Valley Lutheran FAQs

Tuition varies depending on financial aid, scholarships, and Arizona education programs such as ESA. Many families receive assistance through Scholarship Tuition Organizations (STOs) and other financial aid opportunities. Our families using STO on average pay less than $3,000 per year out-of-pocket. Many families are surprised how affordable a private Christian high school education can be in Arizona.

Valley Lutheran encourages all families to apply to the Scholarship Tuition Organizations listed on our Financial Aid page. Beyond that, there are a few opportunities for students to earn academic scholarships at the end of the academic year.

Students are enrolled in eight classes, taking four each day. We label each of the classes with a letter. ABCD for the first four classes in a schedule and EFGH for the last four classes in a schedule. Classes are typically 1 hours and 25 minutes in length. For example: Monday would include ABCD classes Tuesday would include EFGH classes Wednesday would include ABCD classes Thursday would include EFGH classes Friday would include ABCD classes The value of the Block Schedule is balance - school, extracurriculars and home life. Students report they can better manage their homework. For example, homework assigned on a Monday would not be due until Wednesday when that class meets again. Students also share they appreciate the longer class. When they enjoy a subject they get longer to dive into the topic and explore. When a subject is harder for them they have time to ask the teacher for help. This reduces the stress of not knowing how to get started on the homework.

No, it is not necessary to be Lutheran to enroll at Valley Lutheran High School. We welcome students from all faith backgrounds. Approximately 35% of our students are Lutheran, and we value diversity and encourage spiritual growth for everyone in our inclusive community. Read our blog post to understand more.

Valley Lutheran High School offers an accommodation plan for students with learning disabilities. For more information, please contact the school office.

Valley Lutheran High School does not require uniforms. Students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects the Christian environment of the school, as detailed in the student handbook's dress code policy.

Spiritual opportunities abound as we practice “Learning, Serving, and Sharing Christ.” All students take theology classes which are designed to meet the needs of young men and women. In addition, all students and staff attend chapel twice a week, which is 30 minutes. Chapel messages are tailored to a high school audience. Chapel and small groups are led by teachers, student groups, area pastors and youth leaders, and other special presenters.

Each week you will receive a Parent Bulletin from the school containing general parent information, announcements, items of special interest and information about school activities that provide parents with opportunities to become more involved. Parents also have access to Google Classroom and PlusPortals which enable parents to view their students grades and access to assignments.

Valley Lutheran High School provides point to point transportation before and after school from several locations in the Valley. There is a monthly fee to use Valley transportation. Please contact the school office at 602-230-1600 for specifics on pick-up/drop-off locations and times.

Each year the entire school goes to northern Arizona to an established camp for three days. Camp is a way for all our students to build relationships with one another as well as their teachers. They participate in activities such as zip line, high ropes course, hiking, horse shoes, archery, arts & crafts, human foosball, and many more activities. Along with the many activities that are offered, students will participate in Chapel every morning and evening.

Interim classes at Valley Lutheran are unique one-week courses held during the spring semester. These classes offer out-of-the-classroom learning experiences in various subjects such as Fine Arts, Industrial Arts, Physical Education, Sports, Humanities, Science, Math, Computers, and Theology/Service. Every student is required to enroll in an interim class each year.

Students are admitted based on: Transcript evaluation Review of standardized testing results Letters of recommendation Interview Application essay

We evaluate each new incoming student by obtaining their most recent grade report/transcript, results of standardized testing and by conducting an in-person interview. For incoming freshman a placement test is given to determine Math, English, and Science class placement. Placement for transfer students is based on the transcript from the previous school.

Valley Lutheran High School does accept transfer students. An interview is generally required for admission as a transfer. Please call the school office at 602-230-1600 for more information.

Yes. Christian high schools combine strong academics with character development. Students typically have access to advanced coursework, college preparation, athletics, arts programs, and leadership opportunities.

small class sizes Christian environment Interim program - out of the classroom, week of learning athletics college preparation

Tuition at Valley Lutheran High School is $13,650 per year, but most families do not pay the full amount. Arizona programs such as the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) and Scholarship Tuition Organizations (STOs) significantly reduce tuition for many families. In fact, families who receive STO scholarships often average less than $3,000 per year out of pocket. Our team works closely with each family to explain available funding options and help make a Valley Lutheran education accessible.

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Yes. Homeschool students are welcome at Valley Lutheran High School. Many homeschool families choose a private high school for access to advanced academics, science labs, athletics, fine arts, and college preparation. Our admissions team works with homeschool families to review transcripts or learning records and determine the best course placement for each student. Homeschool students often thrive in our small classes and relationship-focused learning environment.

At Valley Lutheran High School, we gather feedback through four surveys each year, including Fall and Spring surveys for both students and parents. This consistent approach allows us to listen, learn, and respond in real time. By hearing from both students and parents, we gain a complete picture of the student experience, which is essential for families researching private high schools in Phoenix. Our goal is to provide one of the strongest Christian high school experiences in Arizona, shaped directly by the voices of our students and families.

Survey feedback is used to: Identify strengths to celebrate Improve academics, student life, and communication Guide school decisions and future planning To ensure honest and meaningful input, surveys are designed to be anonymous, allowing students and parents to share openly. This commitment to listening and responding is one reason Valley Lutheran is recognized for strong parent satisfaction among private high schools in Phoenix. Most importantly, feedback leads to action, not just awareness. We are committed to continuous improvement in every area of the student experience.

Our Spring 2026 Parent Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 58, which is considered excellent. NPS is a widely used measure of satisfaction and is often referenced when families compare Phoenix Christian high school reviews and overall school reputation. Scores above 50 are excellent Scores above 70 are considered world-class A score of 61 reflects strong parent satisfaction, trust, and confidence in the Valley Lutheran experience, and indicates that many of our families would actively recommend our school to others.