West Portal Lutheran 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