When I arrived at Pacific Lutheran my freshman year, i didn't know what to expect. I had never been to a private school and wasn't use to such a small school. Sitting in first period, I quickly began making friends. I started getting to know the teachers as well and began to see them not just as instructors, but as friends. i had never had a teacher who could both teach, advise me about life, and help my faith to grow.
Every year, high school got better and better. My class got closer and I was learning more than any public school could teach me. I got the help I needed with academics when I needed, and was having a lot of fun at PLHS. The teachers were able to teach while making the lessons interactive. I also never expected a Spanish teacher to act like a mother when it was needed. I was able to talk to the teachers and they listened to any problem brought to them without judgment. They knew not just my name but who I was.
We went on the best school trips to the Grand Canyon, house boating on Lake Powell, and so much more. I had never experienced life that way. We learned not only about the places we traveled to, but how it also was God's work that made it all possible. Those trips made everyone closer to each other and personally brought me closer to God. Some of my best friends today are the ones I made at PLHS and have shared the best experiences I have ever had with them. As a school, we experienced new places and what it truly meant to be Christian. From my first day of school, to the final walk at graduation, I have never regretted any moments at PLHS and am so thankful to have been there every year. I can say that PLHS has made me the person I am today.
-Elvia T. Villa
"When considering high schools I think it's important to remember that this is often a very difficult point in peoples' lives. Christians especially can struggle in the wrong environment. Pacific Lutheran provides a safe haven from many things teens face at other schools. It provides the opportunity to not only maintain your faith but to have it flourish. If you are struggling with anything at Pacific Lutheran, whether it's a school issue, emotional issue or a faith issue, you can talk to the teachers and they all are happy to listen and help anyway possible. Here every class is Christ-centered from theology where it seems logical to math classes where teachers passion and love of teaching clearly display Christian qualities. Students aren't hidden from other viewpoints and issues in the world. Theology class is often filled with learning about other points of view and comparison to Christianity. When students leave they will be confident in their faith, and prepared to share it with whoever may come along.
Many people consider preparation for college and the rest of your life a major goal of high school. At Pacific Lutheran you will learn from books, teachers, videos, experiments, field trips, each other and yourself. You learn so quickly and in so many ways it's amazing. For instance, in my time at PLHS I have had to do probably hundreds of projects. Sometimes I was partners with my best friends, but more often I was partnered with people I didn't interact with as much. This sometimes made things difficult, but most of the time started new friendships. Group work is often the hardest but it taught me to be a strong team player and a strong leader - skills vital for college and work life. The school didn't just prepare me for college, they helped me with the process, Most of the teachers took time out to give me advice and help me along the way. This lead to finishing my application months earlier than most people and finding out about my acceptance soon after.
After going to Pacific Lutheran High School you will have a thorough education in all typical high school classes, a stronger and better understood faith, complete preparation for college, and friends and teachers who are more like family than anything else."
-Peter Spartalis (Class of 2008)
"My years at Pacific Lutheran were wonderful - full of friends, fun, and faith. The students and faculty came together to create a Christian community that truly nurtured my academic growth as well as spiritual growth. Pacific Lutheran is a family. The teachers are both mentors and friends, and give their students the one-on-one attention they need, according to each student's level.
One of my favorite aspects of Pacific Lutheran was all the various trips during the year. These trips enabled me to connect with students and teachers in ways not possible in a classroom setting. White-water rafting and jumping off 30 foot cliffs with our principal, watching a "rap-off" between our English teacher and a fellow student, and listening to teachers sharing devotionals are all memories that we students will cherish the rest of our lives. The high school years can be intense and difficult, and going through it on your own can be a challenge, but Pacific Lutheran provides a school full of people who care for you and are there to support you. I loved my experience and this school and I'm sure you will too!"
- Kayla Noch
"Pacific Lutheran High School provided me a quality environment for personal growth. I am glad that I had the opportunity to attend Pacific Lutheran, where I obtained benefits I could not have gained at other schools. Pacific Lutheran offered me a one-of-a-kind learning experience, a place where I developed meaningful interactions amongst both faculty and fellow peers. Whether it be advancing my knowledge in the academic subject areas or building up my faith through the study of theology, Pacific Lutheran provided the resources for intellectual and spiritual growth. Additionally, I enjoyed other opportunities the school provided such as extracurricular activities and outdoor trips. My years at Pacific Lutheran were certainly a memorable educational experience."
- Jimin Chang |
