Bethany School

Most Recent Comments

• June 2024 by tiffanie dunschee
  My baby girls 1st year attending this school and we absolutely love it. The entire staff is excellent and treat the children like one of their own. My baby learned so much in 1st grade and is excited to see what 2nd grade has in store for her
• April 2023 by Kim P
  My sons have been at Bethany for a year now in upper grades. They both play JV basketball and do Spanish and music weekly. They've made great friends and enjoy going to school. We have loved the overnight field trips we have attended as a family and feel welcome by the teachers and parents. Academically they have always been strong in LBUSD but despite this they had to take a few months to catch up to Bethany's level. They are now back to a 3.5 and 4.0 GPA and we are very happy with the grades they are getting and the challenges. We have gotten to know many of the teachers who are very dedicated and kind. The student body at Bethany is very diverse which is important to us. We're very glad we made the decision to come to Bethany.
• April 2023 by Kim P.
  My sons have been at Bethany for a year now in upper grades. They both play JV basketball and do Spanish and music weekly. They've made great friends and enjoy going to school. We have loved the overnight field trips we have attended as a family and feel welcome by the teachers and parents. Academically they have always been strong in LBUSD but despite this they had to take a few months to catch up to Bethany's level. They are now back to a 3.5 and 4.0 GPA and we are very happy with the grades they are getting and the challenges. We have gotten to know many of the teachers who are very dedicated and kind. The student body at Bethany is very diverse which is important to us. We're very glad we made the decision to come to Bethany.
• November 2022 by J C.
  Leaving Bethany School was the most rewarding decision for our family. Many parents are naturally driven to private schools given the perception of superiority, impression of additional resources as compared to public schools, and the idea that teachers are better trained/educated. However, this is far from the case at Bethany School. Fortunately, we didn't waste too much time there and have successfully moved on to better opportunities for our children. Our kids are now happy, thriving and actually being challenged.As a parent, it is in your best interest to strongly consider the public schools within the Long Beach system. The LBUSD has staff with bachelor's degrees at a minimum, many with master's degrees/other secondary level education and ALL are fully credentialed (not the case at Bethany). In addition, LBUSD focuses on emotional intelligence, empathy, diversity, equity, inclusion and welcomes/accepts kids that learn differently. Bethany School admittedly prefers "obedient," cookie cutter kids due to their "limited resources and staff training." Although, these repeated statements were concerning given the high cost of tuition and continuous (often daily) pleas for donations.Bethany School prides itself on being "Future Focused," however, the curriculum, operations and staff training do not support this statement. For example, the utilization of "Clip Charts" as a daily behavioral management tool is widely known to be outdated and the theorized benefits have been refuted by studies and research (perform a simple Google search on the "Clip Chart Method" for your own assessment). Also, the end of the week "prize boxes" (and other extrinsic motivators) at Bethany are outdated and actually cause more harm than good to children. Prize boxes decrease a child's long-term ability to develop intrinsic motivation, an organic love for learning and the natural desire to be kind and compassionate. I question how Bethany labels such deeply outdated tactics as "Future Focused."In addition, there was an over-emphasis on the recitation of Bible verses and other religious content that created a gap with what the kids should be learning. In fact, many parents needed other educational content to supplement the Bethany School curriculum to ensure that their students would remain on track.Overall, we were thoroughly disappointed by the pipe dream that was sold to us via their website and during many on-campus tours, especially given the amount of tuition that we were paying. This has been an eye-opening experience about the educational system in the city of Long Beach. Private schools in LB, whether religious/Montessori/other are not superior, do not challenge kids, do not welcome kids with learning differences and have an alarming lack of emphasis on emotional intelligence (which we all know should truly be the focus of the future).Choose your children's education wisely. Don't ignore the red flags. Pass on Bethany.
• October 2022 by Kris G.
  My daughter enjoyed their pre k summer program this past summer. However, our kindergarten experience was a disaster. If your child isn't a robot with perfect behavior avoid this school. Principal supports inappropriate documented and stated treatment toward your child by teachers. The principal will insult and take offense to valid concerns asked by parents. Communication is horrible and expectations of obedience from kindergarteners is favored over the subpar curriculum. They are not honest or open minded. Emails misinterpreted. Sabotaging and inconsistent behavior from the teacher and staff. I do not recommend this school.
• February 2022 by Amber L.
  Years and Money wasted here ! The teachers are NOT loving and friendly at all ,when bought up to principle she does nothing. Complaints have been made over and over again about the same teachers yet you still see the same outcome.No extracurricular activities. I'm so sadden about the language and the attitudes that these private school teachers have . They will complain about your kid over and over again if your student does not fit into the SIT STILL PERFECT CHILD.You pray with your students and then talk badly about them to other teachers and parents ? Please pay attention to all the RED flags ! Also my friend wrote reviews and the school staff was sending her messages !And they would also have the staff go write reviews isn't that UNETHICAL! So much better PRIVATE schools nearby !!! Do your RESEARCH!!! Wish me and my 3 kids would of left sooner.
• May 2021 by Shana G.
  This school is not about diversity, inclusion or Godliness.. They only hire female white teacher. No men no people of color. My son attended middle school here a few years back and after I conplained about a teacher to the principle she accused my son of sexual harrassment. She told me my son snapped a girls bra and that was sexual harassment. I immediately took my son out. This principle was willing to ruin my sons life because I complained about one of her friends. I really hope they have changed.
• April 2021 by Kim C.
  My child has attended this school since Pre-School. I wanted my child to attend a christian school. Bethany exceeded my expectations from the first time I walked onto the campus. If you want your child to attend a christian school, in a loving environment and that excels in education, this is the school for you and your child(ren).
• March 2021 by Jackie B.
  Bethany has been such a blessing to our family! Our son started at Bethany School in Kindergarten and was there through 3rd grade....We were not set on sending our son to a private school versus a public school but we had heard such great things we decided to enroll him and it has been one of the best decisions ever. We left during his 4th grade year for several reasons but we came back this year for 5th grade because there was just no comparison! He had a lot of friends and did well in 4th grade but was begging to go back to Bethany. The year my son went to another school taught us the grass is definitely not greener and Bethany was our home. The teachers are amazing with care, support and dedication to each child's unique personality and learning styles. I consider all my sons teachers friends. They have always been in frequent contact with updates and ideas to help him where he needed it. Every single one from Kinder up. A true partnership in the growth and education of our son. The kids have access to technology, computer lab, Meet The Master's Art program, PE with Coach Dorsey who is dearly loved by all, Chapel, Student Store etc... These are in addition to what is just happening day to day in the classroom in these areas. Regarding technology, kids were watching inappropriate videos during Friday Fundays at the school he went to in 4th grade (not Bethany)....things you can't unteach your kids....I only know because my son told me but it was never addressed or caught by the staff......that DEFINITELY will not happen at Bethany. They are on it and have through restrictions. They teach the kids appropriate behavior across the board and call it out when there is inappropriate behavior. Some parents might not be open to hearing anything bad about their child but that is what is wrong with the world these days. Since I see it has been suggested that the good reviews are all from teachers at the school, I will clarify for all that I am not a teacher at Bethany. I only see 2 reviews by teachers, because I know them all very well, and they both have children at Bethany so it seems fair that they could also provide a review without being accused. One more thing to add. The Administration is also amazing! Mrs. Hill (Principal), Mrs. Golden (Vice Principal) and Miss Frankie (Office Manager) are all amazing and have worked so hard to make things happen this year! I also can't leave out Miss Pam who is dearly loved by all as well! The year my son was not at Bethany he would ask if we could drive through the pick up line at 3 o'clock so he could see Miss Pam. If that doesn't say it all I don't know what does.
• December 2017 by Randi Davis
  Love the school, faculty and staff!!!! My daughter is receiving an amazing education with teachers that truly help nurture her creativity and embrace her individuality. They have small classroom sizes with an impressive teacher to student ratio, a diverse student body and care for the safety and well-being of their students. Blessed to have found this place!!!
• December 2014 by Denise Gwennap
  It's awesome there