Question 1

What's the main difference between a Christian school and a public school?

Accepted Answer

At West Portal Lutheran School (WPLS) we are able to offer not only an academically challenging curriculum (javascript:void(0))but a Christ-centered environment.(javascript:void(0)) 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.

Question 2

How are applicants accepted?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

When did West Portal Lutheran Church and School open?

Accepted Answer

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 300 students. Read more about our history.(javascript:void(0))

Question 4

Is there an interview or testing process?

Accepted Answer

There is a short assessment that will be scheduled for each new student entering our school. In addition, there is a teacher recommendation form to be filled out by the school in which the child currently attends. These recommendation forms are confidential. This recommendation needs to be returned in order for the application to be complete. For more on our items for Kindergarten Readiness, please click here.(https://www.wplsf.com/_files/ugd/14c9e8_ad1653761c0f436cb83eeb80cea333e0.pdf)  
 
Students transferring into West Portal Lutheran School will need to be evaluated by our school prior to acceptance and come for a shadow day with the class that he/she is entering. A review of current Progress Reports (Report Cards, Achievement Test Scores, and conduct) will also be completed for transfer students.

Question 5

Do you give school tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please sign up (https://www.wplsf.com/visitus)for a personalized a tour of either (or both) of our campuses or email admissions@wplsf.com.(mailto:admissions@wplsf.com?subject=School Tour) We also host Kindergarten Visit Days during application season. Please go to wplsf.com/visitus (wplsf.com/visitus)for more information.

Question 6

What is the relationship between the church and school?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Is there an age requirement for kindergarten?

Accepted Answer

Our general practice is for incoming kindergarten students to be five (5) years old by September 1 in the year they wish to enter West Portal Lutheran School. However, we believe in determining the individual readiness of each child, so we encourage incoming kindergarten students who do not meet the cut off to still apply.

Question 8

Is West Portal Lutheran School accredited?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Are teachers in your school required to have certification, like in public schools?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

How does your curriculum differ from that of area public schools?

Accepted Answer

West Portal Lutheran follows both the California State standards and national standards. The curriculum f()or 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, Chinese (Grades 4-8), Spanish (Grades 4-8), Computer, Art, Religion, and Music. Our students are also one year ahead in our math curriculum as compared to public schools (e.g., 2nd graders are doing 3rd grade math). A strong emphasis is placed on basic traditional academic subjects as well as on religion.

The MAP Growth assessment i(https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/)s given three times a year to to all students in grades 1-8 to assess growth, what they're ready to learn, and the specific skill gaps they need to master.

Question 11

What about your graduates' high school placement?

Accepted Answer

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. View our recent high school acceptances.(javascript:void(0))

Question 12

What does it mean to be a Christian school parent?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What does it mean to be a Christian school teacher?

Accepted Answer

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.

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