Santiam Christian School

Santiam Christian has become like an extended family to us in a very short time. The teachers, staff and coaches have reached out to our children, demonstrating genuine care for their academic and spiritual growth. We have been encouraged by receiving reports of our childrens' successes. We have been impressed with the approach the teachers have taken when communicating concerns over academic progress or behavioral issues; they truly want the best for their students. Our kids are learning to work hard and are being stretched academically. Most importantly, they are being encouraged in their walk with Christ.
—Submitted by a parent

Santiam Christian has been a wonderful school for my children. They have had the opportunity to learn from teachers who are obvious about their love of the Lord and the children. The academics are excellent, while maintaining a strong Christian world-view. The other families involved in the school have become like family to us, as we have worked together. I'm excited to recommend Santiam Christian to other families who are looking for a Christian school for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

Santaim Christian has changed over the years that my child has attended. The leaderships focus on academics is becoming more and more urgent, despite the fact that our students test well above comparable public schools. The admissions policy on the other hand seems to have relaxed over the years and also there are many character issues that are tolerated now that would not have been in the past. This is definitely a trend that has been noticed by many families and I know a dozen or more that have pulled their children out as a result and many more who are considering it at this time. The parents I know put their children in this school for bible-based teaching and the reinforcement of what our child is being taught at home. An unashamed approach to centering on God's word and the character of these kids is why this school was started.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 sons (6th & 9th grade) are both new to Santiam Christian this year. They have only been attending for 1 month, and they love it! They have felt very welcomed by both the teachers and the students. The teachers are very attentive, and it is obvious to me that they care about the students. I also like the fact that the school offers, free of charge, online service that allows us to see (with a secure password) our kids' scores for homework, quizzes, tests, etc.. They are very quick about entering these in the program; many times my sons receive the results of their tests the same day! Every school (both public & private) receives points for education, sports, activities, and sportsmanship. These points are accumulated and the winner receives the 'Oregon Cup Award'. Santiam Christian has received this award 7 out of the last 8 years! Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

As the parent of an elementary student who has attended Santiam Christian since the first grade, I could not be happier. In addition to the superb academics (my child gained two full grade levels in reading alone by the end of their first grade year) that Santiam Christian School offers to all of its students, the staff are actively engaged with parents (always keeping us up to date on student progress, etc.), and I have found that the school has been welcoming. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is desirious of their child obtaining an excellent, well-rounded, education that values each and every student.
—Submitted by a parent

I have gone to Santiam Christian since k-12, this year is my last. I couldnt have asked for a better school or amazing staff
—Submitted by a student

I enrolled my daughter into 11th grade this year, and it has been a great experinece so far. The faculty worked very hard to get her into school, since she applied just 2 weeks before school started. The staff and students are VERY friendly and they LIVE THEIR FAITH. (Listen to the SOLD OUT drama group) She is not in any sports/music/or drama, which seemed to be noted as a concern below, yet students and staff have embraced her very warmly. Faculty go out of their way to make her feel welcome and to get to know her. The staff paired each new student up with great groups of kids that showed them around and introduced them to others during the retreat on the first three days of highschool. My daughter has made friends easily at Santiam. I'm thankful for a Christian school with great Christian students that live their faith.
—Submitted by a parent

The director of international program is very enthusiastic about promoting the school and providing as much information as needed. A variety of activities are available so that the students can participate in activities of their choices.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended SCHS and for the most part, I was very pleased with her experience there. She transfered from a school in Albany, and I know it made all the difference in her success. Yes, there are 'cliques' which is normal in any school such as sports, drama or whatever, but that's a normal part of school. However, I did see preferential treatment given to kids who had attended SC all through their school years--especially if they had a parent teaching at the school. That's one area I think the teachers need to be aware of and watch to make sure they don't overlook students new to the SC environment. Even though SC is not perfect, I know my daughter did much better by attending school here than in Albany where the drop-out rate was frightening. The teachers are caring and truly interested in teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending this school and it is wonderful! They are getting an excellent education and do not have to contend with a lot of things that they would be exposed to in a public school. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff. They are all wonderful and truly care about each student. In K and 1st grade they are learning spanish, ABC's and sign language,science, history, Bible, music, PE, math and phonics. I highly reccommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the worst environments I can think of for a high school student, and it certainly was for me. Unless your kid is very very athletic you can be sure he/she will recieve little attention from teachers or staff, and at worst will be disliked by them. The social groups are more clicky than public high schools, and many students are doomed to be lonely due to the lack of diversity. The religious aspect of this school felt like more like an advertising strategy than an actual belief. In short, do not be fooled by appearances when considering SC.
—Submitted by a former student

I would definitely recommend this school. If you have any interest in a Christian education for your children, it is worth checking into. My 2 sons are much happier here than they have ever been - they were in public school, a small coop school, and home schooled, and they love this the most - and so do I.
—Submitted by a parent