Message from our principal

"As an educator and more specifically the Principal, I want students to love learning. I began my teaching career at Zion in 1993 teaching 4th grade. After completing my Master’s degree, I wanted a new challenge but wasn’t ready to leave the classroom. I moved up to teach 7th & 8th grade in a Junior High setting and served as Assistant Principal. In 2002, I became Interim Principal and formally accepted the position as Principal in 2003. This current school year began my 25th year in education at Zion. I strive to create an environment that supports students, teachers, and parents. I want Zion to be a safe, friendly, and encouraging environment where all students grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. I want all of our students to experience success and grow to know Jesus’ love. My door is always open and our entire faculty and staff care for our students and their families. Zion’s mission is to Share Christ, and Change Lives. Zion Lutheran Church and Schools do this every day! We are here to Teach Christ and Serve Families. We hope you will take time to see what Zion has to offer your child and your family. We would love to partner with you in helping prepare your child for their future. We want each child to grow in their faith, succeed academically, have an optimistic future, and be prepared to be noble leaders."

  • principal julie kangas

    Celebrating 25 years at Zion Lutheran Church & Schools

    B.A. in Liberal Studies

    M.S. in Educational Administration

    California Teaching Credential

    California Administrative Credential

    Van Lunen Fellow - Private Christian School Administrator

    (714) 535-3600 Ext. 103

    jkangas@zionanaheim.org

  • ACCREDITATION

    Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)



  • Accreditation

    National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA)




history of our school

Zion Lutheran Church’s commitment to quality education began as a one-room school in 1909 with only 18 students and became a full-time operational elementary school in 1939 offering programs for Kindergarten through eighth grade. In 1972, Zion Lutheran School complemented its education ministry by establishing an Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC). This facility was constructed on the eight and a half acre property to serve the needs of young children age two and one-half to five. In 1979, construction of new elementary facilities was completed and the school moved to its existing school site on the church campus. In 2002, construction of eight new classrooms and a facility for school-age care, maintenance, and new restrooms were completed to accommodate the growing school. Zion Lutheran Church and Schools now includes a fellowship hall with gymnasium, locker rooms with showering facilities, a computer lab, playground facilities, and a spacious field for physical education activities and recess. 


From small beginnings over seventy-eight years ago, the education ministries have grown significantly and continues to provide a quality Christ-centered environment where students can learn and grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ and to the people in their lives. Zion’s board of education (Zion’s Schools Board) and faculty have embraced the self-evaluation and accreditation process to help Zion Lutheran School provide an even richer spiritual and academic environment. Zion’s first accreditation was the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) in 1986 then continued to expand its accreditation efforts in 1994 working towards and receiving both the NLSA and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation.