Salem Lutheran School

I don't think families leaving is new or particular to Salem. There are also families coming in to Salem and coming back after leaving. Academically, things have improved a bit. I think math was too easy but I have to say with the new books, things have picked up. I'm happy my child is learning Algebra/Geometry concepts and essay writing in the 4th grade. (But Salem is not a 5-star school either nor does it have an unparalleled academics - that's going too far). No school is perfect. The small school feel of Salem is one thing that makes it a private school. I also live in an area with excellent public schools and took a look at them. The 35 students in 5th grade compared to 18 in my kid's class at Salem is just not comparable. So while Salem can stand to improve in many aspects, i.e. a more approachable principal who needs to loosen her grip, better use of technology, communication, parental organization/involvement, it has many pluses. One of them is the fantastic staff who watch our kids before/after school (and helping them to do homework) as well as during breaks and lunches. They are the shining stars in addition to most of the teachers who educate our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I am honored to be a parent at Salem Lutheran School. I am grateful for the phenomenal education my daughter is receiving at Salem. It is unlike any other school I have seen. Truly top notch! I appreciate all the hard work and care of the teachers and principal. They truly care about the students. Salem Lutheran School is a wonderful school, has unparalleled academics, well rounded in the arts and technology, great athletic programs, and God centered atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled by the comments below. 10 families left last year and many do every year. Eventually people figure out it is NOT WORTH the money! It does not have a private school feel. Not with the administration or the parents. The academics are extremely disappointing. No math or science. No real essay writing until 5th or 6th grade. Papers are hardely corrected. You children's friends end up leaving and the original class from K is usually only down to about 4 or 5 kids by the upper grades. I didn't want to pull my kids out of their familiar surroundings, but this will be their last year. I have a decent public school in my area and their test scores are about the same. It used to be great at this school. The beloved pastors all left and you can supplement bible studies at home. Very minimal christian influence. Teachers are banned from parent organization meetings and parents don't even show up to functions. The principal just smiles but never takes your suggestions into consideration. It's her show. Safety is okay but plenty of homeless hand around trying to get on campus looking for a handout. The church sometimes feeds the homeless on the weekends.
—Submitted by a parent

We simply love Salem! The education is great. Salem is high in technology. Smartboards in all classrooms. The morning and afternoon daycare is so convenient for our busy schedule. The daycare staff engage the children with fun activities and they supervise homework. Also, Salem has a variety of after school programs. They added dance this year. The ballet teacher is just amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

After moving to the area, we could not be happier with the teaching and the experience at Salem. The teachers care tremendously about the kids, and the administration runs a great program, that is wholly focused on providing the best education for the kids. Salem is a great school that is truly focused on Christ.
—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

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