Steps to Admssion
The right education gives your child an advantage throughout life, so choosing your child's school may be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. At Bethany Lutheran School, your child will receive more than academic excellence and a whole-child approach. In every setting, we reinforce the same values and character qualities you teach at home, helping your children learn to live a life honoring the Lord Jesus Christ.
For more information on private education and its benefits to students and families, please watch this video from the Council for American Private Education.
From a school parent:
“Bethany Lutheran School was the best decision we ever made. We wanted our child to receive a Christian based education in a loving, nurturing environment where he would simultaneously receive a quality learning experience. After nine years – my son is in 8th grade – I can say that Bethany has met all of our expectations and then some.”
From an alum:
“After reflecting on my time at Bethany, I truly believe that the teachers I had, the faith-based institution and the numerous extra-curricular opportunities given me played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today.”
Bethany Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, sex, age, disability, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Students enrolling in our kindergarten must be five years of age by September 1. Those who will turn five after September 1 must have a letter of recommendation from the Director of an accredited preschool or child care facility, and they will be given a kindergarten readiness pretest by our school.
All new applicants for grades 1-8 will be tested to assess their academic level so they can receive proper placement in our school. Children enrolling in first grade must have completed an accredited kindergarten course and must have had a complete physical examination within the previous year.
Our Admissions Director, Kathy Tucker, will guide you through the process:
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Arrange for a tour of our campus.
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Meet our principal and staff members.
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Arrange to observe a particular grade level, if you desire.
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Arrange for a pretest (Grades 1-8).
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Upon acceptance, fill out registration packet and pay registration fee.
1. How do your test scores compare to the public schools' scores?
Because we do not administer the same achievement tests as the public schools, it is not possible to make a direct comparison, however we are very proud of our students' academic performance. Bethany administers the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to Grades 2-8 each fall. You can view our test scores here. You'll note that this document shows how the average Bethany student performed at each grade level, and that these scores are significantly above average.
2. Where do students go when they leave your school? How do they perform in high school?
Many of our students transition to local public high schools, and some continue their education at one of the private Christian high schools in the area. Our students are regularly accepted into honors programs at these high schools, and report that they are well-prepared for their classes. In fact, several of our student have been named the valedictorians of their graduating classes.
3. Your school is called "Bethany Lutheran." What is a "Lutheran" anyway?
"Lutherans" are Christians who respond to the love of the Triune God...Father, Son and Holy Spirit...who has revealed Himself through the Bible. "Lutherans" accept and teach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.
4. I am not Lutheran. May my child attend your school?
You do not have to be Lutheran to attend our school. Bethany Lutheran School has students from many faith backgrounds, although approximately half of our students are also members of Bethany Lutheran Church. If you do not have a church home and are seeking one, we encourage you to consider Bethany.
Bethany Lutheran School
5100 Arbor Road
Long Beach, CA 90808
562-420-7783
Principal Mary Fink (mfink@bethanylutheran.org)