Bethany Christian School

1137 Shadyside Road

Oxford, PA 19363

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-9
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 12, 2022

Teachers go above and beyond to love the students and provide a learning environment for each unique child. This school has come a longggg way since I attended as a child. Students are kind to each other and its clear that teachers want to be there. I highly recommend this school to anyone who will listen, and the principal is a great addition to BCS.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2017

My children have grown as students and as individuals. The implementation of STEM days has peaked their interest in science. I love how the middle school comes together and makes these lessons apply in every class. My children go to school knowing they are in a safe loving environment and feel as if they are able to approach teachers and administration with any issues. They have made friends that I am sure will last a lifetime. We love Bethany!
Submitted by student on November 04, 2017

I can't imagine going to school anywhere else. I love the teachers. I love the fact that I know if I need help everyone in the school will help me even if they aren't my teachers anymore. It's nice that everyone knows who you are. I don't need to worry about all the typical pressures that middle schools have at other schools. We can be who we are. I love our administrators. I would recommend BCS to everyone.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2017

Bethany has been a huge blessing in our family. We have 2 children that attend and have been extremely happy with their education. The teachers and administration are absolutely amazing!!! I highly recommend Bethany Christian School!!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2017

200% Horrible. For the last 3-4 years that bethany has NOT had a principal the school has drastically declined.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2016

My daughter has been a student at Bethany since preschool, which includes the past few years of turnover and change. We were there for the principal that is hailed by many as wonderful and amazing, and she did have several good qualities. Like any of us, though, she had her flaws. We were there for the next head of school, whom many have called power hungry and controlling. We had no problems with him; as a matter of fact, as a parent, I was somewhat more impressed with him than the previous principal. Everyone was equal when it came to discipline; he did not play favorites. However, he was at the door EVERY morning to greet EACH student by name. He was at dismissal EVERY afternoon helping to send students home with a friendly goodbye. This did not happen with the previous leader in place. We are here now with the current administration that has been called 'unapproachable'. Have you tried? I have found that the ladies in place this year have been extremely compassionate and caring while remaining fair and firm in their positions of authority. In summary, this is an amazing school but please don't take my word for it, or anyone else's. Check it out for yourself. Don't let someone's sour grapes keep you away from what could be God's will for your child and an amazing education with some amazing teachers and staff members.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2016

My child has been at BCS since 3yr old Pre School, and is now a 5th grader. This has been one of his best years yet. He is doing well academically and growing spiritually and in other areas. Bethany has always shown the children how to love, how to be kind, and to show forgiveness and grace. The school has excellent communication with parents. There are weekly reminders and updates sent via email and they make great use of the facebook page. Teachers and administration make themselves readily available to parents for comments and concerns. They all truly love the school and the children and believe in the ministry and mission of the school. We are looking forward to middle school -- have been hearing so many amazing things about these new teachers!!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2016

As an educator and parent, I cannot express how impressed I have been with my children’s teachers and the administrative team this past year. Some families began the school year with a little trepidation but the administration has proven themselves to be effective and most importantly love our children. The teachers have continuously challenged my children and opened their eyes to future possibilities. Bethany invited a college representative to speak to the middle school students; as a result, my daughter now wants to become an engineer; the middle school science teacher has noted this interest and has continued to provide her with ample opportunities to explore a variety of scientific jobs to encourage her growing love for anything scientific. The science teacher's enrichment activities rival what is being taught in 9th grade biology classes in the public schools. Today my daughter couldn’t stop talking about the genetics scavenger hunt the class went on. The lessons are both engaging and simultaneously challenging. I have no concerns about her high school preparation. The middle school math teacher constantly is assessing for understanding and provides a time of revisit for each student to get clarification or re-teach the concept. Both teachers vary their instructional strategies to address students with various styles of learning. Together these teachers, are developing a strong STEM gateway program for Bethany students to go through in preparation for high school. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the 3rd grade teacher was using brain breaks, a research proven strategy to allow student to maximize learning time by refocusing attention. It has allowed my daughter to refocus and improve her time on task. My youngest does not enjoy reading but she has flourished under the guiding hand of her 3rd grade teacher. She can’t stop talking about her next book report that is due in May. She has already finished her book and is preparing her costume for presentation day. The teachers’ ability to differentiate has allowed both of my children to find success and self-confidence which is a total win in my book.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2016

As a family that has attended BCS for the past 8 years, continue to support Bethany Christian School and commend the faculty for the level of creativity and professionalism that they bring to the table. We are happy with the leadership team who have continued to move the school forward in a year of transition and have always made themselves available to parents. We receive weekly emails about school related information and events. Teachers do provide quality instruction and it is a disservice to generalize their heartfelt professionalism and sacrifice. Has tuition increased over the past few? Yes. It costs money to run a school. It’s not free. I will pay more to compensate teachers fairly. I don’t expect them to work for nothing. I will pay to make sure that teachers have access to new curriculum and improve the classrooms. We adamantly support the administration team as they make the hard choices to create an educational environment promoting accountability and Christian values. We wish the families well that have chosen to leave and continue to pray that they find the proper fit for their families.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2016

Two years ago we were asked by admin to write a review on Great Schools.Although not glowing last review,we believed in the leadership at the time.Today almost 360 days later,we are sad to say that the return on our $5600 investment remains in the red.Our son once was challenged by the teachers to produce amazing work,he once wrote newspapers in class,read from chapter books aloud,and learned how to pray. Class trips embraced values, and were included in tuition.His teacher this year does not hold children accountable to the highest standards expected of a private Christian education.The administrative team is unapproachable,and communication has become business like.The tuition has increased $500 a year for each year our son has attended BCS.It was decided without a parental needs assessment to eliminate the library.The board will tell you it has a library-in the teachers' classrooms. The library is now used for aftercare-ironic since most of the time we are picking our child up from the gym.To date,it has not been decided who shall head BCS.Data should support this decision as we also can name 15 children not returning to BCS.We are very concerned that our child will be at a disadvantage in public school.His Terranova scores are all in the 90% but he is unable to produce paragraphs with proper punctuation and spelling.This school year he has not be challenged to put pieces through the writing process.All of the school work returned this school year has come from workbook pages.The school once had a thriving art department.This year,at holiday time,our son had an art project consisting of twisting pipe cleaners into candy canes.We have only received two art projects home, a weaving and a PA stamp only using crayons.We are not certain if a system of checks and balances are in place.It seems that everyone in the school is driving instruction and incentives from where ever they can find them,but mostly from the pages of workbooks.The school has released many veteran teachers;all but one of our son's 4 teachers remain.This has us questioning the value of his total education at BCS.If you are reading this to consider BCS,we think the school needs a few more years to regroup from the damage the last administrative team did to the parents,faculty,and community. There are Christian schools in the area that will bus from Oxford that should be considered first.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2016

The last year has been a waste of money. The leader of the school has never been an educator. Tuition increases have crippled the parents, and today I can say that almost 10% of the students will not be returning (13 out of 189 that I am aware of)
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2014

Bethany cares deeply for my children's academic and spiritual growth. The new leadership is refreshing and I have seen amazing positive changes already. If you are looking for a caring community that will help provide your child with a firm foundation, then Bethany is the place.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2014

My children started at Bethany Christian School last year and the other students just wrapped their arms around them and pulled them in, as if they had always gone there. Academics are great and I love that the Bible is part of all subjects and that teachers and students pray for one another. Very supportive and encouraging environment. I have even made some friends there as the parents were welcoming as well. Love BCS. So thankful to have Bethany in our community where kids can get an excellent AND Biblically based education. - submitted by a parent
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

As a father of three students for five years at Bethany, five years, need I say more. Changes do cause disruption and are often a welcome change. We have a new head of school so we obviously some new ideas and not everyone embraces change, but in my mind new blood is always good. The kids are learning quite a bit and get straight A's all the time. The teachers and staff are all very caring and almost like family. I personally am very comfortable at Bethany and I'm sure you and your family would be also.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

Bethany is a terrific school. Clearly there are reviews below slamming the school from some people that don't like change. The school was and is terrific. Most of the changes that are being made are to grow and improve the school to enable it to have programs on par with larger schools in the area. The class sizes are under 30 and most cases under 25. The programs and tools given to parents help them stay on top of their children s' education. The new principle has a strong education leadership background and has created a plan to improve the school and grow. The education is great! My daughter gradated and has moved on to Lancaster Mennonite High School. She was fully prepared and in some areas ahead and had no trouble transitioning to this highly regarded school. Please visit and talk to the staff and make your own judgment and don't dismiss this school based on biased reviews below. It's a great Christian school. As for the school being rigid or strict? That is part of Christian education and is lacking from most public schools. If you don't want the bible or Christian values to be taught to your children, then public school is for you.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

Bethany has been such a blessing to our family! As an attorney and mother of two girls, education, Christian values and hard work are high priorities in our household. We were unfamiliar with the schools in the area and visited many before making a decision for our children. We had heard the rave reviews of Bethany from many families in the area and ultimately chose this school because of it's focus on a high quality education while incorporating a firm Christian foundation. The best part about Bethany is that the administration, teachers and staff continually strive to improve the facilities, activities and to equip the students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed! The new headmaster and staff have set clear goals for the future and encourage the parents to participate and provide feedback on the quality of the education of their children and the direction and future of the school. Bethany provides an affordable, warm, friendly environment for you and your children, and I bet that you will fall in love the first time that you visit this school. If you are looking for a better option for your children, go ahead and give Bethany a try, you will not be disappointed!
Submitted by teacher on August 12, 2014

I worked at Bethany as a staff member.. With our new principal last year, the qualify of education went way down. Teachers argued among themselves, parents were no longer welcome in the school, tuition went way up, and enrollment went way down. This past year alone, six staff members have quit. They've combined classes in several grades and cut staff. Now teachers have large classes and small rooms. Technology has replaced teaching. And it's also eliminated how parents can communicate with teachers, pay bills, or participate in the school. Students use I-Pads to play Angry Birds and to look up things on Safari that they shouldn't. The principal is often on his cell phone. Teachers don't work together. It's not a happy place. The dress code has gone the other way. In allowing freedom, they've allowed students to wear clothing that is banned in public schools such as girls wearing just leggings without skirts and boys having long hair. They say they're Christian, but it's not evident in the way they act or portray themselves. There are many other solid Christian schools in this area. I would pray long and hard before sending your child to Bethany.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2014

We have decided not to return to Bethany this coming year. The values are not the same as they used to be. Administration is unapproachable and not friendly at all. Some of the teachers do not care if your children don't understand a concept or learns a different way than the others. We used to love this school and it was very hard to pull our children away from their friends and start fresh in a new school. However, we feel as though their education was at risk if we kept them at Bethany. Basic concepts are being missed and with the new principal, we felt as though it was time to move on.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2014

Do NOT send your child here. This school is not what it used to be. The previous principal was caring, understanding, compassionate, and was an advocate for your child. The new headmaster has NONE of these qualities. This man thinks he is the master of everyone and has a very controlling attitude. Six employees quit this year and I don't find it a coincidence. One got into a screaming match with the headmaster in the hall. No Christian values. Test scores are low. The teachers are teaching subjects and not children. There is no help for kids who need it. Grammar is non-existant. Parents are made to feel unwelcome by teachers, office staff, and the headmaster and are followed like criminals. Very expensive & extensive projects. History is pushed more than anything in certain grades and kids fall behind because they aren't taught how to pull facts out and write essays, yet are expected to write 5 essays and have them memorized for a test 2 days later. Homework is so extensive that children who are falling behind have no time to do extracurricular activities. Please spare your children's education and send them elsewhere. If I could give it less than 1 star, I would.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2014

Our daughter has been at Bethany since kindergarten and we would've given the school 5 up until this year when we had new headmaster come in. The school has not been the same. The school had alot of long term employees quit this year and even had some students pulled out in the middle of the year due to the controlling attitude of the headmaster and 1/4 of the students (including our daughter) will not be coming back in the fall. The administration is not supportive of the students or parents. If your child needs enrichment in any area, do NOT attend this school because you will not receive any support or help. Also, tuition costs are being raised for the next 3 years.