approachable, sincere, understanding, and encouraging—someone who listens well, brings people together, and supports those around him. Having served as both an elementary and secondary principal, he believes those experiences have prepared him to lead the entire school collaboratively.

Looking Ahead

As he looks toward the future, Mr. Troia hopes Fremont Christian continues to be recognized for far more than academic success.

"I hope people will see how FCS continues to show the love of Jesus through word and action," he says. "I hope they see a school that thrives with academic excellence while offering a well-balanced education—in mind, body, spirit, and sense of community."

Most of all, he hopes families experience what has drawn him to Christian education for more than three decades: a school where students are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and genuinely known.