We did not have a positive experience at this school for either of our children. They are now on honor roll and doing very well out of Salem's program. read more

My 2 children have been students at Salem Lutheran for over 3 years now and we are very happy with our experience. The teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to make our family feel special and loved. As a prior public school teacher in Orange County, I truly value the Christian education and the faith filled environment for my kids. One word I would use to describe this school is 'Family', as I believe many other people would agree. I recommend this school for the Christian education, the academics, sports, art, and music programs. We are blessed to be a part of this school. read more

Salem Lutheran School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Orange, California

It's also a church, Pastor here is very kind ! Services are quiet or not. Music is loud sometimes you here babies crying . Pianist is involved in the thing young stars are kids from the neighborhood getting an opportunity to dance and sing read more

I was on the fence to even write this review, however I felt compelled to do it as a favor to all the parents, who like us, are/were considering Salem as a potential school. We went for a tour with the admissions director in January 2023 and felt like Salem was a great fit to what we were looking for. My child had been a student at Fairmont Private Schools for 4yrs prior to the pandemic, which resulted in a disruption to our educational path. We submitted the application to Salem and were led to believe we were in and all was going smoothly. However, once we received our acceptance letter, they added a clause/condition to the contract which to this day is mind baffling. Salem wanted us to agree and give them the power to DISENROLL my child within the 1st trimester if "THEY" feel that my child is not a good fit. Yes, Im not kidding! Ive never heard of this before, but apparently they informed us that this has been done to new families previously. Ive discussed this with numerous parents, teachers and other administrators from other private schools and they were all astonished that THIS school would do such a thing. What do you think that would do to a child's self esteem/mental health knowing that they are not good enough for this school, not to mention trying to find a new school at that point. We were told by the principal via email (didnt even bother to pick up the phone and call us back) that she had made the decision to retract the offer, cancel and close our application. She stated that our child was not a good fit for Salem, even though she has never met us in person nor spoken to us. Apparently, my 4.0 gpa child is not worthy enough to attend Salem. They must think they are the Harvard of private education. What a joke! So much for "nurturing" and "uplifting" our children via Christian education... read more

My daughter was a student here and her experience as a student as well as mine as a parent was disheartening. She was bullied relentlessly both by girls and boys in her class. The teachers were aware of it as well as the administration and they did nothing! I met with both her teachers and the administration and they were more concerned with the bullies than with my daughter (probably because they came from old Salem families who gave large donations to the school). If you are looking for a Christ-centered school - keep looking, this isn't one. read more

I have two boys enrolled at Salem and they are thriving. One just completed his placement test for Orange Lutheran High School and ended up in all HONORS classes. Feeling very grateful for this loving place. read more

Both my daughters attended Salem from pre-school through junior high, and loved going to school there. We feel very blessed and fortunate that thru pinching pennies, we were able to give them the experience of smaller classes and teachers and staff that genuinely cared about us as individuals. They both went on to Orange Lutheran HS, where one is still attending and the other has already graduated. I am glad my kids had the chance to go to school in a Christ centered environment/education. I would highly recommend this school/church. read more

Salem Lutheran School is a a very loving and safe environment for your child to attend school! The teachers become a part of your family and genuinely care about your child. They have an amazing music and arts program, and p.e. (which many schools don't even provide anymore). They have such an incredible sports program as well! The teachers have amazing Christian hearts and characters. My family started there in preschool and we have proudly been there for 10 years now. I can't imagine them being anywhere else. read more

Salem Lutheran School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Orange, California

Very disappointed with this school. Wish I would have known before committing from Carden Academy (Mission Viejo). Carden blows this school away. Little did I know that its the boosters that get the preferential treatment in this school. Those who get the attention, especially in athletics is the kids parents that give half their paychecks to this school. Some of the teachers are incompetent, one lost my sons book report and held it against him. How do you lose a book report that your kid put so much work into? Teachers are late posting grades to RenWeb, which makes it difficult for the parent to keep up with their son/daughter. When you get to the graduation ceremony, its one huge sales pitch to get you to commit to Orange Lutheran HS. This is just a heads up before committing. read more

Our student attended Salem since preschool & we recently transferred to another school for 3rd grade. What a slap in the face going into our first parent/teacher conference this past week at the new school. We found that while our child received all A's every year at Salem, our child is actually severely behind in every subject. This school has a serious deficiency in academics & they hide it by "fun" classroom activities, art, religious studies, etc. Core academics is last on the list for their students. They are far more focused on socio-economic benefits to the school & the church rather than the students & the families that are keeping the school afloat. Several families with multiple children have left the school, even mid-year, & the turnover of principals & newer teachers is prevalent. Our child had 2 new teachers in one year & 2 principals within two years & when we left at the end of last year, they still did not have a new full time principal. The teachers that have been there the longest, coincidentally, have a spouse on the ministry/school board. Tuition has been raised every year to give the existing teachers & administration salary increases but funding anything academic has been non-existent. The church/school purchased an old house adjacent to the existing school & plan to "eventually" turn it into add'l parking & a new pre-school. Obviously, money is there but seems to be poorly allocated towards benefiting the existing school & it's students. Anyone considering enrolling their child in this school should be wary as your child will be at a serious disadvantage the longer they attend there. read more

My daughter has been at the preschool for the past 2 years. She has grown spiritually, academically, and personally. The staff is so supportive of each student and each family. I am excited to see her continued growth through the years as she continues her growth here. read more

I have 2 kids that have attended Salem since they started Preschool. Both have grown academically & spiritually under Salem's scholastic system. My older child has been accepted to Orange Lutheran & will start there this Fall. He just complete his placements tests & was accepted into all honors courses. Salem has done a wonderful job preparing them for the next step. Salem is a great school & a great family. read more

The school is beautiful unfortunately my son with HF Autism was not admitted! :0/ And no explanation. I felt that he should have been given an opportunity to be enrolled with an ABA shadow. read more

My son has attended preschool at Salem for two years now and is beginning his third year. He LOVES coming to school and ADORES his teachers! When I drop him off for school, he runs straight to class and barely even says goodbye half the time because he is so at home here. He comes home singing songs and talking about Jesus most days and tells me about the fun activities he has completed in class. It's great to see him thriving in a loving, rigorous, creative environment where he is sincerely cherished by his teachers. read more

It's going to be a huge laugh when they fire their next pastor in 3-4 years for no apparent reason. That's what they did before with the previous pastors. Education there is t great. They like to hold kids back for being who they are and they don't fit the mold of their system. read more

My son who is 5 has been going to this preschool for two years. We love everything about this school, and more importantly so does he. The teachers are very caring and loving. They create a fun and educational environment for the kids! The administrative staff is also very organized and caring. It is a great community of kids, parents, and teachers. read more

We have three children at Salem Lutheran School and have experience with both the preschool and elementary school programs. Over the past three years, this school has far exceeded our expectations as parents. We have found each of our children's teachers to be dedicated, knowledgeable and incredibly caring - about their students and their students' families. The art, music and athletic programs are nothing short of excellent. But more than anything, from the day we toured the school, Salem has just always felt like "home" to our family. Our children love school and learning - characteristics we as parents would love to take credit for cultivating in them, but the credit is really owed to what a special place Salem is. read more

Our family has been at this school for 15 years now (3 kids through preschool and 2 through elementary so far). We love Salem! Our kids have felt so loved and cared for by their teachers. There's definitely a sense of family at this school. We love the traditions through each of the grade levels. My oldest is in high school now and thriving academically. (We always hear reports from the high schools that Salem kids are well prepared for HS.) While there has been some transitions in leadership in recent years, I see the school growing stronger and the staff really stepping up to make Salem a flourishing place to be. I'm grateful for the dedicated teachers and the awesome parents who are very involved. Of course no school is perfect but my kids are happy, thriving & loved at this school. I couldn't ask for anything more! read more

I remember going to this school in the 90s. I remember being made fun of because my parents weren't rich and because I wasn't white. I was treated horribly by the teachers, staff, students and parent's of my classmates. It's ok though because I am stronger because of it. Thank you OPA a-holes. You made me into one of the highest paid mortgage brokers in California... I really hope this LUTHERAN school has changed. read more

We recently transferred here. The school and teachers have been amazing. My children transitioned so smoothly. We were welcomed with loving arms by many of the families. We've been impressed with the longevity of the staff, good academics and the competitive Athletics program. We're so happy our kids are here. read more

All 3 of my children love Salem, my oldest is now in high school but still loves to come back and see his teachers. The teachers are loving and teach to the level of each child, they truly love their students. It is a warm environment that encourages parent involvement. It feels like we are family. If you want a Christ centered education for your child that also focus on academic excellence this is the place. read more

My children love to go to school every day at Salem so that says it all to me as a parent! They really have fun there and learn a lot too!! The teachers are so caring and approachable and love the students. It's a great family and Christian environment. Each grade has fun traditions that the kids look forward to participating in. My oldest daughter was there from preschool through 8th grade and is doing great in high school now. I credit that to the excellent and well-rounded education that she received at Salem. Not only is there strong academics, but she got to experience art, music, sports, service to community, and worship. It really is a wonderful school and I highly recommend it~ read more

The teachers and staff at Salem (many with ten plus years) are dedicated to the children and families and truly love teaching. My three kids started in preschool and my oldest graduated 8th grade last year. I strongly believe my children are in the best possible Christian academic environment Orange County has to offer. read more

As a mom of 5 boys and a church member since 2005, I have had an opportunity to be a part of this amazing God centered place. Our family see's the boy's education at Salem a gift, and we couldn't imagine sending them anywhere else. Our two oldest are now in high school and still come back to volunteer. I have a 5th grader, a 1st grader, and little one at home who we pray will be a Spartan next year. You HAVE to come visit!! The church and school staff are exceptional. read more

This is our son's second year at Salem Preschool. Our older daughter went to tutor time and Fairmont preschool. I like Salem a lot more than those two for several reasons. Here, the teachers truly adore the children. Mrs. Vickers knows all the kids and families. She goes the extra mile to make everyone welcome and provides personalized attention. Mrs. Lisa Senefsky and Mrs. Jordening are excellent. My son loves all of his teachers. There is so much love and attention to the kids that it feels special to be on campus. We are not Christian and have never felt any pressure of any kind. Also, at this age, the biblical stories teach him about God, Jesus Christ, and to help others, which we are more than happy for him to learn. I highly encourage new parents to visit the school. Also, they have very reasonable fees. read more

I like the Christian atmosphere and the music and art program but they need more standard based curriculum to meet the needs of the kids. The curriculum should be as strong as their teaching if religion. Time for teachers to update their professional teaching skills. read more