First Lutheran Torrance: School Programs, Academics, Enrollment, and Student Life

First Lutheran School is a private Lutheran school in Torrance, California, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school provides Christian education, academic preparation, character development, technology-supported learning, arts opportunities, athletics, and before- and after-school care.

First Lutheran School serves approximately 293-299 students in grades PK-8, with a reported student-teacher ratio of 13:1. The school’s stated enrollment by grade for kindergarten through eighth grade totals 299 students, and the school day is listed as seven hours.

First Lutheran School at a glance

Location and community

First Lutheran School is your premier choice for private Christian education in the vibrant South Bay region. Nestled in the heart of the South Bay, our school serves communities including Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Carson, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Palos Verdes, and other cities in the Los Angeles area.

FLS stands as the South Bay's top destination for accessible, top-tier education and enriching experiences.

Grades and enrollment

First Lutheran School serves grades K-8, while the broader school profile lists enrollment from PK through eighth grade. The student population of First Lutheran School is 299 and the school serves grades K-8.

The reported enrollment by grade level is as follows:

The grade-level figures show the largest reported group in kindergarten, with 53 students, followed by second grade with 43 students and third grade with 40 students. Seventh grade is the smallest listed group, with 13 students, while eighth grade has 26 students.

Student-teacher ratio and class information

First Lutheran School has 293 students in grades PK, K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The reported national comparison is 16:1.

The average class size is listed as 34. Information about the total number of classroom teachers is unavailable, while 50% of teachers are reported to have advanced degrees.

Academic program

FLS offers students an excellent education, teaching not only top tier academics, but also having a strong focus on building character. Students develop academically in all subjects, utilizing real life experiences and technology to supplement their overall educational experience.

In addition, they are taught from very young to be independent thinkers, and to respect and care for one another. Each year is a stepping stone to the next.

One parent reported that the middle school at FLS gave their oldest child the necessary skills to be successful in high school and beyond. Academically, she knows much more than her peers in high school due to the academic preparedness at FLS.

She was also taught how to analyze situations, identify what she needs, and address it herself. She is doing excellent in high school because of FLS.

STEAM, technology, and practical learning

FLS places emphasis on STEAM. The computer lab is described as an important part of the program, with students starting lessons in first grade.

Students learn skills beyond curriculum to function in real life. Students develop academically in all subjects, utilizing real life experiences and technology to supplement their overall educational experience.

This combination of academic instruction, technology, practical experiences, and independent thinking is intended to prepare students for the transition from elementary and middle school to high school.

Arts and enrichment

Students have music class with musicals and talent shows each year. FLS participates in Adventures in Art, a Torrance art volunteer program.

Rock the Arts provides after school instrumental lessons and the FLS symphony. First Kids has a fabulous after school lineup of classes ranging from cooking to art to chess.

• Music classes
• Musicals
• Annual talent shows
• Adventures in Art
• After-school instrumental lessons
• FLS symphony
• Cooking classes
• Art classes
• Chess classes

Athletics

First Lutheran School offers boys soccer, boys volleyball, boys basketball, girls soccer, girls volleyball, and girls basketball.

Sports are part of the school’s broader enrichment program, alongside music, arts, technology, and after-school activities.

Christian education and school environment

First Lutheran School is a highly rated, private, Lutheran school located in TORRANCE, CA. Its religious affiliation is listed as Other Lutheran.

FLS offers students an excellent education, teaching not only top tier academics, but also having a strong focus on building character. In addition, they are taught from very young to be independent thinkers, and to respect and care for one another.

One parent described the school as a loving, diverse environment where all are welcome. The same review described the campus as beautiful and safe.

Early Education Center

First Lutheran Early Education Center in Torrance serves the South Bay Area and offers a nurturing, social learning environment for children aged six weeks to five years.

Located on the grounds of First Lutheran Church and School, our cozy classrooms and play yards provide a safe space for little ones to explore, grow, and thrive.

Our experienced, educated teachers design activities that promote holistic development, while faith is seamlessly integrated into our daily program with the support of our pastoral staff, who are committed to sharing God's love with every child.

The Early Education Center is designed for young children before they enter the elementary and middle school grades. Its program combines social learning, developmentally appropriate activities, faith integration, and supervised play.

Early Education Center staff and qualifications

Our dedicated staff provides a safe, nurturing environment for your children, exceeding state education requirements. All teachers have completed at least 24 units in Early Childhood Education, with many holding Associate or Bachelor's degrees in Child Development.

Assistant Teachers have completed a minimum of 12 units. First Lutheran Early Education Center encourages ongoing professional growth, requiring at least 20 hours of professional development annually.

All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, fingerprinted, and thoroughly background-checked through state and FBI databases.

We carefully select teachers who embody our philosophy, showing gentleness, enthusiasm, and a true passion for working with young children.

Childcare and extended-day options

FLS provides childcare before & after school at affordable rates. First Kids has a fabulous after school lineup of classes ranging from cooking to art to chess.

The extended-day offerings can give families access to supervised care and enrichment activities outside the regular instructional schedule.

Campus services and facilities

The campus includes a well-equipped health office. One parent described the campus as beautiful and safe.

The school also offers a computer lab, music spaces, athletic activities, art opportunities, classrooms, play yards, and early education facilities.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition is $8,420 for the highest grade offered. Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on grade, boarding status, if applicable, and may have changed for the current school year. Financial aid availability is listed as N/A.

For more information, please contact the school.

Admissions and application process

Most private schools have application deadlines at the beginning of the calendar year. The application process changes from school to school, so contact the admissions office if you have any questions.

Families considering First Lutheran School may need to review the school’s current admissions requirements, deadlines, grade availability, and tuition information directly with the school.

School calendar for 2026-2027

The listed 2026-2027 calendar includes the following important dates:

Student demographics

The available demographic data is presented in different formats. One school profile lists the demographic breakdown as not specified and 100.0%, while another profile reports the following percentages: Asian 50.2%, White 16.6%, Multiracial 16%, Hispanic 10.7%, African American 6.2%, and Pacific Islander 0.3%.

Another breakdown states that Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, Two or more races, Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander and White are not included due to an enrollment of 0% in that particular dataset.

Gender distribution

The reported gender distribution is Female 48% and Male 52%.

School ratings and parent perspectives

The school has an overall rating of 4.33 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. The reported grades include an overall Niche Grade of A- and a Good for Families grade of A-.

One parent wrote that three children had attended FLS since TK and that the oldest was in eighth grade. The parent described the teachers and programs as top notch and emphasized the school’s focus on skills beyond the curriculum.

The same review highlighted the computer lab, music classes, musicals, talent shows, Adventures in Art, Rock the Arts, the FLS symphony, First Kids activities, basketball, soccer, volleyball, childcare, and the health office.

Another parent reported that one child attended from kindergarten through eighth grade and another attended from TK and was still enrolled. The parent said that the older child was doing well in high school because of the academic preparation received at FLS.

That review also emphasized character development, independence, respect, care for others, real-life experiences, and technology-supported learning.

Points families may want to investigate

One review raised concerns about changes in administration, the implementation of rules and boundaries, bullying issues, communication with parents, and the ability of after-school staff to implement boundaries.

Concerned parents have voiced their concerns and they are not given any resolutions. Afterschool staff is young and unable to implement boundaries.

Do your research. Ask lots of questions. Speak to parents that are not school employees. Have open conservations with your children of your families expectations.

These comments represent one parent’s experience and should be considered alongside current information from the school, conversations with families, and a direct review of policies and procedures.

College enrollment and alumni information

College enrollment is unavailable for First Lutheran School. Alumni Association Email is listed as N/A.

Because the school serves students through eighth grade, its principal academic transition is from elementary and middle school into high school.

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