I'm reminded of a recent comment my eight year old daughter made.
We/I was watching a trump "press briefing" (or something like that), and he said, "It doesn't matter who you are. We all come from the same god."
My daughter gave the tv a discerning glance and said, "No. We all come from different mothers."

I love her little evolving, free-thinking mind.

I hate that comment. We DID NOT come from apes... we share a common ancestor. I hate that I have to explain that about fifty-billion times a day. It's ridiculous.

I would tell her we all come from a more primitive ancestor. But some of us are a little more primitive than others.

Tell the truth and let your friend squirm.

As a professional who is meant to steer a student in the right direction, you should tell her how you feel about it, but also let her know that other viewpoints are out there, and it would be best for her to do some research, and come to the conclusion herself. That's a good point to do, because it lets the student know your PoV on it, but doesn't make it as an absolute. It saves you from getting in trouble with her parents if they're Religious, but lets her know that there may be an alternative answer to what Religion has to offer.

"Of course we didn't come from apes - we had a common ancestor! That's how evolution works!"

There are four extant genara of great apes, one of which is represented by a sole species, Homo Sapiens.

Since people are apes, it is safe to say that people came from apes.

A passing reference to Tile IX might cool that teacher's jets! Does no good to engage those closed minds.

First, you need to have better friends...

Ask your "friend" one question - if we are all made in God's image, why do we all look different?

Finally, your charge is to your students, not your "friend." Make sure you verse them well in the ideas of natural selection and our "family tree." Teach them the scientific method of critical thinking and you will have done your job as a teacher, regardless of the age of your students.

This from a former college instructor.

Not sure if I ‘got that,’ but I’ve worked in schools, too… Often students bring that up simply as a source of controversy. If it’s genuine, asked in context with an assignment, and if I had the opportunity, I’d respond with something like, ‘we share a common ancestor.’ They won’t likely remember that, or understand it, but ‘you’ve answered honestly.’ Or, assure them that will be covered as they move up…

...now if you’ve described a religious teacher wanting to chastise a student’s honest curiosity.. Well, you now know who/ what you’re dealing with ~

I heard someone say something similar, with equal disgust, as she said " I most certainly am not related to any of those ugly apes !"

The way she said it, left me no doubt in my mind who the ugly one really was !

I would complain to the school board about the friend (if indeed she is the teacher). She ought not to be teaching if she's teaching religious fairy tales.

Who is the teacher here?

It's quite simple - just provide the facts. We and apes came from a common ancestor.

Another proxy fight with the young student in the middle - just tell them they learn all about that in college.

You didn't mention the age range of the student. Most have internet access, give them a link and let them decide for themselves.

Like this one...