Terry and Laura Neven were personally involved in the California homeschool case where it was declared legal for a non-credentialed parent to teach their own child at home. The school they principal, Sunland Christian School, was named in the case. The landmark homeschool ruling was handed down August 8, 2008, and is the first favorable ruling in California concerning homeschooling.

Terry established Sunland Christian School in 1986 after having homeschooled his children since 1981. Families in the foothill communities of Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta, and La Canada had asked Mr. Neven to establish a private school for homeschooling families. The school began with 24 students and has served over 3000 since it’s inception. Sunland moved from being a Southern California school to an international school during the early 2000s.

Terry had become involved in homeschooling in 1981 with Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore (deceased), Johnathan Lindval and John Boston. He attended the first CHEA conference and met Michael Smith and Michael Farris during the beginnings of HSLDA. Terry, by invitation, assisted Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, in moderating a homeschool conference in Arrowhead Springs, California. Terry helped encourage and support Roy Hanson as he established a Christian watchdog organization in Sacramento. In addition to being a guest on various radio and television shows focusing on homeschooling, he was recently in the national news in relationship to the California Appellate Court homeschool case. This case was historical, declaring for the first time through the California court system, homeschooling as legal. Today, Terry and Laura Neven continue to participate in defending homeschool rights in California. The Nevens encourage others and welcome the support of, and interaction with, any and all homeschool organizations.

Terry was the chairman for Verdugo Hills High School (LAUSD) Parent/Community Committee during VHHS’ accreditation process in the mid 90’s. He attended the WASC accreditation training under the leadership of Marilyn George from WASC. Terry is a member of the California Association Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance (CASWAA) and served as vice-president of the Verdugo Hills High School PTA. Mr. Neven holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Southern California Community Bible College. Besides leadership training through Fuller Theological Seminary, he is a graduate of the Valley Leadership Institute (2002). He completed the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Leadership Development Academy for Private School Principals (2005). Terry has received congratulatory certificates from the California State Assembly, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Los Angeles, California.