Zion Lutheran Church & School

The principal is excellent. She takes the time to sit with you and help you out on what you need. The school is beautiful and I love how it is set up. There is good teachers and a lot of extra activities that they do. They have a good curriculum also. The school is diverse also. There should more new updates because it is different from years ago. I do recommend this school to others. You should try out a tour and you will see that it is a good place and like a family.

I have been so blessed to have found Zion when I moved to San Francisco, I wasn’t raised Lutheran but was looking for a Christian church close to my new home and Zion was perfect.
Every Sunday I feel I understand what Jesus and God want from us and feel so empowered to serve God and be a better person.
The bible study group is great too and I love it when our group prayer requests are answered by The Lord, many times almost immediately, it’s amazing.
I’ve made many friends at Zion and I’m extremely thankful for the love and friendships he has given me through Church!

Love this church! I am so happy to be a part of the Zion community, which I’ve found to be loving and welcoming. It feels like there’s something for all ages here — a year-​round Sunday School program for the children, great youth groups, various fun and inspiring adult Bible classes, and the list goes on! It offers both a traditional as well as a contemporary church service (with beautiful music!). Most importantly, this church is centered around CHRIST, and God’s love is felt as we worship Him in it!

I really appreciate the Christian community I have here. We are on fire for Christ and are not afraid to hold each other accountable. I really enjoy the music and the welcoming feeling you get from the congregation.
The Tuesday night young adult Bible study get togethers are awesome. Food + drinks + Scripture! Game nights happen every once in awhile when we transition between books.

This is and will always be my home church. There’s something about the intimacy and genuineness of the congregation that I just haven’t found elsewhere. The church has grown from a strict, traditional LCMS church into a more modern, welcoming church. There is no perfect church or church service. I enjoy that the sermons are scriptural based and focused on Jesus. I love the friends I’ve made and the Christian community I have here.
I pray God sends us a new Pastor who is on fire for Him and is able to deliver messages in a way that resonates with us.

Transferred from a public school to this school and saw some dramatic changes for our child. Very impressed by his educational leaps. Difficulty at first but by third quarter major improvements.
Teachers and principal made a concerted effort to help every child to succeed. It has been a most welcomed since there are very little support mechanism for public school teachers which translate to poor education for the kids. Not at this school.

I have probably toured 25 public and private elementary schools in SF, from SFUSD’s bottom-​ranked John Muir Elementary to Stuart Hall and Cathedral. Although Zion’s physical plant is dreary, the kids at Zion were more enthusiastic and engaged in their classes than any kids I saw anywhere at any price. It took some convincing of my husband, who’s non-​religious but was raised Catholic, to get over the ugly building and the idea of sending his kid to a Protestant school, but now we and our bank account are so glad we made this change!
Classes are among the smallest in San Francisco. Each child gets personal attention and support. Academics are challenging and fairly traditional (the Core Knowledge Curriculum is used), but presented by lively teachers who make learning enjoyable. They’ve announced changes to the math curriculum to kick it into a higher gear for next year. For such a tiny school, they have an impressive array of extracurricular activities. Middle school, where every student participates in city-​wide academic competitions, prepares students well for Lowell and other competitive high schools. The spring musical is shockingly good. We really appreciate the emphasis on inclusiveness, the character education and the community service ethos that is instilled starting in kindergarten.
The school is part of the missionary outreach of the church. Zion wears its religious heart on its sleeve more than Catholic and Episcopalian schools we’ve seen.
No school is going to make everyone happy, but take the slam reviews with a grain of salt (most seem to be based on experiences several years ago with staff that are long gone) and see for yourself if you are looking for a relatively affordable school with strong academics, supportive teachers, impressive arts and sports for its size, and a culture of helping others.

As a parent of a former student at Zion I can say that the school has gone downhill since Ms. Grundt left. Ms. Grundt was the former principal who knew each child’s background, grades, and demeanor. She really interacted with the parents and kids making Zion both a learning institution as well as a place for child development. Unfortunately Mrs. Laughlin doesn’t have what it takes to control Zion. She tries but fails as a principal. The school size is diminishing and will probably close in the not too distant future.

I have two children at this school, and I couldn’t rate it more highly!
Zion has gone through a lot of changes over the last 5 years. We have a new principal, and many new teachers; many of the prior teachers had been teaching at the school for ages, and retired.
Unfortunately, Unilocal is only showing a very few reviews — and most don’t reflect the current staffing at the school.
To see more recent reviews, you’ll need to read the filtered reviews.
(Scroll down to the bottom of the active list, and select ‘filtered’.)
For some reason, Unilocal penalizes busy parents/​busy professionals by filtering our reviews, because we don’t write very many! Looking at their filtering policy, you have to be an active Unilocal writer to get your reviews posted. Hmmm… maybe I should write a review of Unilocal

My son has been in Zion for over 2 years. He loves going to school everyday! I feel the teachers know him personally and are truly invested in his academic, emotional and spiritual growth.
The academics are well rounded, integrative and fun! (For example, when studying a science topic, they integrate researching the topic while learning how to make a computer spreadsheet – and my son is 8 years old!). The field trips are varied and educational. There is an appreciation for the fine arts. (My son knows what «pointillism» is!). For a small school. the range of after school programs is notable: Mandarin, music, academic chess, various sports, Lego engineering class, to name a few.
The culture is what sets this school apart. They encourage parent participation, but don’t insist on it. They teach the older kids to look out for the younger ones. The school makes an effort to promote social justice and environmental responsibility. They raise money for relief efforts and worthy causes year-​round, even when there are competing needs to improve the school. In all, I feel my son will graduate from Zion with a great education, cultural awareness, and a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place

EEK is right! I spent most of my childhood at this school (2^nd thru some of 8^th grade) and would not dare entertain the thought of sending my children here. As a woman color (back then a child of color) this school is where I have had some my most abominable memories of seclusion and racism. Of the teachers I had there, only one reflects back a positive light (Mr. Klein); as for the others, absolutely horrible!
After «milking» (if you will) my family for tuition as long as they could (middle of eighth grade, the last year they offered) they said that I did not seem happy there and/​or I was a nuissance. What I do remember is that a new teacher came aboard the faculty that year and demonstrated little control of the class, to make a long story short he singled me out as a intimidator and perpetuator of trouble. I left the middle of that year.
Now as an accomplished and educated successful woman of color, I must say these years have made me a stronger person; for I learned early on what racism truly was, how to identify it, and how to deal with it in the covert manner in which it was demonstrated at this school. Furthermore, after running into other students of color (those that were Non-​White or Asian) throughout the years, many felt the same and shared their similar negative opinions and/​or experiences of this school.
Based on my personal experience, if your child is not White or Asian I do not recommend this school. Send them to a more diverse and less sheltered school if possible or realistic. Bottom line, do your homework parents, for these are years for positivity, not negativity!
Nyla S.C.
MSHS, HS-​BCP

My son attends kindergarten at Zion. We love it here.
From day one when I called the Admissions Director, Jillian, I was pretty much decided on sending my son here. Jillian was excited about the school, informative, willing to devote as much time needed to answer my questions. We took the school tour and was sold.
Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Wong, is awesome. She really does love working with kids! Classes are small so my child gets full attention. I can see him growing academically and definitely in character. He is starting to read on his own and loves it. Math is also another one of his favorites. Wow! The school also offers plenty of extra curricular activities. He stays after school in extended care, where homework is first in priority. By the time we get home, we don’t have homework to worry about and his energy is spent. Instead, we talk about what happened in school that day– and there is always something exciting that happened in school that day! My son definitely is receiving the academic and social guidance that he needs in life here.
The entire staff is caring and attentive and often gives my son the extra attention that he craves. Zion Lutheran School in SF gets 5 stars– more if I could.

First of all, Zion is a member of the Lutheran Church-​Missouri Synod (LCMS) and this review is based on that fact. LCMS member congregations are expected to adhere to the doctrine and policies of the national assembly, unlike other church denominations. Zion is very faithful in upholding this standard. I found Zion soon after I moved to San Francisco from South Florida. The people were very welcoming and quite friendly… similar to my previous home congregations in North Miami and Hollywood. Pastor Ted was the pastor at the time (he has since retired) and it turned out that Pastor Ted’s first congregation was a small church in rural Nebraska – the same church my grandparents attended and my mother had grown up in. In other words, I was made to feel right at home on my very first visit.
Zion is the type of LCMS church that I call «the coastal churches». Members of Missouri Synod churches in Florida, some in Texas, and here on the Left Coast are quite a bit more moderate in their opinions and beliefs than in America’s heartland, where it seems many people will fuss and fight over some issues simply because they have nothing better to do (I graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, an LCMS university). Zion, like other coastal churches, tends to be open to, or even push for, more liberal policies within the denomination. That’s policies. As I stated earlier, however, they will not waiver on doctrine.
So if you like your doctrine conservative and your church politics a bit more moderate, I would recommend Zion heartily.

A couple of years ago, while driving through the Anza area I came upon Zion Lutheran Day School. I have lived in this area more than a couple of decades and never noticed this «HIDDEN JEWEL OF THE RICHMOND DISTRICT». Funny, but it was also the day that I decided to remove my child from public school (due to lack of funding for their GATE programs) and wondering where I would find a safe and nuturing/​caring environment that my child would learn and grow to be all she could be!
Imagine my surprise that day when on impulse, I parked my car and went in to check out the school: I was greeted by the most fabulous administrative assistant Mrs. Freeman (she always has a smile on her face) who listened to my story and immediately had me see the Principal. After meeting & being welcomed, I knew that I had come «home». I met all the teachers, had a tour of the school and an appointment for my child to «shadow» the very next day.
Her new class consisted of 18 students. I was impressed by the fine faculty and staff, I liked the idea of uniforms and dress codes (no more early morning issues regarding wardrobe) and a fine commitment to excellence!
After attending Zion Lutheran, my child has continued to thrive, she has made the honor roll and is at last, happy in her own skin. Zion Lutheran is more than a private school, it is a community! Zion cares about its students, families and faculty & staff. We are a family, we help and care about each and every person.
The faculty is fabulous! Every teacher is certified and has impeccable work ethics and expects the same of its students. Even during a transition last year, when a new principal was appointed and new teachers hired Zion continued to excel. The average class size is very small, better than Privateivate” schools or Catholic (where the class sizes start at 35 plus), each student has individual expectations and goals… computer sciences, language arts, PE., math and science… it is a tough work load of learning and responsibility for the student to excel. Zion Lutheran is a school is not for those wishing to just get by to finish school! Each student is responsible and held accountable for his/​her work. I like the fact that there is open communication with the faculty/​staff/​students/​families.
As for the nasty, vindictive remarks made by some former students well, I would say, just consider the source. Zion continues to amaze me. The restroom issues? The restrooms are totally remodelled and yes, while there are restrooms outsidetside” in the recess yard, where else would you expect them to be? Each floor has restrooms inside! Nit picking when one has nothing else to do would be better spent studying or doing an activity that will expand ones mind and benefit humanity.
There are 11 children in my child’s class this year. I have seen some amazing ongoing changes at Zion, and I like the fact that this school is college oriented! I like that my child is challenged on a daily basis and is treated with respect. My child’s goal is to attend Harvard University and I know that she indeed will be successful from her years spent at Zion! I only wish that Zion had a high school!
I would recommend (and have done so) Zion Lutheran to any parent searching for the perfectrfect” school for their child (ren). But beware: Your child will be challenged from the get go! No excuses for late work, forgotten homework… if you have a strong work ethic and a yearning for life long learning Zion Lutheran is the school for you!

I went to the church for a year while studying in San Francisco, but kept my membership at my home church. It was pretty much the closest LCMS church I could find. They have blended worship (contemporary) half the time, and the sermons didn’t always distinguish law & gospel or rightly divide the lessons of the day, but the congregation was great. It was shared with a chinese congregation too. Coffee and cookies in the basement afterwards was always a nice way to get to know people.
Don’t know much about the school. LCMS have historically been great on education and catechism, but it’s really hit or miss nowadays.

It’s a small world after all! This is the feeling that I have when I think about this school. I spent 10 years of my life, from pre-​school (which they don’t offer) all the way through junior high school. The classes are small, no more than 25 per, and some of the kids I spent my entire childhood with.
Looking back, I got a strong education. Most of the kids from my graduating class are doing well in life. The teachers are a give and take; I’d say the majority of my teachers were some of the most caring, intelligent people I’ve ever met. And while there were a couple I would rather forget, I’d say the ratio was pretty good.
I do wish that religion was something that wasn’t taught like history class. Although knowledge of religion is great, it’s faith that makes it special, and that was something that wasn’t strongly emphasized. Prayer and chapel were almost ritualized, and aside from religion classes and devotions read from a book, teachers never really shared their views on faith with us. But even that, I’m sure you can take as a good or a bad thing depending on your views of religion in schools.
And while this school is safe, the faculty and parents are tightly knit, and is situated in a quiet neighborhood, it’s a bit sheltered. Looking back, I wish I had more experiences with a greater diversity of classes and a larger student body. And though I don’t think I’ll send my kids here, my sister says she wouldn’t hesitate to.

If I could give this school no stars, I would. This school is absolutely horrendous. The teachers (Mrs. Mueller, Ms. Barton, and Mr. Mueller) here do not teach. They instead assign homework and expect the kids to do it. And if any student has an academic problem, they do not bring it up until school is almost over.
Mrs. Mueller is a wretched old cow with absolutely no teaching ability besides having the students color lions and elephants for history homework and assign chapters 1 – 100 in the Math textbook. Not only is she wretched, but she plays favorites. Ohhh… does she play favorities!
Ms. Barton, the science teacher, does not teach. All she does is assign her students chapter 1 – 200 to read and if any student dares to ask a question, she answers their question with absolute attitude and belittles her students like she’s Josef Stalin and her students are the Russian people. Do not get me started on her.
Mr. Mueller, English teacher, is probably the worst English teacher I have ever had. He does not teach English, but instead talks to the class about his life while he eats. Yes, he eats while he «teaches». And when he gives us test, it consists of knowing how to fold a piece of paper properly. Yes, fold a piece of paper properly! He should be fired.
Over all, Zion Lutheran is a school where the teachers cannot teach and who have major attitude problems.
——
UPDATE 1÷26÷2010
To: Jillian S.
I went to Zion Lutheran from 6−8^th grade back in the 2000’s. They USED to work there. By posting fraudulent comments, you are leading the viewers of Unilocal to believe I’m a psychotic schizophrenic stating: «They don’t work at our fine institution of Zion Luthernan». I had to sit through 2 years of this asinine bullsh*t you people call an «education». Whatever the case may be, it’s not your fault. The former administration of Zion Lutheran should have done a better job at hiring teachers. I guess it’s too late now, you’re reading this offending comment on Unilocal!
To The Viewers:
There are good and bad teachers. You should know by now our school system is terrible in the United States. If your child complains about a teachers lack of «competence», don’t take it lightly. Dig deeper into your child’s complaint and take action from there. Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste!
Sincerely,
A former STUDENT (not parent, administrator, or teacher) of Zion Lutheran School.

Ok, since this is my first review for Unilocal,I had to choose a topic/​subject/​place that I was familiar with. And for the past eight years, ever since I became a breeder, I am way too familiar with schools in SF. Of course with San Francisco Unified’s crazy lottery system, my son was assigned to a school cross town… no way am I going to drive 45 minutes crosstown in the am… no matter how great the school can be. Anyway, I had to find a school that was close to mi casa…
Our first «adventure» in elementary school was at a nearby Catholic school (that will be my next review) and was everything «they» say about Catholic schools… which is to say, stuff that nightmares are made of (my niece’s 23 yr old friend still has panic attacks when she thinks of her first grade teacher in above-​mentioned Cath. school, which incidentally is the same teacher that my son had for the first grade and I am already saving money for his psychotherapy…)
By the time I realized that I had to get my kid out of the evil Catholic school, I was too late to apply for any neighborhood public schools… they were all full and again I was not driving cross-​town! Just as I was mulling over my next step, I happened to drive by Zion Lutheran Day School, nestled in the corner of 9^th Ave. and Anza St. Very unassuming, quiet, warm and fuzzy… small class sizes (no more than 25 kids per class, EVER), lots of activities, older grades go on awesome «Outdoor experiences» to Yosemite, etc, in the springtime… best of all, this school does not gouge you in the wallet. The tuition is about the same as the pagan price of Catholic school (according to the three-​tiered payment plan: in-​parish, out of parish, and «pagan» which means «you who is not catholic must pay the most money») AND they do not nickel and dime you every week to buy bad chocolate bars, cookie dough or frozen pizzas.
Oh, and the eighth-​graders get into the same «good» high schools that the Catholic school kids want to go to… except Zion kids’ souls probably are not in the Devil’s possession. The education is very good and the teachers are very easy-​going and have good relationships with the kids. I have not encountered one yet that scares me. There are lots of activities, a very strong computer/​tech program, and sports/​games with other schools.
My only regret is the two years we wasted at the evil Catholic school…