Hope Lutheran School

I do not recommend this school at all. The teachers are always right and the students' opinion is never valid. Even if you voice your opinion, the school will not allow you to continue there. The teachers and principle continue to make favourites, they allow them to call down to the office any time that they like, pull them out of class for no real reason, and let them do things with younger grades. If you are a child of colour then you are automatically considered a problem child. This school is focused on faith(Which is not a bad thing), but they do not consider that not everything has to revolve around it and don't consider that the lives of the children matter more. The teachers don't own up to their own actions, they say the opposite thing that they originally said before, then making it the child's fault. The school wastes money, they have so many fundraisers but spends it on painting a lion in the gym. The teachers are forced to work really late; they stay way after hours to finish their lesson plans.

After a tumultuous 1.5 pandemic years, my boys needed some solid, in-person, truth-filled learning. And they got it at Hope. Though many of the kids have been there since pre-K, my 6th and 8th graders were welcomed. The gaps left by virtual learning were quickly filled and, with the help of gifted and caring teachers, they both realized they were better at math than they previously thought. My youngest has a visual disability (though he's so capable most people wouldn't know) and the Hope admin did whatever they could to ensure he'd thrive- which he did. Very bummed that my 8th grader only got one year there, but my 6th grader doesn't want to be anywhere else for Middle School.

My child has attended the preschool program and is now finishing his elementary year here before middle school. We enjoy this school, my son likes attending here and has excelled in many areas, math, spelling, learning cursive while also having lots of creative learning time. The school has involved season sports programs and clubs. The staff at the school are friendly and show a lot of care for the kids and the school community. The school staff were there for families during challenging times and during covid. The classrooms accommodated families in the best ways they could, for example the classroom would allow you to attend either online or in person during the covid year. I do not know any other elementary school that offered this. Most of the students were safely able to attend during the year while many schools went fully remote. They truly go above and beyond for the kids. Children receive quality academics and spiritual support for their development which was helpful for my child's well being during difficult times in the world. He has had amazing teachers here each year while at this school. The staff and the principal due a wonderful job here, are quick to answer any questions and assist. They greet the children in the morning daily outside of the school too! The kinda charm you just don't get in the city nowadays. The school offers small class sizes which works well for my child who can get pretty side tracked in larger learning settings. The classrooms offer flexibility to accommodate various learning abilities. Each year starting in preschool they have the children speak, perform and participate in front of a large school group during chapel for events as a class which develops confidence and public speaking skills early on. This is something I never developed or participated in at school, not having experience until college years so my anxiety with public speaking was pretty severe. They do a nice job encouraging the children. The classroom also facilitates independence of the students as they get older, being responsible for yourself and your own work, taking accountability, communicating, self planning your to dos, developing self confidence while feeling good about asking questions or getting extra help when needed. The kids have fun too, even in fifth grade they are not too old to bring a stuffy on Friday, have game time, ect. The school offers family engagement and encourages volunteering.

What a wonderful community of supportive and caring teachers and staff. During a year full of uncertainty for families and children (COVID), this community was resilient, reliable, and provided something we could rely on for stability and support. We've become friends with the families in our son's class and have been able to organize play dates (outdoors) outside of the classroom. We feel so blessed to be part of Hope.

Hope is a fantastic school and community. From the families that pitch in where needed, to the teachers that go above and beyond to the leadership that listens to parents and teachers alike to create the best learning environment. After our first year at Hope we are very impressed at the ways they put the students first to ensure they can learn best.