Salem Lutheran School

Here is my reason for rating this school with a one star: THE PRINCIPAL, Mrs. Huleis. A child is not assessed by looking at all the different aspects which one should, such as age, emotional readiness, social readiness, physical size, and academic capability; Mrs. Huleis ONLY looks at the child's birth certificate. Years ago when I had my son start at Salem, he was 7 yrs old, but had already completed 2nd grade. Despite being in the high 90th percentile for height and being socially, emotionally and academically prepared for 3rd grade, Mrs. Huleis was adamant about keeping him in 2nd grade. Within the first week, he was being labeled as a "behavior problem child" due to being bored beyond words. Not only did Mrs. H not want to look at his test scores from the year before (showing him in the 99th percentile for 3 out of 4 subjects) or his last teacher's glowing report card, but she insisted he couldn't do the work. Needless to say, I did not leave my child here. My son graduated from Loyola HS at 16 years old with highest honors, as a National Merit Scholar, and captain of the debate team (went to TOC) and is now at Georgetown University. Gee, Mrs. H., still think you know best?
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers and leadership. I could not see my 5 year old attending any other school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great, protected environment, great academics, bright loving teachers and administrators
--Submitted by a parent

We just started our 4th year at Salem and love it. The education provided is excellent and in addition to the 'normal subjects', the curriculum includes Spanish, Art, Computers and Music. There are also many after-school programs to choose from such as: Reader Club, Typing Club, Choir, Bell Choir, Music Instruments and Basketball. This year they also added Dance and Chess Club. One of the wonderful things they also do is to pair an older child with a JK & K child for Reading & Computer buddies. The entire staff loves the kids and we are lucky to be at such an amazing and nurturing school. Thank you Salem!! J.Weller
--Submitted by a parent

I really like the feeling of a small school such as Salem, however, the classes are getting overcrowded. 25-26 kids per class for a private school, and I have seen a teacher struggle trying to maintain peace and quiet in a room full of that many kids. After-school activities are virtually nil. It's basically recess after school. It's hard to make any changes at this school even with parental involvement since the principal is fully in charge. That said, Salem Lutheran has a nice environment in that the kids are extremely polite - the bigger kids take care of the younger kids too. I think that in itself says alot about what the school is teaching the kids and I appreciate that. Curriculum is dependent on which teacher you have - some are very challenging and exciting and others are not challenging the kids enough.
--Submitted by a parent

Salem Lutheran school is a wonderful school. The learning approach and curriculum, challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential. Moreover, the balance and ability to impact the lives of the students by providing a learning facility and educational programs that promotes character development and life-enhancing values is admireable. This school is safe, sound, unpretentious, where parents and children alike share a commitment to be involved in the life of the school, while maintaining a sense of community. Salem's program is premised on the richness and principles of Christianity. Most importantly and simply put, Salem's atmosphere feels like home. My child has been a Salem student for 8 years and I will truly miss this school and its faculty and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been a student at Salem for five years and has had a good experience, in general. However, the seemingly constant staff changes and the number of students per class having increased quite a bit, especially in the lower grades, has directly affected the overall quality of instruction the teachers are able to provide. In five years the social climate has changed dramatically due to the overcrowding, which has undermined the safety and discipline as well. Most of the teachers are wonderful, some are exceptional, and the principal is very approachable and hard working. I believe your child will have a good experience at Salem if you can be very involved in the PTO and all extra activities.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at Salem Lutheran School and Mrs. Anita, the JK teacher, is unbelievable! She has enriched her class every day with her one of a kind teaching method. She gives her children everything she has everyday and they leave her class with a thirst for more! I only wish she could be duplicated in every grade! I would urge anyone who has a child that age to give them the best availabe - and that would be Mrs. Anita.........Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
--Submitted by Maria Giangreco, a parent

I love everything about this school. The teachers are wonderfull. The Jr. Kindergarten teacher (also known as Mary Poppins) not only teachers the alphabet and the numbers but also she teaches the solar system, science, math, geography, biology. When a Jr. Kindergarten student comes to 1st. grade he/she already knows the basic elements of different subjects. All the teachers are friendly and stricked when necessary. The principal is on the top of everything, she knows everything that goes around in the school. She visits the classrooms without provious notice to see how the teachers and students are doing. She greads students every morning at the pickup lane. She awards them with good deeds and explains the wrong doings. The best school ever. The principal was awarded in 2004 for the best principal and the school got its Blue Ribbon Title in 2005.
--Submitted by A. Vartanian, a parent

Very good school with a well rounded curriculim. Enrichments classes and solid teachers make this a great school for those interested in preparing their children. Many classes work above grade level. Very loving and warm atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent