FAQ
What is the Class Size?
Generally Kindergarten has no more than 20 students and 25 in Grades 1-8, although typically the classes range between 15 and the low 20s.
Are the teachers Christian?
All of our teachers are strong believers in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and lead lives of active service to him. 60% of full-time teachers are members of Hope Lutheran Church and 40% are members of other Lutheran or Christian churches in the community. Our teachers believe they are called to serve God here as a ministry to his children and a calling—not just as a job to be filled.
What is your curriculum?
We follow the basic Kansas State College Readiness Standards in the curricular areas, either meeting or exceeding them. We also teach a religion curriculum, based on the Scriptures, with application to the lives of our students. We are on a five-year curriculum review cycle so textbooks are updated regularly.
Just how much "religion" do you teach? What does it mean to be a Lutheran School?
How do your test scores compare with the public high schools?
We administer the KS Assessments yearly to students in grades three through eight and the MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) to students in kindergarten – 8th grade. These are nationally-normed standardized tests, comparing our students to students across the nation and Kansas State. Our students score well above grade level on these tests, and a high proportion of our students score in the top 20 percentiles. As a school, we score in the top 20-25% of all schools nationwide. We do not teach to these tests. They give us a “snapshot” of how our students are doing on the day the test is taken. They give us valuable information about our curriculum and help track student progress from year to year. Tests are administered in the fall and spring so the data collected can be more directly used to plan instruction for the year and we can see the growth of the students throughout the year.
What extra-curricular activities do you offer?
Extended field trips are enjoyed by our upper grade students. Fourth grade visits the state Capital and spends two days touring the state. Fifth grade goes to School of Economics to understand and apply basic marketplace concepts and skills and expose them to business-related careers. Eighth grade visits the Washington D.C. area. Our elementary grades have the opportunity to go on several field trips throughout the year such as the KC Rodeo and the Day at the K. In addition, opportunities are offered in music (band and choir), Scouts, athletics, chess, extended care, and much more. Students in seventh and eighth grades are involved in an electives program. Melodrama, curriculum fairs, Grandparents Day, Spelling Bees, Field Day, and other special events are scheduled throughout the year.
Should I send my child to Hope?
Yes! We hope you will consider doing just that. You may contact us at (913) 631-6940 or email us at school@hopelutheran.org with any questions or to arrange a tour.
What are School Hours?
School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. with additional extended school care hours from 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The school doors unlock at 8:15 a.m., if you need to drop your student off before 8:15 a.m. you can send them to extended school care. All students not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be checked into extended school care.
Are the Teachers Qualified?
Yes, our core teachers are credentialed with the State of Kansas and most have a Lutheran Teacher certification. Occasionally we will hire a teacher who is in the process of completing those requirements. Three fourths of our teachers have Master’s degrees. The average length of experience is 20 years, and many teachers and administrators are active in local, regional, and national leadership roles.
Is the School Accredited?
Yes, we are fully accredited with the State of Kansas and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). We also have completed the Congia Accreditation process.
What communication is there between parents and the school?
All teachers have a website on which is posted information about what is going on in their classes as well as homework assignments. Through FACTS Family Portal, parents may access their students’ current grades at any time, complete with a list of any missing assignments. Teachers are available through email, phone calls, or personal conferences. A weekly newsletter called the Hope Happenings is sent home by email on Friday detailing school-wide events. Special arrangements can be made to monitor individual students through daily or weekly reports.
I'm not Luthrean. Is that okay?
All are welcome here. Typically about 25% of our students are members at Hope, about 18% are not affiliated with a church, and the rest are members of other Christian congregations in our community.
WHat resources are available for children with special needs?
We have a Title I teacher on staff that helps students who need accommodations or modifications to the regular curriculum. She tutors the students that need extra help. We are unable to meet the needs of children with severe learning or behavioral disabilities, but we can help those students who need a little extra individualized care.
How do your students do in high school and in life?
About half of our graduates go on to attend local public schools, and half enroll in one of our Lutheran High School in Kansas City, MO Our graduates who have applied themselves at Hope Lutheran report that they find high school to be an easy transition. Many qualify for advanced placement and honors classes. Some have gone on to be recognized as honor students. They score high on the placement tests given at the Lutheran high schools. They cite the faith building they received at Hope Lutheran as a significant influence on their lives. Several former students have now enrolled their own children at Hope Lutheran.