Christ Lutheran Church stands on South Citrus Street in West Covina, California, where the congregation and its preschool share a single campus and a single pastor. The school has become one of the church's most visible ministries, and the relationship between church and classroom is described as walking "hand in hand," with shared gifts, talents, and open communication supporting both bodies.
The church identifies as proudly Lutheran and is associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association through its school. Pastor Misa serves as both Pastor and Superintendent, guiding the school alongside the wider congregation. Preschool Director Michelle Turner oversees daily operations with a teaching team that includes Ms. Carolina and Ms. Maria in PS Room 1, Ms. Mayela and Ms. Isabella M in PS Room 2, Ms. Noemi in PS Room 3, Ms. Isabella in PS Room 4, and Ms. Doris in PS Room 5. Ms. Manalo serves as bookkeeper.
A Day Built Around Faith and Wonder
The preschool opens Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with part-time and full-time schedules available on two-day, three-day, or five-day weeks. Each day is thoughtfully structured to create a fun, engaging routine that helps children feel confident and secure. The classroom program supports the whole child spiritually, socially, emotionally, and academically during what the school calls their most important early years.
Curriculum is delivered through Big Day by Houghton Mifflin, an age-appropriate preschool program designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The toddler classroom offers potty training for children ages two years through two years, eleven months, helping families navigate that step alongside the rest of the school day.
Hands-On Discovery in the STEAM Room
A dedicated S.T.E.A.M. room anchors the academic program. S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math - five key areas that help build a foundation for problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Every classroom visits the space for one hour each week, rotating through interactive learning centers tailored to early childhood development.
During that hour, children explore nature, weather, life cycles, and simple experiments in science; introductory use of age-appropriate devices and coding games in technology; blocks and structural building in engineering; painting, sculpting, and mixed media in art; and counting games, patterns, measurements, and sorting in math. The space is designed to spark curiosity and promote collaboration while supporting developmental milestones.
Library days nurture a love of reading, and optional enrichment activities extend the program further. A sports program, offered at extra cost by an independently contracted party, encourages physical activity in a fun and supportive setting. A Spanish class, also led by an independent contractor, builds speaking, listening, and comprehension skills through playful activities.
Chapel Time and Spiritual Formation
Chapel time is a regular part of the week, nurturing faith and spiritual awareness alongside academic work. The school describes itself as a Christ-centered educational experience rooted in academic excellence, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a foundation of love, service, and faith. As a Lutheran school, the program shares the life of Christ Lutheran Church and warmly welcomes families into the church's ministry.
All staff members undergo comprehensive background checks to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, and classrooms are led by experienced educators who nurture each child with patience, warmth, and professional care.
Flexible Schedules for Working Families
Recognizing that young families often need extended hours, the preschool opens early and closes late. Two-day, three-day, and five-day schedules are available, with part-time and full-time options to fit a range of household routines. An optional lunch program features Cater Tots hot and cold lunches for added convenience and balanced nutrition, easing the morning rush for parents.
Registration requires completed licensing forms, a copy of the child's updated immunization records, a copy of the birth certificate, a current physical signed by a doctor, and a $150 non-refundable registration fee per child.
Traditions That Mark the Year
Throughout the year, the school celebrates family-friendly events that bring generations onto campus together. Picture Day captures yearly milestones. The Reformation Day Costume Parade marks the Lutheran heritage shared by church and school. The Christmas Program and Pre-K Achievement Night close out the academic year with performances and recognition. Mommy & Me Day, Daddy & Me Day, and a Family Picnic Day invite parents and children to share unhurried time together.
Visiting the Campus
Families interested in the program can schedule a tour by calling (626) 967-7531 or by sending a message through the school's contact form. The campus sits at 311 South Citrus Street in West Covina, sharing its address and grounds with Christ Lutheran Church. Parents and visitors can follow the school on Instagram at @clswestcovina for updates on events and daily life.
A Non-Discrimination Policy
Christ Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or age to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available at the school. The non-discrimination policy applies to admissions, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, and the employment of faculty and staff.
A Shared Ministry on Citrus Street
Christ Lutheran Church and its school stand together on South Citrus Street as a single ministry to families in West Covina. The pastor's dual role as Pastor and Superintendent reflects a deliberate partnership between church and classroom, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ shapes the earliest years of learning and the wider congregation supports the work of the school. For families looking for an early childhood program grounded in Lutheran faith and academic care, the campus offers a place where young children are nurtured in heart, inspired in mind, and grown in Christ.