Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran School

SOV is an exceptional school! My children love attending school here. They enjoy the small classroom size and the one on one attention they receive. Their new TK program is wonderful! As a parent, I appreciate the the teachers and staff. The teachers are great and very involved. They always make time for their students and go above what is expected of them. Mrs. Haskell is a wonderful principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school! You can see it in the way the kids interact with each other. There is a genuine kindness that you feel the minute you walk in the door.We have been at SOV going on three years, and my children are excelling in everything they are learning. The one on one attention they get i is amazing. Everyday they are excited to go to school, and so am I. The families I've met there will be life long friends. This school is truly a gift.
—Submitted by a parent

We are now officially well into our 2nd round with SOV. Having a daughter now 21 that went through SOV from 2-6, then on to West Valley Christian and then Chaminade, and now with 7 year old twins in the second grade, I can not say enough for the gratitude we have for Shepherd. Under the guidance of a phenom staff, headed by the principal Mrs. Haskell, through the ranks to the clubhouse staff, we have always known we made the correct choice. Currently class size is the smaller than any school I have ever encountered, which equates to a higher love/child quotient, which result in excellent academic results. One of the things I have been happiest about, is that when it is necessary to leave our children after school in clubhouse, they always come home with their homework 100% done. SOV defitinely knows how to keep its eye on the ball.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at SOV since my son started Kindergarten -- he is now in fourth grade and my now my daughter is in Kindergarten. We love the small classes and sense of community here. The teachers are warm and loving, and the parents are truly involved. It's hard to put into words how we feel about the school -- our kids feel safe and protected, and get plenty of attention from their teachers. The after-school sports programs -- even cheerleading -- and school activities gives everyone a chance to get involved. We love it here...I will be sad when my kids move on to middle school! This is the kind of school I wish I would have gone to growing up.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. I attended K-6th myself and now my son is attending (preschool - 6th). The classes are small, which allows for him to receive individualized attention from the teacher. The classes also participate in music, Spanish, computers, and field trips. There is chapel each week, which provides an opportunity for the kids to practice performing in front of a group (speaking and singing). The staff really cares about he kids and makes sure they are taken care of. There is a great shaded playground. The after-school program (Club House) is also great as well as the camps and programs offered during school breaks and summer. A bonus for me is the easy drop-off and pick-up because of the large parking lot that parents can use.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves this wonderful school. The mission of SOV is to nurture the whole child both academically and spiritually. The curriculum is challenging without being overwhelming and our 6th grade graduates are accepted at the most competitive private schools and gifted public programs in the area. The school encourages public speaking and performance with annual Christmas and Spring Sing Programs, 2 drama productions, a talent show and a speech meet. There are sports teams with cheerleaders, numerous opportunities for helping in the community and our students are always complimented on their behavior both on and off campus. There is a very tight knit family spirit at the school with lots of involvement and fellowship opportunities both on and off campus. Our entire family has made many lifelong friends at SOV and we have been truly blessed for being a part of this wonderful community.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with a caring staff that addresses the whole child. Located in a quiet neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school,great teachers,is my son first year there (5th grade) he is so happy,all the staff are kind,they take well care of the kids,and the education program is excellent,all the parents in my son grade are involved in the programs.
—Submitted by a parent

EXCELLENT teachers and staff. Our family has been apart of this school for a combined eight years between our children. Shepherd has helped give our children confidence and leadership skills. We love the small community feeling from families being so involved in the school. We love it and can't say enough wonderful things about Shepherd of the Valley.
—Submitted by a parent

SOV is the best elementry school! They have small class sizes. My kids are getting a great education in a loving and caring environment. They offer kids that are having difficulty reading a "reading lab" with a tutor at no additional fees. They have the sweetest 6th and Kindergarten buddie program. The six graders spend lots of time helping the Kindergarters warm up to school. The after school sports programs and drama are amazing. Can't say enough great stuff!
—Submitted by a parent

This review is for the preschool. My son has never been away from my family or me so this was a huge adjustment to go to preschool. I am blown away by the compassion and love that the teachers have shown not only my son but my whole family. The preschool teacher hugged and kept my son on her lap for 20 minutes until he stopped crying and was comfortable enough to able to go off on his own. They have small class sizes and the day is full of hands on activities that will allow your 3/4 year old to learn while playing. My son told me that he loves his teachers and loves his preschool. The children in the class are well behaved and just sweet little children. Parents are always encouraged to participate since they have an open door policy. This is just an amazing and warm preschool program.
—Submitted by a parent

This was my son's last year at Shepherd due to financial issues. We are broken hearted about leaving because this school is a loving, caring, and all around wonderful place. Small class sizes allow for one on one time with your child, which is ideal. The school is like a community from days gone by where your child is nurtured and taught to be a loving person led by the example of the staff which is amazing. All of the teachers are excellent and I have never heard a negative thing said about the school or staff, as you will read from the other reviews. Mrs. Haskell, the principal, is warm and gracious. We also were blessed with Mrs. Casis for first grade, who is a shining star to say the least. This school is a local hidden gem. Five stars across the board!
—Submitted by a parent

We are just finishing our first year at this school. What a lovely place! Parents are kind and welcoming. The administrative office is available for discussion with a smile. Students are well mannered and respectful. Curriculum is rigorous, well-rounded and manageable. Children are given plenty of recess, music, Spanish and computer time. The sports program is active, the drama club has plays regularly, and my daughter comes home signing all kinds of songs. The after-care program, named clubhouse, is splendid, with homework help! My daughter is unhappy on the days she can't go to clubhouse! The religion taught at the school is loving (no brimstone and fire here), with a bible quote for the schools theme. This year is "at peace with all creation" Social issues and behavior problems are addressed firmly and lovingly. No one slips through the cracks here! If you are looking for a small, affordable private school I highly recommend SOV. You won't be disappointed!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son will complete his seventh year in June of 2011 and we will miss this Shepherd of the Valley School very much. It has been the best possible elementary school experience we could have hoped for. The teachers and staff are nurturing, kind and loving yet with high expectation of discipline, respect and performance. The after school sports program, the drama club, speech meets, student council etc. all have played a huge part in character building. The children are also taught their responsibility of contributing positively to our community and the world. All in all Shepherd kids are recognized as shining stars in our community.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a small, safe, nurturing, christian school where your child will develop a strong character all while learning about the word of God.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a hidden gem. My daughter is in her second year here and has grown tremendously both academically and socially. I have an older child in a top-rated public school and her experience doesn't come close. The small size and individual attention combined with the whole-child teaching philosophy of this school make it a wonderful place.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Shepherd of the Valley Preschool and they loved every minute of it! The teachers are nurturing and loving. The student/teacher ratio is excellent. All students are treated with kindness and as individuals. I wish I could keep them in preschool forever!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at SOV and we are very happy. The class sizes are small, and children receive individual attention. The teachers and administration are very accessible and have a great relationship with the parents. Discipline is constructive and positive. Very loving environment and great families.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent elementary school in the West San Fernando Valley. Both my boys graduated from SOV and I highly recommend this school to parents seeking a high quality, yet affordable (especially for this area!) private school option. Even for those families who aren't necessarily considering a church-affiliated school, I still recommend checking out Shepherd of the Valley. It has a warm, neighborly feel. The students are well behaved and polite and the parents pitch in to help with wonderful events. Check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great elementary School. Highly educated teachers, small teacher to student ratios and a loving enviroment. Parents are very involved in school activities. We have two boys in this school and are very very pleased with the quality education that the are receiving here! They offer a variety of after school programs such as karate, golf, music/dance, animal encounters, soccer and other programs. The facilities bautiful and safe.
—Submitted by a parent