St John's Lutheran School

The fundamental issue with this school lies in its “open school concept.” It operates under the assumption that every child will naturally adapt to a completely open learning environment—with no walls between classrooms and constant noise distractions. This is simply not true.My child struggled immensely in this setting. When I submitted an official evaluation report highlighting these concerns, I was not taken seriously. My child himself voiced how overwhelming the environment was, particularly the constant noise, and was told to “try harder.” This response left him deeply frustrated and led him to internalize the belief that something was wrong with him.Eventually, things escalated to school refusal. Instead of exploring how the school environment might be contributing to the issue, the social worker suggested we consider enrolling him in a specialized institution for school refusal. At no point was there real acknowledgment that the noise and lack of structure were a problem, despite these clearly being major contributors to his distress. The open school layout—with no walls and overlapping auditory distractions—is incredibly difficult for many children, especially those with sensory sensitivities or attention challenges. Yet this was completely dismissed by the school.To make matters worse, the district offers no reasonable pathways for families seeking a school transfer. The process is convoluted and unsupportive, leaving families stuck and children unsupported.Ultimately, I had to make the difficult decision to leave the district altogether. We moved to another district where my child’s needs were immediately recognized and the right supports—including IEP accommodations—were put in place without delay. The difference has been night and day.I do not recommend this school—ever—especially for children with ADHD, sensory processing differences, or any child who may need 504 or IEP accommodations. If your child thrives in a calm, structured, and supportive environment, this is absolutely not the place for them.

Sending our kids to CPSA has been, hands down, the best decision we could have made for them as parents. The school has really made immense strides in keeping up with their motto to provide academic excellence in an Islamic environment. More over, they are doing so by keeping up with the times and addressing concerns head on. If I have a concern or need clarification, I can write an email to the teacher, vice principal or principal and expect a quick turnaround time. Meeting with admin? Easy. Concerns about teaching methods? Teachers are ready to partner with you to find what best works for your child.The fact of the matter is that this school is the right fit for our children and our family and we are grateful for such an institution in our neighborhood. While tarbiyat begins at home, CPSA is a wonderful partner in helping us drive those same values and traditions and we feel blessed to be here.