St Luke's Lutheran School

This is a follow up to my post last May, 2011. St Luke's has achieved Exemplary Status--this is an honor which only a few schools in the nation have earned. It is awarded only to schools which demonstrate outstanding performance. They have a link about it on their site. My husband and I continue to be impressed by the quality of education here. I am a collegiate history instructor who teaches and conducts our department's assessment. The curriculum is rigorous; assessing appropriately by age and ability and encouraging every child to achieve his or her potential. I volunteer in the classroom as my schedule allows and have hands-on observational experience of the pedogogical diligence these teachers use for instruction. The administrators know the children by name, teachers respect and encourage one another, and the children are their focus--helping each child develop as lifelong learners, caring individuals, and informed citizens. Yes, our kids are citizens and need to know what that means. St Luke's does an exemplary job of this, while incorporating music education, language acquisition, critical thinking and writing skills (so important!), math and science dexterity, and fitness.
--Submitted by a parent

Class sizes are too large, difficult to judge how your child is progressing academically because of the lack of testing. Reading groups in primary grades is only once a week where in public school it is EVERY DAY. It feels like they are all about the money. Always asking us to give, give, give. What is best for the students is often set aside because of funding. Your child can get as good of an education, if not better at the public school it just won't be as cushy of a ride. We do love the Christian environment and family feeling. Recess still exists unlike in the public school.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are involved, welcoming and challenge children based on their individual needs. We decided to make a change to St. Luke's based on their academic achievement scores and alumni successes - we don't regret moving to St. Luke's and encourage others to get to know this community school. The music program exceeds any you can find in our area and the ability for kids to participate in competitive athletic programs rivals any school in Seminole or Orange County.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attended St. Luke's for 2 years & we found it to be extremely disappointing. The staff is severely inadequate. Parents are strongly discouraged from classroom involvement. Many students complain of bullying, not wanting to go to school. The admissions staff can't answer simple questions concerning curriculum or testing/performance statistics. There are a few good teachers, but overall we found the teachers to be a disappointment. Many lack the ability to smile & be cordial on a regular basis & have very poor class management skills. The children run wild during school functions & special events & many accidents happen at the school, both in the classroom & on the playground that are never documented by an incident report. Although they do some "Christian activities, songs, crafts" the Christian environment is drastically lacking. I'm sure those who currently attend will find all of the above to be true.
--Submitted by a parent

My review is a bit mixed...First, this is a very well run school. My child attends currently, and it is safe, has good programs, extra curricular activites, nice parents and kids. The director is wonderful, and overall it has been a positive experience for us. However... I am not able to elaborate on this site, but let's just say that we have not been overly impressed with our child's teacher. The only other issue I have had has been with the woman who directs the front area of the preschool. She is extremely direct at times, can be flippant and plays favorites with the parents. I have a friend who did not enroll her child due to this woman. Due to these two issues, we have already enrolled our child in a new school for next Fall.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have been in this school for 5 years and we LOVE it! Our children are so happy there and get a well rounded education. The school has a great curriculum, music program, art program, and so many other extra activities and learning enrichment opportunities. I can't imagine sending my children to any other school. We love it.
--Submitted by a parent

Been in this school for six years now and would want my kids anywhere else. THE BEST!
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year in the K-3 pre-school program at Saint Lukes. I am totally satisfied with the curriculum. I feel she is learning so much and will be more than prepared for K-4. I feel well informed of what is going on in her class and the school. In addition, since she is so young, it is imporant for the teachers to be loving and caring. The teachers of the pre-school program are very nurturing. It is obvious that they care about their students. The school encourages parental involvement, which is an absolute must! There are so many opportunities for parents to be involved with their child's learning. (Fall Festival, Bike Fest, Mother's Day Tea, Parent Guest Readings). My daughter looks forward to going to school each day. I feel blessed that she has such a postive first experience with school. . I highly recommend this pre-school!
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best lutheran school of central florida. Great sports programs and education. Wonderful teachers that care and are loving, i love this school and so does my daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone to St Luke's for almost two years. She is in the pre-school program and we both LOVE it. This school is quite a hike from our home and my work, but after all my research, I made my daugter's education and well being a piority. The staff, from office help, to teachers, to clergy, have all been wonderful. They are all so warm and welcoming. This school expects parent envolvment. You are asked to volunteer your time or donate supplies or both. Also, they involve the children in a lot of fun activities like special programs and events. The incorporation of Christ into daily activites and curriculum is a top priority, too. How nice it is to hear my daughter say such wonderful things about God and Jesus. I couldn't imagine a better place to be.
--Submitted by a parent