Bethlehem Lutheran School, Granada Hills

Bethlehem Lutheran School is where enthusiastic, meaningful learning happens. Childhood is a magical time full of play and discovery. When a child is engaged in play, all of their developmental areas including that of cognition, social and physical are enhanced. We encourage, nurture and design our childrens play experiences to lay the foundation for curiosity, innovative thinking and a love for life-long learning. We believe in the development of muscles, of ideas and imagination- the development of the whole child. Our school environment is structured to nurture the total child. We align our educational goals to include integrating multi-modal interactions for various learning styles and learning centers to nurture each childs physical and cognitive development. Play is an equally important part of enrichment for children. Hands-on activities and interactive environments including gardening healthy foods, safe play and scientific discovery set the stage for learning that reinforces the wonders of the world around them. Bethlehem Lutheran School provides an optimum environment with the intent on developing healthy children and families with teachers that are loving, patient and nurturing of children resulting in optimal readiness for school and beyond. Our children come with many questions and ideas about the world around them for most young children, preschool is their first social environment where they meet and play with children of their own age. As children grow, they see many differences and similarities in people, in the languages spoken, physical appearance, family structures, and more. We know that children need tools to navigate complex issues as to who they are, to develop a respect for diversity, to learn how to share resources, how to be treated and treat others, and to work together to manage conflict. We foster a community of learners to grow into wonderful citizens. At Bethlehem Lutheran School, our curriculum is well designed and transpires primarily from the importance of creating a stimulating environment. We transform each classroom with the purpose of focusing on the childs experience in preschool. Our classrooms are active with joy and excitement, energy and emotion. You will see dancing, building, painting, writing, dressing and drawing. You will often hear singing, laughing, questioning and conversation from children and teachers. A strong evidence base is revealing that intentional curriculum and effective teaching supports are promising pathways to school achievement. Our teachers guide, question, and coach; getting to know each and every individual child. It is wonderful to be a part of their development as they move from abstract to concrete operational thinking. This means our school is fully grounded in developing opportunities for todays children to be better equipped to deal with the curriculum in elementary school tomorrow. When environments and supportive relationships are set up in an inviting and aesthetically pleasing as well as functional manner, children derive a special sensory experience that translates into exploration and play which reinforces thought and knowledge. We are proud of our program and the experiences we create for our children. This year, Bethlehem Lutheran School marked 40 years of tradition. I invite you to come and visit our school. Respectfully, Mary Ashdjian-Kandilian Bethlehem Lutheran School Director