Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in San Antonio, Texas

“SHLS is terrific place to be a teacher or a student! The love of God is shared around the clock.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“My two children both attended SHLS and then went on to attend the Lutheran High School. The education they received in both schools was outstanding and they have been very successful in the colleges of their choice. I can't tell you what a wonderful environment the staff and administration have created in both of these schools. There is truly a spirit of Christ-like people working to foster the growth of our children, as their mission statement suggests. We love our Lutheran, Christian schools! P.S. It would be unrealistic to say either of these schools are 'perfect' because we do still live on earth, but if you know of any schools this side of heaven which can claim perfection, do let me know!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Shepherd of the Hills has been a true benefit to all of my children. Our eldest son has succeeded beyond hopes in high school due to the training and learning habits instilled in his elementary and middle school years at Shepherd of the Hills. We have a daughter with special needs and her learning was always positively supported during her years at Shepherd. Her confidence and convictions as a Christian were richly nourished during her time at Shepherd. We have two other children still attending Shepherd of the Hills and we are confident that they are receiving a top-notch education along with a firm Christian foundation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son came to Shepherd of the Hills in the 2nd grade. Immediately he was accepted by his peers and loved by his teachers. Within 3 months we had our 4 year boy and 2 year old girl enrolled. The principal is always there if you have any questions, and always has time and a smile on her face for you. The addition of school uniforms this year was a blessing. We are excited about the great education our kids are receiving and the Christ-like environment has truly been a blessing. The extracurricular activities such as band, choir, girl/boy scouts, gymnastics, jumprope, tae kwon do and the variety of sports offered is truly a blessing. As a parents, I love the fact that I can have my kids in all of these extracurriculars without having to leave campus. By the way, we are now in our 4th year at SHLS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We recommend this nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School to any and all military families moving to San Antonio. Terrific elementary and jr. high school. We will be so sad when we PCS and have to leave Shepherd! There is no other school like it!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has done wonder for my children! The small class sizes and caring teachers are so refreshing. I also use the daycare and feel much better about working full time knowing my children are in safe and loving hands. Thank you SHLS!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a teacher here and have been for over 8 years. I love this school. I am not sure if many people know this but we get paid a lot less than the average public school teacher. All of the teachers make a sacrifice to teach here. Why do we do this? Because we truly do care for the children. We love this job and are not here for a paycheck. I think that says a lot. We could not make it without our wonderful administration. They truly care for us and for the children at our school. We work hard to make sure that our children feel safe and loved. I have considered going public but I just feel that this is too wonderful a place to be and I wouldn't want my own children anywhere else.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Excellent teachers. My child enjoyed being part of the football team. Staff treat students and parents as family. Students who graduate are well prepared for high school. Teachers are easily accessible through e-mail and daily communication folders. Love the school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter started at Shepherd this year. We have had a wonderful experience - her teacher is amazing! Our daughter's self-esteem keeps growing and she is becoming more confident in her schoolwork.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children in the school one since Kindergarten and the other since the 2 year old program. I could not be any more pleased with Shepherd. The teachers are excellent as is the administration. I was impressed with the number of teachers with masters degrees and all are certified teachers. Of the schools I've looked at, the tuition charged compared to the credentials of the teachers makes the school an exceptional value. Chapel services are engaging to all, there's even a little-tykes chapel on Thursdays. Homework is relevant and challenging. Teachers hold high expectations and clearly love teaching kids. Very Christ-like in every way. I would not dream of sending my children anywhere else. My daughter has been pulled out for enrichment programs from time to time to receive more challenging work. Kudos!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Both of my boys attend SHLS for k5 thru 8th grade. It is a wonderful school we felt like a family. In addition to a great Christian education they both were very prepared for High School. My oldest has been named a National Merit Commended Scholar and I credit the teachers at SHLS with helping him to achieve this honor.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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!”
This review was posted by a parent.