Since 1976, Bethany Christian School has been fulfilling its mission to meet the educational needs of preschool to 8th grade students by partnering with parents to educate, develop, and nurture students for a life of Christ-centered excellence in academics, Christian character, and servant-leadership.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 216 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Apr. 7 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1976
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
216 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
36%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
18 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Apr. 7 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Lower Elementary $13,724/year
Upper Elementary $13,940/year
Middle School $14,950/year
Admissions Director
Kim Aasland
Admissions Associate
Bethany Christian School
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Guitar Lessons, Strings Lessons, Worship Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Preschool Dance and Gymnastics, Preschool Sports
Choir, Guitar Lessons, Strings Lessons, Worship Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Preschool Dance and Gymnastics, Preschool Sports
School Notes
Located on the campus ofBethany Church of Sierra
Madre,Bethany Christian School offers a unique blending of
strong academics andoutstanding enrichment programs, in a
caring and nurturing environment. It is our firm belief that within
such an environment we can best partner with you in providing an
excellent education for your student. Christ-centered excellence is
at the core of all we do and we look forward to sharing with you
theGIGANTIC OPPORTUNITIES that our small school provides.Our
goal is to meet the educational needs of the whole child -
academically, socially, and spiritually.
- -Students are encouraged to excel academically in an environment of support and accountability. Annually, BCS students average two grade levels or better above the national average on standardized tests and are regularly accepted into the most sought after college-preparatory high schools.
- -We emphasize Christian character traits and work with parents to hold students accountable for their behavior, which will enable them to mature into young men and woman who are pleasing to God and good citizens to their community.
- -We do not want to be merely a Christian school in name only, but we endeavor to put Jesus Christ at the center of all we do. A biblical world view is integrated throughout the curriculum, and our students are encouraged to know Christ as their savior and grow deeper in their Christian faith.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Bethany Christian School offer?
Bethany Christian School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Bethany Christian School?
The application deadline for Bethany Christian School is Apr. 7 / rolling (applications are due on Apr. 7 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 10/27/2023
We love Bethany Christian School! This is truly the best private preschool, elementary school and middle school in the Pasadena area. The entire staff is warm and welcoming and wants the children to succeed. I have two children at Bethany and both love coming to school and want to learn AND are excited about their studies. The families are also welcoming we were welcomed right into Bethany family community. We have been to many other private schools in the area and my children are SO happy at Bethany..this is our forever school.
5 10/27/2023
We love Bethany! This is our 3rd year at Bethany Christian and couldn't imagine going anywhere else. My kids THRIVE here. The teachers and staff go above and beyond and Jesus literally shines through each and every one of them. My older son's reading level is many grades ahead, all thanks to his teachers and the curriculum. They offer music, art, P.E., Spanish, and a wonderful STEAM program. They also have after-school athletics for the higher grades. It's in the heart of the Sierra Madre, within walking distance to so many cute food places for early release or after drop-off.
5 11/9/2017
Do you long for your child(ren) to be a part of a school and community that truly value not only education but also character? My family searched to see if a place like this existed when our daughter was to begin Kindergarten. We lived in Arcadia and everyone encouraged us to stay in public school b/c of the great Arcadia academic focus. But as parents, we wanted our daughter to do more then excel at academics. We wanted her to grow up being a woman who knew how to carry herself in the world with a great love for God and a genuine love for people. We toured many schools and spoke to lots of parents. We finally felt like we had landed "home" when we walked onto Bethany's campus. The atmosphere is sacred. It is truly a place where you feel love and excellence interwoven. Dr. Walner is a man of integrity who speaks with clarity on the vision of the school. He is approachable, caring, and honestly desires to see each student excel as the person that God created them to be. My husband and I continue to be impressed with his leadership. Melody Heal is also a woman who is passionate about the school and leads with excellence. She and Dr. Walner are so obviously invested in making Bethany a place where families can thrive.We have witnessed our daughter grow in her faith, learn skills to effectively communicate with adults and peers, navigate conflict using a peace plan, learn to express and receive forgiveness, gain confidence to express her needs and a plethora of other important skills. Bethany staff and teachers have come alongside of us in powerful ways to cultivate in her a love of God and a desire to walk with the Lord according to His Word. As parents we feel their desire to partner with us to raise our child in a God honoring way. For example, Elizabeth is always overjoyed when someone in authority catches her "being like Jesus" and gives her a CIA award (Christ in Action). This positive reinforcement of her godly behavior is shaping her to more fully comprehend the beauty of following and obeying her Savior. As a family who desires to honor God with our lives, this is an incredible blessing...albeit such a seemingly small thing.I am also impressed with the commitment to academic excellence we've experienced in her first grade class. Her teacher, Mrs. Poppleton, is passionate about cultivating a love of reading within her students. Our daughter is provided with classroom activities that make learning engaging and enjoyable. She is not simply sitting at a desk. Her homework load is appropriate for her age. I so appreciate that Bethany values family togetherness. This desire to strengthen and support the family is evident in how they intentionally give homework that is able to be done in a timeframe that allows families space to connect and be present together stress free.Another key component to Bethany is the value they place on art, language, and music. While many schools are getting rid of these important programs, Bethany thrives in these areas. My daughter loves that she is afforded space several days every week to engage her creative side and imagination.I could go on and on about this school. I would highly recommend that you come in and visit.
5 5/15/2017
Love Bethany Christian. A great school with excellent leadership and staff. Not only do they provide a wonderful Christian education, but they also focus on character development. The staff really are invested in the students and there is great family involvement.
5 5/15/2017
We have been at Bethany Christian School for 3 yrs now. We so appreciate the quality of our incredible Music program lead by the amazing Daniel Northrup, Speechmeets, Athletics, Art Club, Science Lab and the strong parent led involvement in our kids educational experience! We are blessed with great leadership in Dr. Walner and Melody Heal. We love our school family and the families we are raising our kids with, who share our values, morals & strong character emphasis at Bethany Christian!!
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