Research Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran private Schools in San Antonio, Texas

“Our daughter graduated in 2008 and only went to middle school. Positives: mostly nurturing teachers, high quality friends. New students were accepted into some circle of friends. Everyone has recess before school! Unstructured play helps reduce behavioral issues. Testing is on national level, not standardized. It was so refreshing to not see TAKS testing tips in textbooks! And the curriculum exceeds the TEKS standards. Negatives: Homework is necessary, but it was overkill, required even over weekends and holiday breaks. However, this prepared her for high school pre-AP classes. Writing must be in blue or black pen, and in cursive or the answers are wrong. She complained that some boys used bad language that the teachers didn't notice. Delinquents are removed eventually. We wish we sent our other child here instead of Pat Neff!”

“My child did not enter the school until after 3rd grade and was never quite looked at as the students there from Kinder. The issues with conduct or swearing by students was not directed because 'We are trying to reach everyone.' There are some outstanding teachers that love the kids. My child now in high school is in AP classes with As and Bs but could not meet the perfections standards at SHLS to dot the I and cross the t at the right angle. I so wish they could have looked at the whole child and not put the letter of the law as number one priority.”

“My child has now graduated from SHLS. Quality of education good. However, during the nine years of attendance at this school they were filled with harrassment and bullying. The administration had been notified and the harrassment was never addressed or squelched. Based on that I feel the administration is weak and you must really make a big scene for them to even take notice of the situation. They will not act unitl you force the issue.”

“I have read some of the reviews on here and feel compelled to ask a question, Does it seem as though some of the negative comments were written by the same parent? Do the readers a favor and keep your postings limited to one review. My family loves this school. Strong Christian environment, great curriculum and faculty. I give this school two thumbs up. As far as the principal is concerned, Mrs. Gary is a caring and kind person. Maybe the reviews that state otherwise were written by busy body parents who don't have enough to do?”

“My son, an eight grader is completing his second and final year at SHLS and we cannot be more pleased with the education and the caring environment the teachers, staff and students have provided. His one year as a sixth grader in SSAISD was troubling to say the least so we were extremely pleased to enroll him at SHLS. Although the commute is difficult, we have never regretted our decision. I was especially impressed by the welcome he received as a new student last year. He reports that discipline in the classrooms is not a problem. An adequate amount of homework is always required and the teachers are always accessible and full of optimism and joy. High praise for this school. I just wish the school could continue through the 12th grade but I realize the space is limited.”

“I am very disappointed. My young child was bullied by a middle school kid. The school knew prior to enrolling this child that he has problems but that it not keep the school from enrolling the child. It is all about tuition, student #'s, and not the christ-like environment. Principal had no response-like usual. A new strong caring principal would do that school a whirl of good.”

“We have been very happy at Shepherd. We have several children here and agree it is a nurturing, Christian environment. We're military and have experienced a wide variety of school settings. Shepherd impresses us from the principal on down to the families we have met here. We looked at several private schools when we moved here and Shepherd was the natural choice for us. The teachers are well-qualified, committed and caring. The principal is very professional, compassionate, and a strong Christian. Perhaps we have been fortunate but we have never had difficulty in contacting her. All our kids' teachers maintain good communication with us. Whenever we have had a question or concern the teachers have been patient, polite and helpful. My middle schooler reports prayer and christian values/discussions stressed in her classes. All the kids are encouraged to behave in a Christ-like way. Our kids, and we, are very happy.”

“The school has been a hugh disappointment. The principal is rarely on campus or accessible to the parents. There is profanity spoken by students that goes untouched. Not a Christian environment! Teachers are are wits-end and they still have a semester to finish up. Not recommended if you are looking for christian values to be taught to your child.”

“The teachers are very loving. Everything revolves around God which is great. The tuition does keep raising every year though. This is my sons third year there and it was raised again. Also, the lunch price keeps going up every year. They also don't offer multiple child discount unless you have more than one child in kindergarten or up. So if you have one in 2nd grade and one in 4k you will not get a discount.”

“Great teachers and a strong Christian based curriculum. I have several children there and all have had teachers whom I felt really cared about them and their success. Adequate sports program that is not extremely competitive. Therefore, all kids get playing time, unlike public school. My kids will continue to attend this school!”

“Teachers seem stressed. Good curriculum, but if your child needs special attention on a subject, accomodations lacking. Principal was inaccessible. My attempts to contact her were ignored.”

“Teachers are extremely loving,and caring, but a bit overworked. The classes are very large, the same as public schools. The tutition and registration raises every year but they never add any teachers. They have one of the highest registration fees of all the private school comparable in their class. They do not have a full time special education teacher, only part-time and she is stretched to her limits so it is hard for your child to get help if he has special needs. The don't have many extracurrical activites. They also do not wear uniforms which makes the appearance of the school a bit sloppy. The Chapel and the children's pastor is the bomb and the kids love him, other than that the school gets a C rating.”

“What a great Christian school! My son is in their 3K class and we could not have put him in a better program. The curriculum is outstanding and the staff is wonderful!”