This website contains detailed information on the many programs offered at Bethel Lutheran School. Here are some brief answers to the questions parents frequently ask our staff. For more details, please look at the program index on each page.
Q: What programs does Bethel Lutheran School offer? A: We offer programs for preschool (age 3 by December 1st and fully potty trained) through fifth grade. Our preschool is fully accredited through the NAEYC and offers a curriculum that is both age and developmentally appropriate for the education of your young child. Our elementary school offers a quality Christian education meeting or exceeding the California state standards.
Q: Do you have before and after elementary-school care? A: Yes. Our extended care takes care of elementary school children before and after school from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and also during some non-instructional days, holidays and winter and spring breaks.
Q: Do you offer summer enrichment programs? A: Yes. Our full-time/part-time programs for preschool and our Kindergarten - 5th grade program offer a wide variety of activities and themes incorporating Christian literature, drama, music, dance, hands-on science, math and computers.
Q: What are your Standard Achievement Scores? A: Bethel elementary students starting in the 2nd grade take the Stanford Achievement Test. Here are the scores from 2007 testing period:
Q: What enrichment programs do you offer? A: In the elementary school, the prgrams offered are: P.E., art appreciation, music education, chapel and library are part of our weekly schedule. Beginning the second semester of Kindergarten, the students attend a computer/technology class. Beginning in First Grade, students begin Spanish. After school options include: sports, art, computers, and choir. Our 4-year old preschool students participate in organized Physical Education every other week with our PE director.
Q: Do you have to be a church member to enroll at Bethel? A: No. Our school is a mission of the church to provide a Christian education to the community. Bethel students come from many different backgrounds and faiths.
Q: Once enrolled, then what? A: Families will be advised when the Back to School packet is available online at our school website. We also highly encourage parent to attend our New Family Orientation class.
Q: What are the testing requirements for enrolling at BLS? A: There are no testing requirements. New students are given an assessment/observation by a Bethel educator or administrator. Children coming to our elementary school from either private or public elementary schools must provide Bethel with a teacher's recommendation prior to Bethel's assessment. The acceptance process includes information from the application, previous teacher's recommendation, BLS's assessment, and the student's cumulative file.
We want all our students to succeed. We do not have resource specialists nor special education accommodations available. At Bethel, students thrive who have been trained to work in a tradiitional schooling environment. Therefore, we use the application/assessment process to promote the child's best interests and promote their best learning placement. (This does not mean that all children should attend Bethel Lutheran School.)
Q: What is your admissions procedure? A: The enrollment process begins with a school tour. We begin accepting applications in February for the next school year. All new students are then evaluated. Once accepted, the family completes an enrollment packet. Priority is given to Bethel Lutheran Church families and currently enrolled families. The enrollment process is complete and your child's seat is secured when all enrollment forms, first tuition, and fees have been paid. Students may be accepted throughout the year dependent upon enrollment numbers. However, children may only begin school during the first week of the month to avoid conflicts with lesson plans and tuition payments. Adjustments and pro-rates are not applied.
We want all our students to succeed. We do not have resource specialists nor special education accommodations available. At Bethel, students thrive who have been trained to work in a tradiitional schooling environment. Therefore, we use the application/assessment process to promote the child's best interests and promote their best learning placement. (This does not mean that all children should attend Bethel Lutheran School.)
Bethel Lutheran School (BLS) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Bethel does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and other school-administered programs.
Q: I heard that you have small classes. How many children do you have in the classroom and how many teachers? A: In elementary classes, we have no more than 18 students in a class to provide individualized attention. We provide a 1:8 teacher to student ratio in our 3-year old classes, a 1:10 teacher to student ratio in our 4-year old classes, and a 1:12 teacher to student ratio in both our Jr Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. Class size in preschool is determined by the room size.
Q: Is financial assistance available? A: Yes, we have financial assistance available for registered students. Financial Aide is determined in the spring. You will need to complete an application form and supply proof of income. We have a Legacy Circle Fund established in memory of former school board members who believed an education at BLS should not be deterred due to financial reasons.
