Frequently Asked Questions

At West Portal Lutheran School (WPLS) we are able to offer not only an academically challenging curriculum, but a Christ-centered environment. West Portal Lutheran School ministers to the spiritual and moral, educational and physical, relational and aesthetic needs of our students who are in Kindergarten through the 8th grade. While keeping an academically challenging curriculum, we seek to enable our students to excel to the best of their abilities in a Christ-centered environment.  The love and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is evident each and every day at West Portal Lutheran.

West Portal Lutheran Church began worshiping together on July 11, 1943 in the Empire Theater on West Portal Avenue. The Church building at 200 Sloat Boulevard was dedicated in 1948.  West Portal Lutheran School is an extension of West Portal Lutheran Church and has been in existence since 1951.  Our school has grown to two campus locations with over 500 students.

West Portal Lutheran School is a vital component of the ministry of West Portal Lutheran Church.  The church plays an essential role in supporting the school children and parents. West Portal Lutheran Church helps the partnership through Bible classes for all ages, youth ministries, music, and a family ministry.

Yes, West Portal Lutheran is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has also received National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

All homeroom teachers have obtained either a State Credential and/or a Lutheran Teaching Diploma from one of the Concordia Universities of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

We pray that West Portal Lutheran parents will train their child in the way of the Lord, nurture the development of their child’s faith by encouraging their child through instruction and by example to live a life of faith, prayer, worship and service to Christ, that they would pray for family, church and school, and take an active and involved interest in the education of their child.

The West Portal Lutheran faculty and staff are committed to working with families in helping to nurture the development of the whole child. It is the purpose of the school to be an extension of the home in Christian training. We wish to work with children and parents who are willing to walk with us in oneness of spirit and purpose. This oneness is based on a common value system, support for one another and cooperation. The strong partnership between the school and the home is an essential element in educating the whole child. 

We offer several school tours annually beginning in October of our fall semester.  We welcome you to come and meet our administration and get an overview of the school.  The guided tour will assist you in learning about our education practices and application process.  School tours are approximately 90 minutes.  An application will be given to attendees when they come and sign-in.

West Portal Lutheran School is glad to accept all qualified applicants when space permits.  Active members of the congregation and siblings of currently enrolled students have priority, however, families do not need to attend West Portal Lutheran Church or be Christian to apply and be accepted.  All students are taught Christian values which are vital to the education at West Portal Lutheran School.

Incoming Kindergartners will not be tested or interviewed. There is a preschool recommendation form to be filled out by the preschool in which the child currently attends.  Preschool recommendation forms are confidential.  This needs to be returned by the preschool in order for the application to be complete.

Children transferring into West Portal Lutheran School will need to be evaluated by our school prior to acceptance. A review of current Progress Reports (Report Cards, Achievement Test Scores, and conduct) will determine admissions priorities. We will contact the students’ family to arrange a visit date.

Applying incoming kindergarten students must be five (5) years old by October 31 in the year they wish to enter West Portal Lutheran School.

West Portal Lutheran follows not only California State standards but national standards, as well.  The curriculum for West Portal Lutheran includes those subjects commonly taught in elementary and middle schools as set forth by the State of California including math, reading, English, language arts, science, social studies, computer, art, religion, and music.  A strong emphasis is placed on basic traditional academic subjects as well as on religion.  Report cards are issued four times a year, and Parent Teacher Conferences are held twice a year.  The Stanford Achievement Test is given annually to all students in grades 1-8.

West Portal Lutheran School graduates attend the most desired schools in the Bay Area.  These schools include Lowell, School of the Arts, Lick-Wilmerding, St. Ignatius, Sacred Heart, University, and Stuart Hall.

Our kindergarten through grade 3 classes are at our Sunset Campus at 3101 Moraga Street located on the corner of 37th Avenue and Moraga Street in the heart of the Sunset district of San Francisco.

Our Sloat Campus for students in Grade 4 through 8 is at 200 Sloat Boulevard, located at the cross streets of 19th Avenue & Sloat Boulevard.  Our church adjacent to the Sunset Campus at 200 Sloat Boulevard.

School begins promptly at 8:25 AM at each campus.  We strongly encourage families to arrive by 8:20 AM so students can acclimate before beginning the day.

Classes end at 2:45 PM for Kindergarten

Classes end at 3:00 PM for grades 1-3

Classes end at 3:15 PM for grades 4-8

West Portal Lutheran offers early morning supervision (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM) and after-school supervision until 6:00 PM.  The charge for morning care is $3.75 per day.  After-school care from 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM is $3.75 a day.  After school care until 6:00 PM is $7.50 a day.  Study Hall and computer lab are provided to students in grades 4-8.

Some restrictions and additional charges for drop-ins apply.  See all information here.

We offer after-school enrichment activities such as piano, violin and other instrumental lessons.  Orchestra, handbell and school vocal choirs, art classes, writing club, theater, scouting, and Mandarin classes are available also.  Please check with your respective campus to see what is available for your child.

West Portal Lutheran School limits its class size to 30 students assuring attention to all.  Our kindergarten through second grade classrooms have teachers’ aides as well as parent volunteers who help regularly.  We have specialized teachers for physical education, computers, and music.   For upper grades, we have specialized teachers for science, math, physical education, music, and foreign language.  West Portal's teacher to student ratio is 1:18.

See current tuition rates here.

Tuition rates are increased slightly every year. Our new tuition and fee rates will be available in March. Families may elect from three different tuition payment plans including the single academic year payment plan, the semester payment plan, or the 9-month payment plan. Active members of West Portal Lutheran Church qualify for discounted tuition.

For more information, contact Howard Scully, (415) 661-0242 ext 225, or email him: hscully (at) westportallutheran.org.

Yes, West Portal Lutheran School does provide financial assistance.  Information on scholarships and grants are available through our church and school accountan.  For more information, contact Howard Scully, (415) 661-0242 ext 225, or email him: hscully (at) westportallutheran.org.

West Portal Lutheran School encourages parental involvement from each school family.  Parental involvement benefits your children and the school.   Parents are expected to volunteer  20 hours of service (for one enrolled child) or pay to cover those services.  Additional hours are required for enrolled siblings.  Completion of these hours is required annually.

Classic Designs is the provider for our school uniforms.  Approved school jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters are also available outerwear.  West Portal Lutheran offers a used uniform program to offset some costs.  We also have a Parent Teacher League (PTL) Recycled Uniform Coordinator.  Contact us for more information.

Much of our school communication is funneled through our customized communication system, Fast Direct. Our monthly Notes from the Principal’s Desk, annual and monthly school calendars, Parent and Parent Teacher League (PTL) Handbooks, forms and all the latest and greatest news are posted on this secured log in website. Homework and weekly newletters from teachers are posted on this site.

All parents are members of the Parent-Teacher League (PTL) which assist with the funding of field trips, class parties, evening programs, etc.  We strongly encourage parents to be active in the lives of the children and West Portal Lutheran community.  Our PTL hosts various activities and fundraisers for our school. Communication from the parent-school community is shared through this group.

No, there is no actual fundraising amount required for the school.  However, each time family participation does occur, it assists the school in keeping operating costs at a minimum.

West Portal Lutheran School has contracted with Choice Lunch, an online lunch program in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Lunch may be preordered by the parent to have it delivered to the school daily.  Parents have the convenience of ordering online.

The school sponsors numerous programs including an active team sports program for boys and girls in grades 4-8.  Membership in the Catholic Youth Organization provides considerable opportunity for boys and girls to learn a sport and compete against other schools in basketball, volleyball, and soccer.  Boys’ baseball teams also enter competition.  Instructional basketball and volleyball clinics begin in grade 3.

You may contact the Sunset Campus office at 415.731.3000 with any questions you may have.