Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?
We are at 1011 Ulatis Drive in Vacaville, CA. For those of you who are familiar to Vacaville, it’s rather simple. We are across the street from the Vacaville Cultural Center at the corner of Ulatis and Harbison Drives. For those not familiar with Vacaville, we are minutes off of I-80 taking either the Allison Drive (EB I-80) exit or Nut Tree Drive (WB I-80) exit to Allison.  [East bound travelers may turn right onto Allison Drive; whereas, westbound travelers will want to turn left onto Allison Drive, going over the freeway. Proceed to Ulatis to then turn left at the light. Continue past the school to the next light after Harbison Drive and make a U-turn to allow access to the front parking lot. (It’s actually much simpler than it reads.)

What does it mean to be “Lutheran”?
Lutheran Christians believe in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture and that salvation comes as a free gift by God’s grace through His Son, made possible by the Holy Spirit nurturing in our hearts the faith God has given us. Faith is the confessed sinner’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and a trust in all of God’s promises. Forgiveness is the believer’s daily need, for total holiness is possible only after entering eternal life.

Do I have to be Christian/Lutheran to attend Bethany Lutheran School?
No. It is our desire that our actions as an overall ministry are a reflection of God’s love for us. If you desire to know more about what it means to be a redeemed child of God, you are welcome to ask any member of the church or school staffs. Know that your family will be in our prayers as a Christian community, regardless of your religious affiliation.

What is a “Christ-centered education?"
A Christ-centered education is an education that, quite simply, makes God’s love for all of us through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, the reason why we do what we do. Having that freedom allows us the freedom to look at multiple viewpoints when addressing classroom topics. Being Christ-centered also allows us to use any opportunity that comes along as a moment where we can reflect everyone in our midst the same love we understand as God’s redeemed people. In other words, the understanding of Christ as Lord is not limited to just Bible class or Chapel.

Is there a school uniform?
Yes. Chapel day (Wednesday) requires a specific uniform, and there is standard school attire for the remainder of the days. All acceptable clothing is outlined in the handbook and available through Dennis Uniform Company. We also operate a used uniform closet for the drop-off and purchase of previously used uniform clothing.

Are you accredited? What does it mean to be accredited?
We are dually accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA). Being accredited means that we have given a strenuous look at everything that makes us who we are, where we want to be, and how we are going to get there. Private schools are not required to be accredited; it is a voluntary process that allows a school to put into place a formal process for school improvement that involves the whole school community.

What are the average class size and teacher-to-student ratio?
While numbers fluctuate from one year to the next, it is expected that enrollment in any one class will not exceed twenty-five students (Kindergarten not to exceed 22). At this time the average class size is nineteen students and the staff: student ratio is 1:13.

What co-curricular opportunities are available for students?
The school’s Parent Teacher Organization facilitates and After-School Enrichment program for students that covers a wide range of interests. Band, Art (K-4), Computers, Physical Education, and Music are contained within the scheduled school day; athletics are slated for introduction beginning the 2013-2014 school year.

Is there a requirement for parent involvement?
Parents of Bethany students are not required to purchase SCRIP to lessen their cost of tuition. Parents are required to give hours of service to the school as part of the Partnership Program. More information and forms for completion of required hours can be found through the Parent Teacher Organization section of this website where you can also be updated on ways to get involved.

Is there Extended Care available?
Yes. There is before and after school Extended Care available for a cost specified in the registration materials. For further information on the program, please feel free to contact the school’s office at 707-451-6683.

Is there Financial Aid?
Yes. Information on Financial Aid is available through the office of the Business Administrator at the church by calling 707-451-6681.