Bethel Lutheran School

Bethel Lutheran is a wonderful, nurturing Christian school. The JK teachers are excellent, as are the preschool teachers. My daughter is 5-years-old and is in JK. Unfortunately, she's the only girl in her class out of 14 boys, but she's still having a great education. Many wonderful field trips including the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, plays, museums, petting farms, and more. I'm very pleased with the amount of learning and maturity she's achieved this year. Some cool things: uniforms are a great way to neutralize morning battles, the principal is present for after school extended care, class sizes are super tiny and attentive, the PE education is really thorough, chapel presentations help build public speaking skills, and the OPO fundraising activities build a much-needed sense of community. I"m a big fan of Bethel!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for less than a year in 5th grade. It took a month or two for him to settle in the new environment but his teacher was very supportive. Principal is always walking around campus and available for parents to talk to. Small classroom size allows for the teacher to pay attention to your child. My son loved his 5th grade teacher. He spent extra time after school frequently to help my son, (and others) organize his work and help with his assignments. The program was academically challenging. He had HW in Math, Science, Social Studies, English everyday/ weekly. The program is all rounded - PE, Computers,Music - guitar, Wednesday Chapel, Science camp. Although we are not Christians we were happy that our child was learning moral values and respect for God. We were overall happy with the school. Would highly recommend.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a long-standing parent of this school. The PE, music and chapel programs are exceptional and stronger than most area public schools. Wonderful Christmas musicals are put on each year and the children have good 'old fashioned' PE under a teacher who teacher them fun, creative games and traditional sports but most of all the importance of team-manship and playing for fun and not just to win. Overall the teachers work with the children as individuals but there are a few grade levels that are the major weak links in terms of working with all children equally based on the experiences of many parents. Chapel remains an exceptional opportunity for children to learn the Christian values for which we send out children to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a parent at Bethel years ago and am still involved with the school as a volunteer. My children went on to private Christian jr. high and are now in private Catholic high school after Bethel. Bethel gave them a strong base not only academically, but spiritually and as a whole person. Elementary school is for more than just academics. The whole person begins to evolve. With the specials such as music, PE, spanish, computers and especially chapel, the children gain confidence in themselves and realize they are more than just a grade on a piece of paper. Both of my children are honor roll kids at their high school. Bethel set the groundwork for that. They are strong, confident, successful students because of Bethel.

This is a great place for pre-school, junior kindergarten and kindergarten -- our son _loved_ his kindergarten teacher. Beyond that, not as much: We are moving our child elsewhere next year for a number of reasons. Bethel seems weak academically. With the imminent departure of long-time principal Mrs. Waters, anticipate changes ahead for Bethel. Whether these changes are for the better or worse remains to be seen, but I think this year will see the departure of a lot of families.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend this school from preschool to 5th grade. They take great care to nurture each child individually. The staff is incredible, from the classroom teachers to the PE, Computer, Art, and Music teachers. I highly recommend this school. The academics are very strong at this school. My children have successfully transitioned to a very academic middle school. The best part of the program, however, is the focus on emphasizing the self-confidence of the child. I personally think that preschool and elementary children need to enjoy their childhood and feel good about who they are; that and the nurturing of their spiritual selves will contribute most of all to their success. The principal is very caring and concientious about all aspects of the school. New preschool and elementary playgrounds have been recently added to fully comply with the new California State safety standards and to the ADA.
--Submitted by a parent

Bethel Lutheran has exceptionally small class sizes between 11 and 27 students per class from junior kindergarten to sixth grade. The music, reading, writing and art programs are exceptional. The children receive stellar attention when it comes to developing spiritual and emotional intelligence. Math and science could be stepped up but not by much. Parents are very involved and always welcome. The leadership and all teachers and staff are flexible, open, warm and friendly. Decisions are made with great care and the children in mind. The school would be an exceptional winner if it continued until the 8th grade. Structural, location and permit problems prohibit the expansion. Not many extracurricular activities due to its smallness and newness on the school scene. Overall, on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being tops. I give Bethel Lutheran a 9.5.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has smaller class size, usually ranges from 10 to 20. Good preparation for emergencies and safety measures. It also offers pre and post class childcare, so called AM/PM club. Children seem to enjoy the extended childcare. The cost of the childcare is rising. The school emphasizes and values Christian education, not in academic excellence. If you are searching for the best academic school, this is not a good fit.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree about the strong academic base this school offers. The teachers are really, really exceptional and really care about the children and their progress. My child has lots of energy and I appreciate that the PE coach offers organized sports (soccer, hockey, etc.) during lunch time with set teams. The music program is another favorite. 99% of the time small class sizes are present. Yet, the first grade class began this school year at 26 (now 25). Although three teacher/assistant are present for the core topics, it is apparent the class is too big/crowded. I am disappointed that the principal didn't open up a second 1st grade class or not allow more than 20 students to enroll. It will be interesting if this same class size happens for 2nd grade.
--Submitted by a parent

An excellent mainstream Protestant school (not an elite school). Scholasticallyy it follows California guidelines. Teachers are excellent thru 4th grade, and the kids outscore publics even in Cupertino. Loving environment. Excellent feedback to parents. student/teacher rates about 12:1. Fair priced (about $6K).
--Submitted by a parent