Laurel Hall Lutheran School

We've been incredibly happy at Laurel Hall. The teachers are caring and compassionate, the families are overwhelmingly welcoming and warm, and there is a great sense of community everywhere you go on campus. The academics are solid, the arts offerings are fantastic, the sports programs are both winning and character-building. In our view, all of these are what make a "great school." Most importantly, our child is happy, and thriving academically, socially and emotionally.
--Submitted by a parent

Great community of families, good school and good value. The art, music, drama, language, science and sports programs are good. They have a mock trial team for the middle school which is an amazing experience for the kids who participate. They also have a wonderful middle school musical they put on yearly which is great fun! Some teachers are excellent, others need to work a little harder. I would highly recommend this school over a public school any day unless your child is need of special education. As this school teaches to the average student if your child is in need of special help, go elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very good academic school and an excellent value. There is a dedicated science lab teacher, librarian, art teacher and sports coaches for the elementary school. There is a resource specialist ready to help any child falling behind or excelling beyond grade level. The community consists of good families with similar values. My child is very happy at this school and I know that he is poised to to enter the local private high schools of his choice when it is time.
--Submitted by a parent

Laurel Hall is a special place. My children are receiving an amazing education. The academics is outstanding, and while certainly challenging at times, they are happy and getting so much out of the curriculum. My oldest is involved in Sports and Music programs and is flourishing in both. Someone earlier commented on the poor Sports program, but we certainly do not see it. In fact, just the opposite - the support from the Sports staff has so far been quite stellar. The parent community is especially supportive. You walk through the entrance and never feel like you are an outsider. It definitely makes it easier as you transition to a new school. Laurel Hall prides itself on a well-rounded program. Art, Drama, Spanish, Music, a great variety of educational field trips, after-school programs and more help make it an especially strong school for the value. It may not be the fanciest school, but it sure is one of the best. We are so proud to be at this school and are thankful we were lucky enough to be accepted.
--Submitted by a parent

We joined Laurel Hall for middle school and couldn't be happier. Classes are small, the kids are kind and inclusive, and the parents warm and welcoming. Lots of one-on-one contact with teachers, great sports and arts programs. Our child is thriving socially and academically. A fantastic school - and incredible bargain too!
--Submitted by a parent

Extremely poor sports programs. Coaches who don't attend games. An array of assistant coaches who still don't know your child's name by the end of the season. Just terrible! Not recommended for parents who want their children to participate in competitive sports.
--Submitted by a parent

Great music program. Sports program poor, with some exceedingly bad and insensitive coaches.. Wonderful parents, and a lot of dedicated teachers. Biggest problem is the lack of openness by the staff to parent's concerns and complaints.
--Submitted by a parent

This School could be a Great school. My child has attended since pre-school...WE LOVED THE Early Child Center, a Big 5 star rating there. The problem as I see it with the "Elementary, and Middle school" is that if you have a problem of any kind, you are sunk, the principal sweeps EVERYTHING under the rug. If you child falls in the %2 percent of fast learners you'll be fine. if not watch out!
--Submitted by a parent

So far, our experience at Laurel Hall have been overwhelmingly positive. No school is perfect. Every school has issues. What we've experienced at Laurel Hall are highly competent, engaged teachers, up-to-date curriculum, well-funded arts & athletic programs and an administration with an open-door policy. My child is receiving a solid education in a warm, comfortable, nurturing environment at a fraction of the cost of most private schools in the Valley, and without the constant budget woes of the public schools. I will concede that the administration does not always lead as well as it could, but again, nothing's perfect. I also think many parents complain about things rather than roll up their sleeves and get involved to improve them. It's our school the parents, kids & staff we all owe it to each other to do everything we can to make it the best school it can be. I'd stack Laurel Hall up against other area schools any time. And my kid would, too.
--Submitted by a parent

Laurel Hall prides themselves as being "The best deal in private schools", but at times it is the equivalent if not below a good public school in many ways. The leadership is weak, and the teachers are protected but the students not so much. Even though the tuition is relatively lower than some other private schools, it still costs almost 10,000 per year per child, which is nothing to sneeze at. The administration doesn't intervene much in behavioral issues, and the teachers can be extremely deficient, and kept on. My honest appraisal would be to look elsewhere, or find a good public school.