Ninety-five Lutheran schools — 11 high schools, 73 elementary schools, and 11 free-standing early childhood centers — received accreditation from the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) Commission at its meeting July 31-Aug. 2 in St. Louis.
Accreditation is granted following a voluntary process of self-study and evaluation conducted by a school. These 95 schools join a group of 718 schools currently accredited by NLSA.
In addition, five schools were nominated by their respective LCMS district offices and endorsed by the Commission to be evaluated for NLSA-exemplary-accredited status. They are:
- Concordia Lutheran School, Conover, N.C.
- Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Our Redeemer Lutheran School, Wauwatosa, Wis.
- Salem Lutheran School, Orange, Calif.
- St. John Lutheran School, Orange, Calif.
Additional documentation is required for schools that have been nominated for exemplary status, and a visitation team will validate the school’s quality and established “best practices.” Exemplary schools will be selected in February and announced during Lutheran Schools Week in March.
NLSA, a program of LCMS District and Congregational Services — School Ministry, has served Synod schools since 1986. NLSA’s commissioners are consultants from all 35 LCMS districts and its national director is Terry Schmidt of LCMS School Ministry.
The Synod operates more than 2,300 preschools, elementary schools, and high schools across the country.
For more information about NLSA, contact Terry Schmidt at terry.schmidt@lcms.org or 314-996-1292.
Posted Aug. 26, 2009
