Christ Lutheran School

3901 East Indian School Road

Phoenix, AZ 85018

40 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on October 21, 2024

Be forewarned, in disputes or disagreements, administration always takes the side of staff or teachers over students and parents. There is zero space for discussion or questions. The tone is sit down, be quiet and do what you are told, because there is a long waiting list. You and your child are replaceable. In fact, during a leadership and National Junior Honor Society seminar last year, the Principal told the students that the least favorite part of his job is the parents. If you are working to create a collegial atmosphere between parents, students and staff; this is not the way to do it. And if you are trying to undermine parent relationships with their own children, job well done! As far as managing disputes between children and teachers, kids as young as ten are expected to resolve directly with teachers, despite the power inequity between adults and children. This creates an environment that is ripe for abuse and our child suffered from several gaslighting type events by teachers and administrators. When we brought up concerns, we were simply told we were wrong, period. This created an environment where our daughter never wanted to talk to teachers about issues, and neither did we. In summary, if you want to partner with a school on your child’s education and well being, this isn’t the school for you. Please note, I am incredibly sad to be writing this review, because there are several exceptional teachers at CLS and the Pastoral staff is loving and kind.
Submitted by other on July 31, 2023

I went to this school some time ago for 6th grade and half of 7th. I'm sad to see a lot of reviewers still mentioning the same problems today, particularly the bullying and busy-work. This place fostered a lot of cliquey behavior, not only among students, but among parents & teachers too. My mom was used to being very involved in my schooling up to that point. She'd always volunteered for bake sales and chaperone opportunities and had always gotten to know my teachers. At CLS she found herself completely shut out.For me, it was worse. All of the friend groups seemed to have formed by kindergarten, and this made entering the school for 6th grade a mistake. The girls were cruel, neurodivergent kids were treated like dirt, and there was very little diversity.The teachers mostly just seemed to be going through the motions, loading us with hours of homework. I'd gone from the gifted program at my prior school to backsliding at CLS. I didn't catch up until I returned to public school mid-7th grade.I had only one teacher who seemed to actually care.The thing that ultimately drove me away was my mental health. My mom saw me rapidly deteriorate and when she offered me the chance to go back to public school, I leapt at it. Within a week back at public school, I was going to sleepovers with new friends... something that didn't happen in my whole time at CLS.This place was a rough turning point in my life. I would not recommend going there at all, but I particularly recommend against transferring your child there in the later grades.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

We've loved our time here. I think they've had wonderful teachers who love them and who love the Lord. As one of mine is now in high school, I feel like he was very prepared and he always has a place to come home.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2019

If I had to do it again, I would do it differently. We were not pleased with the school in so many aspects, but I think we stayed because we felt like there was nowhere else to go. I think a lot of parents feel that way, although I have heard a number of parents say they are looking elsewhere for many of the reasons above. The school could be great, but it would need a dramatic change in leadership for that to happen.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2018

Overall great school, loving teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2018

Excellent school, very loving environment for kids, solid academics.
Submitted by student on May 13, 2017

I went there from fifth through eighth grade. I was previously at a public elementary school, at which I did well in and was always on the "Principal's List." As soon as fifth grade started rolling, I began to fall back. There are plenty of factors because of this: the higher grading scale, the more "advanced" classes, etc. It was a lot for a 10-year-old to take in. This persisted, and schoolwork eventually became my life. The pressure was immense, and now, as a near-high school graduate, I can confirm that it was the most long-term stress I've ever experienced in my grade school education. Not to mention, this comes from an AP and dual enrollment student, so I have much to consider. The faculty was fairly nice for the most part. However, they were not very good at dealing with their students' mental heath, something I was having quite a bit of trouble with due to all the stress. Furthermore, I was bullied throughout my time there which, quite ironically, was my reason for moving schools. It was undoubtedly the worst my seventh and eighth grade years, where the school did nothing more than a slap on the wrist to those who did it. This only added to mental health issues, which don't much need to be gotten into. In the end, I went into high school over-prepared, expecting work thrown at me from all angles like I had experienced prior. It was a nice surprise to realize that was not the case, sure, but it also became known all that work I was put through was really for nothing. I can recall Bible verses, but I can't recall many fond memories. Sorry, CLS.
Submitted by other on June 06, 2016

Bullying is a problem. Also the grades are very tight. A friend of mine said Ingleside middle school is much better I would reccomend ingleside
Submitted by student on May 16, 2016

this school is a great school and prepares you for high school and has great academics!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2016

We have members of the SJB community for nine years and we have seven more to go. While the administration has gone through some bumps lately, overall my kids are well educated, happy and confident. I am excited for the future of SJB! The community created with the families, teachers, and staff generally create an environment to which I am proud to belong. The members of the community who are unhappy there and voice this opinion regularly (some, apparently, on this website) have options to enroll their children elsewhere- they are welcome to take those options. Families who participate and care about the school are those making it great on a day to day basis. The parents who complain are rarely there doing the work that it takes to make the school better. I am grateful that I am able to give this educational opportunity to my children - they will be well prepared to go on to high school and college and life. God bless all the wonderful members of our community!!
Submitted by student on October 09, 2015

As a current eighth grader, I can speak from experience and say the homework is grueling. I am a straight A student, even on the excelerated grading scale where a 94.4 is an A-. The grading scaled at this school is ridiculous. The administration is very good and really care about the school. The students are all very nice but mostly come from wealthy, Arcadia backgrounds. There is nothing wrong with that but I wish it was more diverse. 7th grade English and literature teacher is a pain and is not very understanding towards parents or students. Other than that the staff is fantastic. The assistant principle teaches 8th grade math and he is the best teacher I have ever had. History teacher is great in preparation for high school! There is a lot of homework so be prepared for late nights or early mornings or both. There are many service opportunities with many clubs and things like that. NJHS and Leadership are very common in upper grades. Overall it is a great school for certain people. if your student is below average in school, do not send them here
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

The start of school has been amazing - the school is really making us feel welcome! They planned several pre-school events to introduce children and their parents to each other. I'm excited for my kids to be here!
Submitted by other on May 21, 2015

Administration plays favorites. Unfortunately, my family was targeted as a NON-favorite. There were multiple accusations made against us with no explanation as to why or how to fix the so-called problems. It wasn't long until bullying and mistreatment of my family by administration started taking place. I soon found out through the grapevine that powerful parents basically rule the school and get what they want if they go straight to administration and complain. The teacher was not involved in any way, nor was she allowed to be (most likely because her opinions and observations were different). I was shocked to discover how micromanaging administration is and how downright mean they can be if they want someone out. They got what they wanted.... It got so bad that we left. I still have no clear reason as to why my family was targeted nor do I feel we deserved the way we were treated in any way. I strongly suggest you do NOT send your child to this school. They call themselves a Christian school, but I definitely do not see Christ present on this campus.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015

I was excited to send my child to this Christ centered school however upon touring this school I found it was the complete opposite. The administrative staff was overly judgmental and made bizarre accusations during the tour and meeting which made the whole situation awkward. I left the school in shock of what had transpired and unfortunately won't be sending my child here. I didn't see Christ's love on this campus.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

Administration appears to be good at organizing people to post favorable online reviews but in real life is mostly unresponsive to if not mocking/dismissive of parent concerns. Other problems include: Surprising amount of bullying by both students and teachers, considering this is a Christian school Children who worship at other churches are not eligible for NJHS membership Hours of homework each night, mostly worksheets High rate of teacher turnover and many inexperienced teachers on staff. Low rates of acceptance to private high schools. I believe that there are kind teachers here who try hard to do a good job, unfortunately they do not outweigh the disadvantages above.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

I have always felt that my children were cared for and taught good morals and values. The teachers are dedicated to doing their best, and providing support to their students. They are truly loved, and given attention they need with small class sizes.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

CLS is excellent. High academic standards and expectations for students, offers differentiation for individual learners, teachers loved and nurtured my 3 children.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

This school prepares the students both intellectually and spiritually. All three of my children went to school at CLS and formed long term friendships, deepened their faith and excelled at academics. They were well prepared for Brophy and now as they look at colleges I know that foundation from CLS will serve them well. I can't say enough good things about CLS. It was a true blessing for our family.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

The church and school are so united. You will see pastors and church staff joining the school staff to greet students and families each day. They have fun here, but they work hard, too. My children learned to work hard, study hard, serve others, care about their friends, and their faith was strengthened by the terrific role models--both adults and fellow students!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2014

Christ Lutheran School as been amazing for all three of my children. The dedication of the teachers and administration is superior. One of the best decisions I have made for my family!