School History

Rooted in Faith. Built for the Future.

Celebrating 65 Years

Red Hill Lutheran School has stood as a cornerstone of Christian education in Tustin, California, for more than six decades. What began with a handful of families and a shared conviction has grown into one of Orange County's most respected private schools — a place where faith, excellence, and community come together to shape the whole child.

The Founding Years: 1957–1966

The story of Red Hill Lutheran School begins with the church that gave it life. Red Hill Lutheran Church was established in 1957, and from its earliest days, its congregation held a deep belief in the importance of Christian education for their children. That conviction became a reality in 1961, when — with the help of parents committed to faith-based learning — Red Hill Lutheran School officially opened its doors.

The school's first class was modest but meaningful: 14 kindergarten students, gathered together under the vision that education and Scripture should go hand in hand. Leading them was Pastor Showalter, the church's own pastor, who also served as the school's first principal. He held that dual role with dedication until 1966, laying the spiritual and academic foundation upon which everything that followed would be built.

Construction of the school's first dedicated facilities had begun even before the first students arrived. Ground was broken for a six-room educational building on May 8, 1960, and that building was dedicated on November 13, 1960 — a testament to the community's eagerness to put their faith into action.

Growth and Expansion: 1966–1999

As the school grew, so did its leadership. The principals who followed Pastor Showalter each brought their own expertise and vision, hiring qualified administration and staff and guiding the school's Christian program with care and intentionality.

A significant milestone came in 1971, when Red Hill Lutheran School expanded to offer all grade levels for the first time — Preschool through Grade 8. This full span of early education allowed families to invest in a continuous, faith-integrated experience from a child's earliest years through junior high.

The school's footprint continued to grow as well. Additional buildings were added in the 1970s to accommodate administrative offices, and in October 1987, ground was broken once again — this time for further administrative expansion, using the very same ceremonial shovel that had broken ground for the main church sanctuary 30 years prior.

Throughout these decades, the school also wove itself into the fabric of the Tustin community. As noted in the church's 20th anniversary booklet, a beloved annual tradition took shape: building and entering a float in the Tustin Tiller Days parade each fall — a tradition that has continued with pride ever since.

A Season of Momentum: 2000–2016

The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter of focused growth for Red Hill Lutheran School. Under the direction of Dr. Leslie Smith (2000–2007), enrollment climbed steadily and the campus took on new life — with upgraded playground equipment and meaningful facility improvements that enhanced the experience for students and families alike.

In 2007, Ms. Cindy Jordan assumed the role of principal, leading the school through one of its most transformative periods. During her tenure, a major new facility — the Christian Life Center (CLC) — was constructed and opened, dramatically expanding the school's capacity to serve its growing community. The school also reached a proud milestone during these years: the celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

By the 2007–2008 school year, total enrollment had reached 383 students — a remarkable distance from those original 14 kindergartners.

Excellence Recognized: 2016–Present

In July 2016, Dr. Paul Marquardt was welcomed as principal, ushering in an era defined by academic distinction and continued growth.

Under his leadership, Red Hill Lutheran School earned one of the highest honors in American education: in 2020, the school was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education — a distinction that places RHLS among the finest schools in the nation.

The recognition did not stop there. The school has been selected by Parenting Magazine as the Best Faith-Based Elementary and Junior High School in Orange County for multiple consecutive years. In recent years, more than 15 RHLS teachers have been named among the Top 25 Teachers in Orange County, and one faculty member earned the prestigious title of Orange County Teacher of the Year.

Today, Red Hill Lutheran School holds full dual accreditation through WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation), affirming its commitment to the highest academic and institutional standards.

In 2021, the school community gathered to celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the annual RHL Gala — a joyful reflection on six decades of faithful service.

Enrollment has continued to climb, now approaching nearly 500 students across Preschool through Grade 8.

Who We Are Today

Red Hill Lutheran School is an outreach ministry of Red Hill Lutheran Church, welcoming students and families from a wide range of Christian denominations and backgrounds. Every lesson is taught through California-approved, standards-based curriculum aligned with California State and Common Core Standards — and every subject is woven together with biblical truth and a Christ-centered perspective.

Our students are equipped to SOAR — to be Spiritually guided, Outstanding scholars, Actively engaged, and Responsible leaders. With small class sizes, a multi-sensory approach to learning, and a faculty that views teaching as ministry, RHLS prepares students not just for the next grade level, but for a life of purpose and impact.

From 14 students in a newly dedicated classroom to a nationally recognized school of nearly 500 — the history of Red Hill Lutheran School is, above all, a story of what God can do through a community that stays faithful to its calling.