FAQs
Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions by parents. If you don't find the answers you are looking for here, contact us.
Why pay for something I can get for free?
Education is a priceless investment that affects every aspect of your child’s life now and in the future. It informs—and will continue to inform—every aspect of their life. We develop character within an excellent academic Christ-Centered education, preparing, developing and nurturing a classroom environment in which every student will know God’s love, forgiveness, and salvation through the opportunities of our everyday experiences, living in God’s love through Christ as we pursue academic excellence. Values, priorities, work ethic and lifestyle choices are all influenced by elementary education. This foundation can be laid only once, so an elementary school should be wisely chosen.
Why should I choose a Lutheran School for my children?
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod operates the largest Protestant school system in the world. Currently LCMS congregations operate 1,285 early childhood centers and preschools (87,728 students), 880 elementary schools (113,919 students) and 90 high schools (19,655 students). In addition, its higher education system includes 10 universities and two seminaries in the United States. These schools educate over 221,000 students and are taught by approximately 17,000 teachers.
Lutherans care about quality Christian education. Lutheran teachers are prepared to teach the disciplines they are specializing in from the beginning of their college experience. Their faith is an integral part of the preparation, and cannot be separated from their teaching, from their knowledge, or from their life. Because their teaching is so integrated, each child is seen as a unique and loved child of God, and addressed as a whole person. God’s grace and his Word inform every aspect of school life, so children receive not only an excellent academic education, but also their creativity is encouraged through the arts, healthful lifestyles are encouraged, and their character is formed towards the image of Jesus.
What is your curriculum?
Zion uses California Standards in the curricular areas, either meeting or exceeding them. The areas of instruction include, but are not limited to, Religion, Reading, English, Spelling, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Computer.
Zion is not a Common Core school.
What is the class size?
Class sizes for grades K-6 are limited to 25 students. When there are over 20 students in Kindergarten, there will be a classroom aide.
Will my child take any standardized testing?
We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) yearly to students in grades two through six.
How do your test scores compare with the public schools?
We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) yearly to students in grades two through six. These are nationally-normed standardized tests, comparing our students to students across the nation. Our students’ scores fall above the national average.
Do students have to wear uniforms?
Yes. Zion Lutheran School is a place for learning and growing mentally and spiritually. The purpose of having a school dress uniform is to simplify the matter of student attire and place that issue in perspective with regard to the learning process. A dress code also promotes a sense of civility and equality among the students and encourages responsibility and self-discipline. A uniform provides a way that clothing not only doesn’t hinder the educational process, but promotes a positive image among our students, and provides a Christian witness to the community.
Please refer to the Uniform page for full information concerning school dress requirements.
Do you have before and after school care?
Yes, we have an excellent before and after school care program. School Age Care (SAC) is available for Zion Lutheran School students from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM. There is an additional fee for this service.
What are the school hours?
Grades K-6 are in session Monday through Friday from 8:10 AM to 2:40 PM.
Kindergarten half- day hours are: 8:10 AM – 11:30 AM. Half-day students may stay through lunch, going home at 12:15 PM.
Drop-off is between 8:00AM – 8:10AM
Pick-up is between 2:40PM - 3:00PM
Is your Kindergarten program full-day or half-day?
We offer two choices for kindergarten, a half-day or a full-day program. Both programs provide the essential instruction necessary for first grade success. Both programs prioritize core curriculum objectives in the morning hours. The full day program allows for extension and enrichment of those morning lessons into the afternoon. Full-day hours are 8:10AM – 2:40PM. Half-day hours are 8:10AM to 11:30AM.
Is there a chapel time for students?
Yes, every Wednesday at 9:15AM, the students at every grade level attend chapel.
Do you have a parent group?
Zion has a very active and involved Parent/Teacher Group.
Do students participate in field trips?
Yes, our students participate in field trips, which have included Forever Wild, Calico Ghost Town, theater performances at the California Theater in San Bernardino, as well as more local trips to places like In’N’Out, and the Discovery Center.
Is there a hot lunch option?
On Fridays, students can order pizza from a local establishment. We do not have facilities licensed to prepare food.
How are home/school communications handled?
Our teachers all communicate through both email (including a weekly note) and by phone/text. The weekly envelope is sent home every Monday with school work, forms, etc. We are on Facebook as well.