West Portal Lutheran Elementary School

We transfered our child here from a local Catholic school for logistical reasons primarily, and couldn't be happier. Once we got here, we realized how much she was missing at the other school. Everything about the school is better, from the attractiveness and maintenance of the buildings and grounds to the wholesomeness of the food to the educational philosophy. The two teachers our daughter has had have both been outstanding - caring, skillful, insightful, experienced. We have found the administration very open minded, innovative and progressive. Graduates seem to move on to top SF high schools. Although we are not Lutheran, the church has been very welcoming and we are becoming more active there. I agree with the comment that the school is not highly diverse (mostly Asian), but there is nothing about it that is unappealing to other ethnicities (I am not Asian) and it may be a reflection of the ethnicity of the neighborhood where it is located and the cost (which is very reasonable, but of course is more than public school). I highly recommend this hidden gem if you want a solid, respectful, nurturing K-8 environment for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Three years ago, we transferred our children out of a high-performing San Francisco public school into West Portal Lutheran. They were in 1st & 3rd grades at the time, and we are SO glad we made that decision. West Portal Lutheran is definitely more academically rigorous compared to the API 10 public school where they used to attend. (Our kids went from being one of the most advanced in their class to needing to catch up at WPL). Although some of the teachers are a bit on the strict side, I have to admit they do an amazing job with classroom management. As the After-School Enrichment Coordinator, I've repeatedly gotten feedback from our after-school class providers that our kids are the most well-behaved that their organization has EVER worked with! Best of all, the teachers genuinely care about their students. As a result, our kids LOVE going to school and love learning. We couldn't ask for anything more! Our primary wish is that the school was a bit more diverse (it's mostly Asian), but I think that's probably a reflection of the neighborhood where it's located. All in all, we love this school and highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

West Portal is a fantastic school! Teachers are strict and fair. Even in an environment where my children must work hard, they have a positive attitude towards learning, enjoy going to school, and are developing a positive sense of themselves. The teachers truly care about the students. The math program is more advanced at WPL than many surrounding schools. While this can lead to many long nights working on homework, your child will be well prepared for high school. Math teachers provide time outside of the classroom to work with students and provide guided team study. Fundraising is straight-forward and not excessive. Moreover, parents can see where the money is spent. The Administration likes technology & spends money preparing students to operate successfully in a wired world. Great fields trips including Coloma and DC. No, it is not perfectly diverse (my children are in the minority), yet it is one of the most inclusive schools I've experience in the Bay Area. Music and inexpensive family events are a few things I could also touch on. We've moved a few times so can say from experience that WPL is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

It's one of the best schools in the Bay Area,

WPL definitely prepared me for high school. I found the math program to be excellent, and now as a high school junior I am taking calculus. Another aspect of WPL that prepared me for high school was being able to use a locker in seventh and eighth grade. Most of the Catholic schools in SF just have traditional desks from K-8, and so the students don't learn how to manage their time in between classes. The spiritual foundation at this school is incredible, and all the teachers are loving and can be trusted.
—Submitted by a student

Its the best school in san fransisco. Its teaching is great and you can trust that because i go there!
—Submitted by a student

It is the absolute best school for my seventh grader.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school for academics. The kids are well disciplined and bullying is zero tolerance. Lots of choices for after school sports and music program is great. Badly needed more diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

The school envoirement is warm. Teachers and staff are loving and caring. Students are well disciplined. However, the curriculum is not challenging. Especially math is behind. Student body is not too diversified.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great from kindergarten to the third grade. The younger campus is new, and the academics are great. The older campus from the fourth grade to the eight grade is small. The gym is worn out and is also small. About half of the teachers are excellent, and the other half are so-so. English is excellent in this school. Religion, history, and science are well taught. Math is a bit weak and needs to be taught well. Other than that, this school is great for kindergarten through third grade, but the school degrades a bit in the older grades. English is one of the best taught classes in the city in this school though. Math needs work.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and teachers! A very good program with an emphasis on academics. Our children really enjoy the school.
—Submitted by a parent

good school for kid to start with a lot of great programs, especially the new sunset campus. but the campus for 4th-8th grader's classrooms are small and the hardware are much older than sunset campus.
—Submitted by a parent

If you're looking for a strict decipline and high academic standar school, this would be the right choice.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great. It is convenient and has great programs for the kids.
—Submitted by an administrator

Quality of academic program is excellent from K-6. Math is rather weak in the middle school level but English is very strong. Music, art and sports are rather weak. Afterschool sports are dependent on parent participation. Parents are required to get involved and participation rate is usually very high. The teachers are very experienced and dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are highly dedicated. The Principal, Mrs. Finley is wonderful.Volunteer hours are mandatory, anywhere from 20 hours per year depending on how many children from the family are attending. The hours go fast because there are many activities the families can participate.
—Submitted by a parent

Strong Academic, lots of parent involvement. Need to improve students social skills and social responsibilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Strong academics, less so social skills. Inflexibility in learning modalities in middle grades. Good early elementary program and facilities.
—Submitted by a former student

This school is great. My daughter is in kindergarten. So far she love the school. Their english is perfect. Math may be a little behind. But overall, most of the upper grade parents think all the kids did pretty well in SAT. With over 60% go into Lowell, hey, I have no complain. Need lots of parents involvement. Of course if you like that. If not, you always can pay for those hours.
—Submitted by a parent

Traditional, strong academics except for math in upper grades, lots of parent involvement and sports/music opportunity.
—Submitted by a parent