Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School is a private Kindergarten to 8th-grade Christian school that has been serving families in the La Mesa/El Cajon area with excellence in Christian education for more than 50 years.
Our Vision For The Education We Offer Communicate and reinforce a student`s identity in Christ because of His love and sacrifice for them.
Be Christ-centered in all areas of the curriculum.
Allow students to develop and use their God-given abilities in different areas including athletics, music, academics, and the arts.
Cultivate a loving culture in words and actions from our students, teachers, and parents and foster each student's healthy emotional, intellectual, social, and physical growth.
Provide a safe, nurturing environment with high academic standards where students are encouraged to strive for excellence.
Provide quality instructional methods, materials, assessments, and a comprehensive curriculum.
Engage students in inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity as they learn and view mistakes as part of the learning process.
Train students to apply the Word of God during life`s challenges, serve out of thanksgiving, and witness to family and friends.
Have a staff that is dedicated to life-long learning and professional development.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 60 students
- Yearly Tuition: $6,300
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1973
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Aug 20, 2025
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
60 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Timothy Vogel
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Art Shows, Drama, Forensics (Public Speaking)
Club or Organization:
Lego League/Robotics
School Notes
- School Motto: Building Community, Inspiring Excellence
- School Mascot: Wolves
- Christ Centered
- At Shepherd of the Hills, students are nurtured in both heart and mind through a Christ-centered education that builds a strong foundation of faith and identity in Christ. Alongside our rigorous academics, we offer a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum that equips students with essential life skills, including empathy, resilience, service, and self-awareness. We support the development of well-rounded, compassionate leaders grounded in God's truth.
- Community
- Shepherd of the Hills offers a close-knit, welcoming community where every child is known and truly valued by all. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, our dedicated teachers go above and beyond to support each student's growth. Families are actively involved through volunteer opportunities and meaningful programs designed to serve and connect parents, creating a true partnership between home and school.
- Collaborative
- Shepherd of the Hills offers a collaborative learning environment with multi-grade classrooms that foster leadership, responsibility, and lifelong learning. Students work in groups across age levels, building strong communication and teamwork skills. As an accredited school with high academic standards, we are committed to providing a quality education that prepares students for success in both school and life.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School cost?
Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $6,300 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School?
The acceptance rate of Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
What sports does Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School offer?
Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 4/23/2018
My children are blessed to be students at Shepherd! Yes, the teachers do a great job of teaching, but they do more than that. Their Christian faith is so evident in their lessons and interactions with the children. They personally care about each student in their classroom. My children will be very well prepared for high school in all regards. Shepherd of the Hills is a blessing for my family!
5 3/10/2018
We've been sending our son to SOTH for the past two years and couldn't be more pleased! Everything from the doctrinaly sound curriculum to the faculty and even the location; this school fits our family and our values perfectly. If you are a Christian, looking for a solid and Christ-centered education for your young one, this school is definitely for you!
5 3/10/2018
I was a bit skeptical of the multi-grade classroom... until all four of our children have been enrolled. The setting has allowed our children to learn at their own pace, regardless of grade level, as the teachers can adjust their individual ability levels in any given subject with the grade level that is appropriate for them. While the school has many strengths, one that we truly appreciate is the real connection that the teachers make with each student and the genuine desire they have to help each child succeed.
5 3/10/2018
Both of my children have attended Shepherd of the Hills. I can't say enough good things about it. The values and morals that are instilled in the children there make for such a positive learning environment. The children can focus on their studies, without engaging in peer conflicts, bullying, and other negative distractions that may be more prevalent in a public school environment. The small class size is a major plus, as is the multi-grade classroom, allowing the children to learn from each other in a unique way. The Christ-centered approach to learning and life is of infinite value. I highly recommend this school!
5 1/25/2018
The multi-grade classrooms are an amazing classroom environment that allows my kids learn more than they would at their grade level. I am sometimes amazed at what they have learned just by being in a classroom with many different grades.
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