Faith Lutheran School

Faith Lutheran School was a wonderful place for my children to grow. My daughters both attended FLS for 3 years. We were planning on attending again this year, but were relocated out of state. We moved just as school started. I was worried about making a transition from the small class sizes to a large public school in California, but my daughters have been so well prepared! We just had teacher conferences and both my kindergartener's teacher and my 2nd grader's teacher were very impressed with not only their academic abilities (their reasoning and logic skills as well as vocabulary are considered high) but also their ability to adapt so easily to such a big life transition. I attribute this to the wonderful, caring teachers at Faith who took the time to really know my children and work with them at their levels. I know it was the teachers and Principal at FLS who nurtured their self-concepts and help them develop their virtues. They do love the school they are at now, but have both said to me, "Mommy, I miss Faith Lutheran. I wish my school had chappel and Ms. Deming. (the principal). I am so grateful that we were able to be at Faith as long as we were.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Faith Lutheran because of the individualized learning and wonderful teachers; every child is well-taken care of. I wouldn t be surprised if the previous review was written by a disgruntled former employee. I have never met a Principal who was more caring, dedicated and hard-working. She has a great vision for the school and works hard to get things done. Yes, teacher turnover is high, and there are a number of reasons for that, but it s unfair to say that it s due to job dissatisfaction. Rather, I have noticed that if a teacher isn t a top-notch performer, then the Principal will not renew her contract. Even though tuition is about the lowest I ve seen, which I m assuming means that the salaries are low, the school still manages to find good teachers who don t want overflowing classrooms and school district bureaucracy. Faith Lutheran is a wonderful, supportive community where children can flourish academically, socially and spiritually.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled by the top administrator/principal. She gives a great tour and looks like she knows what she's doing and talking about but it's all a facade! Her staff knows this, and so the turnover of teachers is unbelievavble each year, as the curriculum is a joke, and the staff is never supported in doing their work. The small class size is nice, but the enrollment is extremely low particularly in the elem. grades. Look elsewhere at schools that have good leadership. Faith is not the place.

We love this school. Our daughter is happy and thriving here. We pulled her out of another school where she had been one of 24 kids in a class. Her pre-K class at Faith Lutheran has 12 kids and 2 teachers, and she gets the attention she needs. She will be staying for Kindergarten next year, and her younger brother will be starting the preschool program. We're so impressed with the quality of the elementary teachers and the academics that we are also moving our oldest into the 2nd grade program for next year. The facitilies at this school are modest, but the classrooms are nicely laid-out and well-equipped. The playground is wonderful. If you look beyond the older buildings, you will find a very warm school, with staff that is passionate about teaching academics and values in an encouraging environment.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent with two children currently enrolled at the school (and we will be back next year!), I have found the academic and pastoral care to be excellent. True, the facilities may not be a modern as some, but the wonderful staff more than make up for shiny new buildings. When we moved into the area a few years ago, we viewed a number of private schools - many of which were considerably more expensive than FLS - but they didn't have the friendly atmosphere we found at Faith. My second grader is already far ahead of grade level, and is loving the new Saxon Math curriculum. Her literacy is also far outstripping our expectations, and she currently reads at a fifth grade level. This is, to a large degree, because of the individual attention and encouragement she receives at Faith. A previous reviewer commented on the library - well, my kids are always very excited when it's library day, and bring home a varied selection of reading material appropriate to their interests and ability. Way to go, FLS!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a pupil at Faith Lutheran for the past two years. He was very shy when he started there. Thanks to the dedication of his teachers, he has developed confidence, personal responsibility and a real love of learning. The small class sizes mean that the teachers have a significant amount of time to spend attending to the needs of each student which is so important during the early years. The children are treated like family. Well done Faith Lutheran!
—Submitted by a parent

The Curriculum and teachers at Faith Lutheran School rock! The students learn Japanese, have Virtues Studies (they really love their JAM sessions), music, and PE on Fridays. The best part is that in addition to all these specialized classes, they learn the basics, like math and science, at their own pace! The spelling tests can be individualized and my son's teacher has tailored his classwork specifically for his skill level and learning style. His study and work habits, and confidence level have really improved because of this individualized attention. Thank you Faith Lutheran!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Faith Lutheran! My daughter is in Kindergarten this year and loving her school. We couldn't be happier with the programs and leadership. This school cares for my childs whole being. We'll be back in the fall. Thanks, Faith!!
—Submitted by a parent

Looking forward to coming back next year with my two children. My son will go into the BEST kindergarten class- if you are looking for a full time kindergarten class you MUST check out Mrs. Brindly she is absolutely the best there is. My daughter had her and now my son will get her. Lucky him. My daughter will go onto 3rd grade with another fantastic teacher. I was never looking at staying at a private school, but I am so thankful that I have it's been the best education. The tuition are worth checking out as they are very low- again I thought all private schools would cost an arm and a leg, but no so.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel very fortunate to have found Faith Lutheran. I looked up just about every school on the Eastside and almost bypassed Faith because it only went up to the third grade. However, I believe that the first few years of school are the most critical, so I went for a visit and ended up being extremely impressed. The Principal really cares about having a quality school filled with great teachers. I was afraid that the small class sizes and extra resources would translate into high tuition, but Faith was the least expensive school I considered. While my neighbors had good things to say about our public school, I didn t want my child to be one of an already overcrowded student body of 550+. Because the classes at Faith are small, the students receive a lot of individual attention and are able to learn at their own pace; even the homework is tailored to each student. The teachers and parents have been very welcoming and my child is thriving socially and academically. I was very excited to hear that Faith is planning to expand up to the 6th grade because we don t want to leave anytime soon!
—Submitted by a parent

Having read some of the other reviews, I'm wondering if they're talking about the same school! I have two children at Faith, in kindergarten and grade 2, and we are very happy with it. We moved to the area 18 months ago and looked at a number of private schools. We decided upon Faith for three main reasons: 1) It's a small, friendly school and the staff really seem to care about each child, 2) it has a well thought through curriculum which flows through each grade so the kids get continuity as they progress through the school, and 3) considering the excellent education they provide, the fees are very reasonable. Now into our second year at Faith, we feel more and more that we made the right decision. Our kids are already well above grade level in their academic achievement and, more importantly, they enjoy being there.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent with two children enrolled in Faith Lutheran and am looking forward to returning. As I have volunteered for the past two years in the classroom, I have talked to prospective parents about the school. They bring up the less than stellar reviews that have been posted. Having a good idea of the parent and student that have been writing negative reviews, I can tell you that I, as a parent and classroon volunteer, will not miss them. Many times parents have expectations that their child can do no wrong. The majority of these parents do not spend time involved in their child's education, whether in the classroom or at home, then are completely shocked when they need to respond to an issue or a problem, especially when it involves behavior. We look forward to the new school year!
—Submitted by a parent

A mixed bag: first, I want to point out that the quality of education is top notch at FLS; I have multiple children attending and feel that the teachers are very in touch with my kids' varying academic needs. If I were rating on academic quality alone, I would rate 5 stars. However, the leadership at FLS are out of touch with disciplining methods for children and have come across as very heavy-handed. Punishments do not fit crimes, and are meted out with wildly varying consistency. The discipline situation sadly overshadows the academic goodness this school offers, and have tipped us to the point where we've decided to not return next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has had a very positive experience at Faith Lutheran School and I highly recommend this school which focuses on early childhood education. We really like the small class sizes and it's easy to see these teachers love what they do. Each week students who are observed showing virtuous behavior (love, respect, kindness, etc.) receive an award in front of the whole school. This is heartwarming to see -- I wish every school would do this!!
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school. Our family is not returning and there seems to be a high staff turnover.
—Submitted by a parent

Truth be told I never would have seen these reviews unless I had been alerted to them by email from school personnel which I found odd. While at the school I have had both positive and negative experiences. The small class size is nice but it can also be a detriment if your child is active and at times questions authority. Many times while volunteering I saw children reprimanded for little things and tend to agree with the review that their discipline policies are a bit over the top for this age group.
—Submitted by a parent

I am suprised to see negative reviews on Faithe Lutheran. This is a great school. You have choices of 'play' school in the Preschool or Pre-K programs. As understand, K-prep focuses more on academics to prepare children for Kindergarten. Parents can choose a program that better fits their child's development. Yes, the school is does not specialize in special needs, but the principal and teachers are willing to work with families to include children with special needs. I have a child with special needs who attended this school for the past 2 years. The teachers and principal made every effort and exceptions to include my child. When I thank them for all they have done for us, they simply said 'We're just doing our job. You don't have to thank us.' I highly recommend this school. Both my kids will be attending this school again next year.
—Submitted by a parent

in reading other reviews i am suprised at some of the negative comments, yes it is private academic school, and with all private schools they are costly and lean toward academic sudies not physical fitnes. Both my girls attended both pre-k and K-prep and loved it, they gained both respect for teachers and many friendships that are priceless. This is a wonderful school and any child would benefit from the small class sizes and loving teachers
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids attend Faith Lutheran. My daughter has attended for the past 2 years and my son last year in the early 3 program. they both loved it and the teachers are FANTASTIC. It is a small private school and yes the PE program is small but they are working on that. I feel like it is a 'family' school where you and your children really count. They are willing to work with you, If you have concerns about the staff or your children. I highly recommend this school
—Submitted by a parent

As a mother of 4, I am very impressed with how Faith Lutheran School (FLS) nurtures not only the children, but parents as well. I have heard many visiting parents comment about the 'loving feeling' and 'positive environment' they see at FLS. I agree! I am so happy working at FLS (since 2006), where I feel supported, encouraged and appreciated. I am proud to be part of a school that is growing and improving each year. Our Principal puts her heart into making our school a safe, loving and nurturing environment where children, families and staff thrive.
—Submitted by a teacher