Frequent Questions

How many Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Centers are there?
Over 200 elementary and 20 secondary schools are operated by ELCA congregations throughout the United States and the Caribbean and over 2,000 congregations operate Early Childhood Education centers. Find a school near you!

How many children and teachers are involved?
More than 250,000 children and 20,000 teachers are in ELCA Early Childhood Education programs, elementary, and secondary schools.

Are Lutheran schools racially and ethnically inclusive?
Lutheran schools most often reflect the culture and ethnicity of their surrounding communities. One-third of the students and one-quarter of the staff persons in Lutheran elementary and secondary schools are persons of color.

Do you have to be Lutheran to attend a Lutheran school?
Many children in Lutheran schools are not Lutheran. They are enrolled because parents seek high quality education in a Christian environment.

How large is the average Lutheran school?
Lutheran elementary schools average enrollments of 250 students and secondary schools average 400 students.

Are Lutheran schools expensive?
Lutheran schools work hard in making tuition affordable for the greatest number of families. Many schools also have tuition assistance and scholarship programs.

Are new Lutheran schools opening?
In the past year more than 100 ELCA congregations have expressed an interest in opening a school or center. Since 1995 there has been a net growth of 15%!

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