Crean Lutheran High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 982 students
Yearly Tuition: $18,330
Average class size: 20 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 14 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Crean Lutheran High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Crean Lutheran High School
9	272
10	254
11	253
12	203

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Wide range

Year Founded

2005

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2023

Campus Size

30 acres

Student Body

Total Students

982 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

57%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

64 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

15:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

65%

Average Class Size

20 students

Average SAT score

1281

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Polo & Oxford Shirts; Long & Short Pants, Skirts & Skorts

Number of AP Courses

23 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

AP BiologyAP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry

AP Computer ScienceAP Economics

AP English Language and CompositionAP English Literature and Composition

AP Environmental ScienceAP European History

AP FrenchAP Government

AP Human GeographyAP Physics C: Electricty & Magnestism

AP Physics IAP Psychology

AP SpanishAP Statistics

AP Studio Art: 2-D DesignAP Studio Art: 3-D Design

AP Studio Art: Drawing and PaintingAP United States History

AP US HistoryAP World History

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School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)
National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 14 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$18,330

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Includes: -Private, intensive college & career planning Does not include: -Annual Registration Fee -Books -Uniforms -Laptop -Athletic Fees -Performing Arts Fee

% on Financial Aid

30%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$4,000

Admissions Director

Tara Mathis

Admissions Associate

Mrs. Sherrie Lah

Application URL

Online Application

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Sports

Total Sports Offered

15 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringCross Country

Track and FieldVolleyball

Water Polo

School Mascot

Saints

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

21 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Biology OlympiadBusiness Cohort

Chemistry OlympiadEngineering Cohort

Law CohortLink Crew

Math OlympiadMedical Cohort

Missions TripsMock Trial Team

Model UNPhysics Olympics

RoboticsServant Leadership Team (Student Government)

Service OrganizationsSpeech and Debate

Student Ambassador Program

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Arts and Music Programs:

Choir ProgramInstrumental Music

Performing ArtsVisual Arts

School Notes

Mission Statement: Proclaiming Jesus Christ through excellence in education.
Please visit our web site at www.creanlutheran.org for detailed information.
Crean Lutheran strives to offer a Christian environment that nurtures a student`s faith, promotes academic excellence, and develops a servant`s heart.
Crean Lutheran desires its students to be knowledgeable about their faith and willing to defend their beliefs; engaged in the classroom and able to think critically and communicate with clarity; and finally, to live their lives as servant-leaders and connect the world to the heart of Jesus Christ! Crean Lutheran High School is affiliated with the nationally-respected Lutheran education system, which is recognized as one of the premier educational institutions in the United States for its academic performance, its Christ-centered faculty and staff, and its progressive programs.
Crean Lutheran is WASC and NLSA accredited and offers comprehensive academic and extracurricular offerings that prepare its students academically, socially, and spiritually in a safe and caring environment.
By God`s grace, these characteristics have allowed Crean Lutheran to become the fastest growing high school in the 165-year history of the Lutheran Church.

Crean Lutheran is a comprehensive high school with a range of curriculum offerings to facilitate a range of college and career planning objectives. Supporting the scholastic experience, Crean Lutheran also offers several co-curricular activities, including a collegiate-model athletic department, professionl visual and performing arts teachers, and more than a dozen student clubs and activities.
Expected Schoolwide Learner Outcomes
Crean Lutheran High School is nationally recognized for its comprehensive environment that instills Christian character development, engenders academic excellence, and nurtures a servant`s heart. CLHS desires its students to be knowledgeable about their faith and willing to defend their beliefs; engaged in the classroom and able to think critically and communicate clearly; and, finally, to live their lives as servant-leaders for Jesus Christ.Historical Excellence
Crean Lutheran is proud to be a part of the renowned Lutheran Church school system, which has been educating students for over 160 years. Broad evidence of the excellence found in Lutheran education was recently annotated in a recent landmark study by the U.S. Department of Education that ranked the Lutheran system highest academically among all other schools, including public, Catholic, charter, other protestant or other private schools (Christopher Lubienski, "Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement.) Additionally, Lutheran school students have been recognized as scoring 23 percent higher than national averages on standard achievement tests (Brekke, M., Youth Research Center). It is within this school system`s celebrated history that CLHS is the fastest growing high school ever.Continuing Excellence
A high value is placed on personalized education; CLHS proudly maintains an average of 21:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students can follow various academic tracks including a standard set of classes meeting California State A-G requirements, or take part in the wide array of academically rigorous Honors (32) , Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit Courses (23). CLHS currently 72 college units for motivated students hoping to gain a running start on college coursework while still in High School.
Crean Lutheran hires exceptionally qualified Christian educators, the majority whom have advanced degrees. Thus, our students benefit not only from an intimate class setting, but also from the bright minds teaching their subjects.
Educational Technology:
Integrating technology into the classroom setting is a hallmark of CLHS. From note-taking and online research to submitting homework and preparing presentations; students use their laptops on a daily basis. Finally, CLHS blends the powerful online tools of the Canvas educational platform with traditional in-class instruction creating a wholly unique educational experience. Through Canvas, students can submit homework, download class content, take quizzes, communicate with teachers, and monitor grades in real time.College & Career Counseling:
Crean Lutheran counselors work in partnership with the whole student in the context of their family, school, and relationships to help facilitate student development in education, personal/social, spiritual and career domains.Students at CLHS are well-prepared to engage in strenuous University-level academics. 94% of CLHS graduates are accepted to a 4 year college or university. 98% of CLHS graduates transitioned to college. Students are also afforded the opportunity to take advantage of SAT/ACT Test Preparation services which are built into the overall cost structure. During the specialized courses, students are familiarized with test content and equipped with tools to score to the best of their ability all at no extra cost. Thus, students are afforded the opportunity to receive the best test preparation tools from well-qualified instructors.Accreditation:
Crean Lutheran offers a renowned educational environment that is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) as well as National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). In 2018, CLHS earned a maximum six-year accreditation term by WASC. In 2013, the NLSA granted Crean Lutheran Exemplary School status, which was conferred upon only three high schools in the United States based upon the standard of meeting or exceeding best practices in education. Crean Lutheran was the only California high school to receive this distinction.International Department:
Playing an invaluable role in elevating Crean Lutheran High School into one of the nation`s most progressive high schools is the presence of Crean Lutheran`s nationally-commended International Department. In all, CLHS is blessed to host students each year from an average of 11 countries, across every continent. Instrumental in creating such international interest in CLHS is the school`s reputation for providing top-tier education on a multicultural campus that is reflective of the global village of Irvine as a whole. Equally significant in drawing students from all corners of the globe is the experienced leadership and adroit counseling services that skillfully work with each international student to help them reach their educational and career goals. CLHS is eligible to issue I-20s to International students who desire to study in the United States, and host families are provided upon request. Individuals interested in learning more about the International Admission process, or about how to become a host family, should contact International Department Director Mrs. Sherri Lah at [email protected]
Excellence in Performing ArtsVisual & Performing Arts
Crean Lutheran High School values the opportunity celebrate the Visual and Performing Arts by developing the individual creative gifts of CLHS`s many talented artists. While all students are required to take at least one unit of Visual & Performing Arts to satisfy graduation requirements and entrance requirements for most colleges and universities, CLHS also offers diverse opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Students at Crean Lutheran High School have the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings, including theatrical performances, instrumental concerts, choral concerts, and dance performances. CLHS visual artists are afforded similar opportunities to showcase their talents through on and off-campus shows. CLHS is deeply committed to providing students real-world opportunities to develop and refine their respective gifts and crafts. Student-artists have been recognized for excellence by the Orange County Pacific Symphony, South Coast Repertory Theater, the City of Irvine Fine Arts Council, and the Irvine Youth Arts Show.
For questions regarding Crean Lutheran High School Visual & Performing Arts Department, please contact VPA Director, Alyssa Jones at (949)387-1199 or email [email protected]
Choir:
Concert Choir*
Honors Concert Choir*
Honors Chamber Choir*
Women`s Chorus
Instrumental Music:
String Orchestra*
Honors Symphony Orchestra*
Concert Band*
Jazz Band*
Honors Jazz Band*
Worship Team*
Honors Worship Team*
Handbell Ensemble*
Percussion Ensemble*
Visual Art:
Photography
Honors Photography II*
Exploratory Art
Honors Exploratory Art*
Honors Graphic Design*
Advanced Art*
Drawing & Painting
Introduction to Design
Sculpture I
Sculpture II*
AP Art: Studio Drawing
AP Art: 2-D
AP Art: 3-D
Dance:
Dance I
Dance II*
Dance III*
Honors Advanced Dance: Company Team*
Advanced Dance: Dance Ensemble*
Hip Hop
Hip Hop II*
Drama:
Acting for Stage and Camera I
Acting for Stage and Camera II*
Musical Theater
*Requires an audition.

Athletic Department Mission Statement:
"Create and continuously foster an environment where each CLHS student athlete`s welfare and personal development come first! Faculty, staff and coaches are committed to enhancing spiritual growth in promoting positive character, teamwork and commitment, all while providing a fun safe environment for our student athletes learn, compete and have fun."
General Athletic Information: Crean Lutheran High School`s Athletic Department offers a collegiate-model athletic program aimed at developing competitive student-athletes who play for God`s glory. Crean Lutheran Saints Athletics are founded upon six core values firmly rooted in the acrostic CHRIST: Commitment, Honor, Responsibility, Intelligence, Sacrifice, and Teamwork. CLHS is a member of the Empire League in the CIF-SS and sponsors 26 varsity sports for competitive athletic engagement. To ensure success in league and CIF competition, CLHS provides multiple services and amenities; including full-time staffing to administrate the study table/tutoring program, a robust strength and conditioning program as well as a sports medicine program. CLHS` CIF-certified coaching staff also assists with college recruitment services for committed student-athletes wanting to compete on the collegiate level.
For questions regarding Crean Lutheran High School Athletics, please contact Athletic Director Eric Olson at 949)387-1199 or email [email protected].

Sports:

Fall Sports
Football
Girls Tennis
Girls Volleyball
Girls & Boys Cross Country
Girls Golf
Boys Water Polo
Boys Beach Volleyball (Competes in IBVA*)
Winter Sports
Girls Basketball
Boys Basketball
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer

Spring Sports
Boys Golf
Baseball
Softball
Girls & Boys Swimming & Diving
Boys Tennis
Girls & Boys Track & Field
Boys Volleyball
Girls Beach Volleyball (Competes in IBVA*)
Boys Lacrosse
Competition Cheer/Stunt

Year Round
Sideline Cheer
Song

*Interscholastic Beach Volleyball Association.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Crean Lutheran High School cost?

Crean Lutheran High School's tuition is approximately $18,330 for private students.

Does Crean Lutheran High School offer a summer program?

Yes, Crean Lutheran High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Crean Lutheran High School offer?

Crean Lutheran High School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. Crean Lutheran High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

What is Crean Lutheran High School's ranking?

Crean Lutheran High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for Crean Lutheran High School?

The application deadline for Crean Lutheran High School is Jan. 14 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 14 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Crean Lutheran High School located?

Crean Lutheran High School is located in the Stonegate East neighborhood of Irvine, CA.

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