Families in Westwood Hills, Kansas seeking a Christ-centered educational experience for their children have an exceptional option in Hope Lutheran School. Located just a short drive away in Shawnee, our school offers a comprehensive Kindergarten through 8th grade education rooted in Lutheran Christian values. Since 1983, we have been committed to our mission of building lives of excellence upon the foundation of Christ.
Academic Excellence Close to Westwood Hills
Hope Lutheran School provides Westwood Hills students with a rigorous academic program that consistently produces exceptional results. Our curriculum meets and exceeds Kansas State College Readiness Standards across all subject areas, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
A key advantage for Westwood Hills families is our low student-to-teacher ratio. With class sizes averaging 15-20 students (and never exceeding 25 in grades 1-8 or 20 in Kindergarten), our teachers can provide personalized attention and instruction tailored to each child’s needs. Three-fourths of our teachers hold Master’s degrees, and our faculty averages 20 years of teaching experience.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in our standardized test results. Hope Lutheran students consistently score well above grade level, with many placing in the top 20 percentiles nationally. As a school, we rank in the top 20-25% of all schools nationwide in academic performance.
Our comprehensive curriculum includes:
- Core subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies)
- Religious instruction
- Specialized programs in STEM, Art, Spanish, Technology, Physical Education, and Music
We administer the Kansas State Assessments yearly to students in grades three through eight and the MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. These assessments help us track student progress and ensure that our curriculum remains rigorous and effective.
Faith-Based Education That Resonates with Westwood Hills Families
At Hope Lutheran School, we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all, and that we are saved only by God’s grace, not through our own works. This foundational belief informs every aspect of our educational approach and school mission.
For Westwood Hills families seeking an education that nurtures both mind and spirit, our school offers:
- Daily religious instruction based on Scripture
- Weekly chapel services led by pastors, teachers, or classes
- Scripture memorization
- Celebration of Christian holidays and their true meaning
- Integration of faith across all subject areas
- Service and caring projects for each class
While maintaining our Lutheran identity, we welcome students from all Christian denominations and backgrounds. Approximately 25% of our students are members of Hope Lutheran Church, 18% are not affiliated with a church, and the remainder come from various Christian congregations in our community.
Convenient Location for Westwood Hills Families
Hope Lutheran School is ideally situated for Westwood Hills residents, with a commute of approximately 15-20 minutes via Shawnee Mission Parkway. This convenient proximity makes our school a practical choice for families seeking quality Christian education without an extensive commute.
Many Westwood Hills families find the short drive well worth the exceptional education and supportive community their children experience at Hope Lutheran. Our location at 6308 Quivira Road in Shawnee is easily accessible from major thoroughfares, making drop-off and pick-up efficient for working parents.
Innovative STEM Education
Hope Lutheran School offers Westwood Hills students access to exceptional STEM learning opportunities that prepare them for success in an increasingly technological world. Our innovative STEM curriculum develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills through age-appropriate activities at each grade level.
Some highlights of our STEM program that Westwood Hills students particularly enjoy include:
- Touch typing/keyboarding beginning in kindergarten
- Google Slides presentations starting in 1st grade
- Kibo Robots for science and math lessons in 2nd grade
- VexGo robots in 3rd grade
- Minecraft educational applications in 4th grade
- Microbits for coding and circuitry projects in 5th grade
- Advanced technology integration for middle school students
Our school features both indoor and outdoor beehives, allowing students hands-on experience with beekeeping. Students work alongside a local beekeeper partner to harvest honey, which they then bottle and sell. Half of the proceeds are donated to charities selected by the students, such as Paws for Autism and Braden’s Hope.
We also maintain partnerships with the Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardener’s program and Kansas Corn STEM, providing additional enrichment opportunities. Each year, students engage in extended research projects culminating in our Academic Fair.
Arts, Athletics, and Extracurricular Activities
Beyond academics, Hope Lutheran School offers Westwood Hills students a rich variety of opportunities to develop their talents and interests. Our well-rounded approach to education recognizes the importance of arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities in developing the whole child.
Our music program includes:
- Three choirs (K-2, 3-5, and 6-8)
- Recorder instruction in grades 3-4
- Band opportunities for grades 4-8
- Regular performances at school, church, and community events
In visual arts, students in grades 1-8 participate in weekly formal art instruction using high-quality materials and tools. They explore drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, collage, pottery, and other art forms.
Our athletic program includes:
- Fall sports: Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball
- Winter sports: Boys and Girls Basketball, Girls Cheerleading
- Spring sports: Co-ed Track
Additional extracurricular opportunities include:
- Chess Club
- Rocket League Esports (grades 5-8)
- American Sign Language Club
- Lego Club
- Student Council
- Math Club
- Spring theatrical productions
These activities enrich the educational experience for Westwood Hills students, helping them develop important life skills while forming meaningful connections with peers who share their interests and values.
Admissions Process for Westwood Hills Families
Westwood Hills families interested in Hope Lutheran School can begin the admissions process with a campus tour. This gives you the opportunity to see our facilities, meet our teachers, and experience the warm, supportive learning environment we provide.
Our straightforward enrollment process includes:
- Learning about Hope Lutheran through our website or by speaking with our admissions team
- Scheduling a campus tour or shadow day
- Completing our online enrollment form
- Submitting a release of academic records
We strive to make quality Christian education accessible to families who support our values and seek partnership with our school. Financial aid options are available through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, with amounts based on demonstrated need and available funds.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact our admissions office at (913) 631-6940.
Why Westwood Hills Families Choose Hope Lutheran School
Westwood Hills families select Hope Lutheran School for several compelling reasons:
Academic Excellence: Our rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Faith Integration: We provide an educational environment where Christian faith and values are central to the learning process.
Individual Attention: With small class sizes, each student receives personalized instruction and support.
Supportive Community: Our close-knit school community creates a sense of belonging and connection for both students and families.
Character Development: We emphasize not just academic achievement, but also the formation of character and values.
Whole-Child Approach: Our educational philosophy addresses the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social needs of each student.
8th Grade Washington DC Trip
One special highlight for our middle school students is the annual 8th grade class trip to Washington DC. This educational journey gives students the opportunity to experience our nation’s capital firsthand, visiting historical monuments, museums, and government buildings. The trip serves as a meaningful capstone to their education at Hope Lutheran School before transitioning to high school.
Westwood Hills families appreciate this enriching opportunity that brings classroom learning to life and creates lasting memories for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions from Westwood Hills Families
What are the school hours?
School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. We also offer extended school care from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:35 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for families needing additional flexibility.
Does Hope Lutheran offer bus transportation from Westwood Hills?
We do not currently provide bus transportation, but many families arrange carpools with other Hope Lutheran families from their area. Our school office can help connect you with other families living in Westwood Hills.
How does Hope Lutheran compare academically to local public schools?
Hope Lutheran students consistently perform well above grade level on standardized tests, with many scoring in the top percentiles nationally. Our graduates report being well-prepared for high school, with many qualifying for advanced placement and honors classes.
Are there resources for children with special needs?
We have a Title I teacher on staff who helps students who need accommodations or modifications to the regular curriculum. While we cannot meet the needs of children with severe learning or behavioral disabilities, we can help those students who need a little extra individualized care.
Do students need to be Lutheran to attend?
No, we welcome students from all Christian denominations and faith backgrounds. Approximately 25% of our students are members of Hope Lutheran Church, about 18% are not affiliated with a church, and the remainder come from various Christian congregations in our community.
Schedule a Tour Today
We invite Westwood Hills families to experience the Hope Lutheran difference firsthand by scheduling a tour of our campus. See our facilities, meet our teachers, and learn more about how a Hope Lutheran education can benefit your child.
Contact us today to schedule your visit or call the school office at (913) 631-6940. We look forward to showing you how Hope Lutheran School is building lives of excellence upon the foundation of Christ.