Our Savior Lutheran School

825 South Taylor Street

Arlington, VA 22204

28 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

This school is a very good school and we have had a good experience.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2025

We joined our neighbor when Arlington Public Schools didn't open during COVID and have stayed since and added a kid. It's nice to be a part of a community that knows your children's names and tailors to their strengths. The staff are christian servants and take on many roles to make a very reasonably priced private school work in this area.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

Can't recommend Our Savior highly enough! We were looking for a private Christian school near Arlington that offered a mix of academic rigor, spiritual growth and an emphasis on community. We've been very pleased in the last 3 years, seeing our boys grow and mature at Our Savior. The small classes allow for individual attention and there's an intentional focus on character development. They've made great friends across grades and enjoy lots of outdoor time, in addition to being in the classroom (so important for my high-energy kids!).What I've observed is that every child is known by name and valued for who they are, thanks to the caring teachers and staff. Starting with the principal, parents are encouraged to join in the school community and partner alongside teachers to help students grow. It's been a true blessing to be part of the OSLS family and look forward to sending our 3rd son here in a few years!
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2024

We transferred to Our Savior during the COVID lock-down. My daughter with ADHD had fallen behind significantly in public school and it was apparent from her standardized tests. However, I am happy to report that after two years, her math scores went from a percentile in the low 60s to the 98th percentile. We saw vast improvement in all categories. I credit the dedication of the middle school teachers and the small class sizes. A terrific value for the money!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2024

We sent two children to Our Savior for four years and highly recommend it. As a military family, we wanted a school where our children could quickly integrate and feel part of the community. We found that and more at Our Savior. The staff is excellent and they demonstrate evident care for the kids. The academics are equally outstanding, with a good balance of art and outdoor time. Being part of the Our Savior family was a tremendous blessing and one of the best aspects of our four years in Arlington.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2023

When the pandemic caused Arlington to opt for County-wide virtual learning, we noticed an immediate social withdrawal when our then nine-year-old, an only child, was glued to her ipad. Due to the isolation our small family experienced, we craved a community school that would help bridge the awkward gap between elementary and middle school. The fact that OSLS bravely defies the norm by limiting device-led learning and bans cellphones should have more parents knocking on their doors. In fact, there is a waiting list for a few of the grades. Although we're not members of Our Savior Lutheran Church, we feel absolutely welcome when we attend services to hear our daughter sing with the school choir which is run by an energetic motivated teacher. No, you won't get after-school sports or the plethora of other activities the public schools offer, but Arlington has no shortage of extra-curricular activities for our kids. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that a child that might not thrive in an overcrowded public school can soar in a nurturing, small, very affordable private school. The basic khaki pants and polo shirt uniform eliminates that societal push to make tweens feel like they have to dress like the older kids or latest fashion trends splattered all over the internet. The later start time is also a blessing since kids at this age biologically need more sleep. We're living in a strange era where religion is being ignored in many of our states while the world is becoming more divisive due to religious conflict and idealogy. Whether you're Christian or not, the fundamental lessons being taught at OSLS are unlike what you will get at any school in this area. Furthermore, if you have a self-motivated musician or athlete, those kids will have more time to dedicate to their passion without having to choose between the school team vs. a travel team or the school orchestra vs. the amazing youth orchestras in our area. I wish that I had been lucky enough to have a school like this when I was growing up. Don't let a couple of self-serving negative reviews deter you from exploring the absolute gem of South Arlington.
Submitted by other on August 26, 2023

I agree with the May 2023 review. School has a major issue with bullying and unchecked inappropriate behavior. K, 1 and 3 have experienced older teachers…other teachers fail to manage the classroom to encourage a “classroom family experience” leading to kid on kid poor behavior because no adult steps in. Last year a parent even complained publicly to the PTA to try to get help for her son and was publicly shunned at the meeting by the administration. Queen bees (google the book title) are very present in multiple classes. the school board, not the principal, really leads the organization, cause a lot of issues. School board chair is an elderly church member who thinks she knows better than the parents what the school needs. Academics past grade 3 leave a lot to be desired (except the grammar is good). Most kids muster out after grade 3 such that by grade 8 last year they only had seven girls. School board had a budget surplus yet refused to pay a highly qualified science teacher a livable salary so next year’s teacher is a former interior designer. With no experience in science or middle school. Not even sure the person is a trained teacher..most recent experience was as a preschool teacher. —>Skip this one, especially for the upper elementary and middle school grades! (And none of the clubs on the school website actually exist.)
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2023

This school is amazing. Truly a warm, nurturing environment with art, music, and multiple daily recess. Best kept secret in Arlington. My child is thriving and learning. Hand written assignments and math worksheets, limited iPad use. Highly recommend.
Submitted by other on May 23, 2023

My daughter attended here for some time and heard teachers talking about other students in a demeaning way. She also had a teacher who picked on her quite a bit and one of the head staff felt the need to mock her a couple of times.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2022

We feel so blessed to have our granddaughter in this Christian-based, supportive, academically sound environment! She has thrived this year both in academia and social development because of the amazing staff who provide a comforting, stimulating, loving experience and teach a balanced approach: spiritual, emotional, physical and cognitive development. We especially love the art and music components , weekly Chapel and daily Bible lessons. We also love that the students will continue to grow together through each grade. She has met wonderful students and their families that God has brought into her life to become life-long friends.
Submitted by other on February 05, 2021

We have been an OSLS family since our son entered in K. He is now a 9th grader in Fairfax County Public Schools and our daughter is in 6th grade. We had always been happy with the school and felt our kids were getting a good education with caring teachers and administration. The environment is supportive and happily more racial and economically diverse than one might expect for the size. The school also does a good job making school fun, with assemblies, field days, and other special events both during and outside the school day. But it is since our son moved on to high school that we have really come to appreciate what we had academically! Our son was absolutely well prepared for high school both in his knowledge base and his study habits, and we realize that we need to increase the number of honors courses he is taking in order to have something comparable to what he was used to at OSLS in terms of pace and depth of learning. The small class sizes allow the teachers to focus on the students as individuals and meet their needs while also engaging them in the subject. We highly recommend OSLS!
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2020

Our Savior Lutheran: where your child will learn to be virtuous, not how to virtue signal! I brought my children to Our Savior after experiencing the fiasco of Fairfax County Public Schools' distance learning, and each day I am grateful for making the switch. I'll try to mention things others did not. First, concerning the space: the school features oversized rooms with giant, oak-framed windows. There is plenty of natural light and room for getting up and moving around. Second, I would say that this school is more respectful to parents than any I've encountered. There is a high level of kindness and courtesy that is practiced every day, and it feels sincere. By the end of the first week of school, the principal knew both my children's names. He is outside every morning taking temperatures and assisting the youngest students with patience and grace. Before school started, I was confident that the school had worked tirelessly and humbly to prepare for in person instruction during Covid. Third, communication is excellent. I know the education plan for my children and the rhythm of the week. My children's teachers respond to questions within a couple of hours, not days as in public school. The staff doesn't hold themselves above the parents. Fourth, the academics: this school doesn't push as hard as a high-ranking public school, but it ensures accountability for what is taught, and establishes a firm foundation typical of the education my grandparents got, with an emphasis on memorization and recitation. My daughter was racing through math in public school but it all seemed built upon a house of cards--none of it had been internalized. Sixth, I love that this is fad-free education. My children aren't undergoing a social experiment on wokeness. Everything they're learning is relevant and time tested, built on a foundation of respect for all as taught by God. Lastly, while I would recommend this school for any child, I think it would be a godsend for a child who needs to feel secure to come out of his/her shell. It would also be a great fit for a parent who likes a smooth running ship and a drama-free experience. If you are jaded with the Beltway mentality, come to Our Savior and prepare to exhale with relief!
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2020

Our Savior is such a great school. It has small yet diverse classes, which was really important to us. My son was having a hard time in middle school but after transferring to OSLS he has made a complete turn around and I attribute this to the warmth and caring of the staff and kids. He has made wonderful friends that made him feel right at home from the minute he walked in the door. My kindergartener LOVES his teachers and class-and so do I. I can't say enough about how wonderful this school is.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2020

We feel blessed to have found this hidden gem! Our son loves his school. We love the diversity that this school has along with the class sizes are ideal providing more direct interaction with the students. Children learn thru song in a hands-on approach. I love to hear my son sing songs that he has learned in school that encourage his heart mind and soul. The students sense of responsibility for their learning is fostered since kindergarten. Teacher and staff are involved and parent participation is encouraged and welcomed. This school is Christ-centered, God's truth is spoken through the Holy Scriptures. It is an inviting atmosphere where kids are also encouraged and empowered by the truth of the Gospel! Great Teachers and staff. It is a school that is family-oriented with many opportunities for family-fun activities. Our son loves his school and we do too. We highly recommend this school. Great school and Church environment.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2020

We love our school! We have yet to find a school with a more dedicated faculty, and love the smaller size for the individual attention- and yet, the opportunities for the students both in and out of the classroom defy its smaller size. Its so affordable, and so diverse! The school reflects the real world diversity and its so inclusive- the kids learn how everyone is a loved child of God. Rigorous academics, in a loving, nurturing supportive environment, with Christian values as its cornerstone. Before and aftercare until 6 pm, and wonderful school and church events throughout the year that build and grow the family and the school family- really fun.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2019

We were looking for an alternative to the public schools in our district. Instead of attending a school with 7 K classes of 20-25 students and one recess/day. OSLS offers small class sizes at an incredibly affordable price. I feel like the school is a hidden gem in Northern Virginia. The teachers are very attentive and the staff and parents at the school are so nice. We started our child in Kindergarten here, and she's now in first grade and loves it.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2019

This school is a hidden gem and has been wonderful for our family
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2018

Our Savior seems to be a hidden gem in Arlington. I am constantly amazed at how much we love this school. The teachers and principal put in so much extra effort and attention to run the school. I love the cozy and supportive environment as well as the faith-based values that are taught. I appreciate that the class sizes are smaller than the local (overcrowded) public schools, and I like that my child is with the same group of students from year to year. The students have formed strong bonds, and they remain supportive of each other. Despite the smaller size, the student body is quite diverse. The majority of the teachers have been teaching at this school for many years, and they are clearly passionate about their vocation and about the students. Since the class sizes are smaller, the teachers have more time to dedicate to each child and are able to adapt to the needs and interests of the class and individual students as possible. My child has thrived at Our Savior.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2017

I went to this school when I was a child and my child goes there now. It is a wonderful school with a focus on traditional learning and character development. Every single teacher and staff member at the school is fantastic and cares about your child as a whole. It's an extremely caring and supportive environment, and has good academics on top of that. Students have the opportunity to do hands-on projects and activities such as building 3-d maps of Virginia and its terrain, and playing a fake stock market, which augment their understanding and allow them to have fun while learning. The school also uses Saxon math, which is really great for building upon math skills and avoiding the forgetting curve throughout the year because students review old material in their homework every day while also working on new skills they've learned. The school also teaches spelling throughout elementary school as a core subject-- something i think many public schools ignore. The middle school program switches classes and next year is adding Spanish is part of its core curriculum. The price is affordable and it's nestled right off of columbia pike and george mason drive-- two major roads in the area. The church also has an Eritrean ministry, so there is a lot of diversity in the school.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2016

My kids are finishing kindergarten and 3rd grade and I am extremely satisfied with the education they got at OSLS. We are enrolling them in next years classes. They teach homeschool courses with respect and love. The individual attention they needed to do well was there and they let us know right away when our kids were struggling. Very happy with this God centered school.