RIVERSIDE, CA - In front of several hundred business leaders, dignitaries, and public figures from throughout the Inland Empire, Alta Loma Christian School was honored as the IE’s Best Private School for the third year in a row at ceremonies conducted at the Riverside Convention Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The high-profile award was presented during the “Best of the Best of the Inland Empire & 50th Anniversary Awards Gala,” as Inland Empire Magazine highlighted its five decades of celebrating excellence in the region. The evening focused on recognizing nearly 30 exemplary businesses, organizations, and notable individuals that help make the IE an extraordinary place to live, work, learn, and play.
ALCS was selected by the subscribers, readers, and editorial board of Inland Empire from among 10 prominent private schools nominated for the prize from Riverside, San Bernardino, and eastern Los Angeles counties.
“For ALCS to be selected for this award for the third consecutive year speaks volumes about the quality of our school and the relationships we have both on and off campus,” said Dr. Vance Nichols, Head of School at ALCS. “This is a very special and historic blessing from the Lord.”
ALCS was represented at the awards ceremony by the school’s leadership team: Dr. Nichols; Ms. Laura Carey-Jedlick, K-8 Principal and Director of Business Operations & Student Services; and Ms. Ana Zapata, Preschool Director. Dr. Nichols’ wife, Mrs. Carol Nichols, joined the ALCS leadership team for the evening’s program.
The third annual awards Gala was hosted by Inland Empire Magazine and sponsored by KFRG-95.1 FM; the Inland Empire Community Foundation; Dignity Health Foundation; the Children’s Foundation of America; the Theatrical Arts International Foundation; Inland Valley Repertory Theatre; Live Nation Special Events; Lorenzi Estate Wines; Europa Villages Winery & Resort; Miller Optometry; Virginia Blumenthal and Blumenthal & Moore Professional Criminal Law Corporation; Pro AV; Neverland Balloon Co.; and Pechanga Resort & Casino. Heather Froglear from KFRG-95.1 FM served as the event’s emcee.