By Sarah Hjulberg
On the first day of school on Aug. 13, Springfield Lutheran High School (SLHS) in Springfield, Mo., opened its doors with a chapel service, followed by a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This day was an answer to decades of prayer that Springfield would one day have its own Lutheran high school.
“Everything is in God’s time. God also sends the right people to do the right thing at the right time, and that’s really what happened here,” said Tim Zeigler, SLHS principal.
SLHS is poised to meet a growing need and shine the light of the Gospel in Springfield, as more and more families seek private, Christian education.
“Parents today are seeking values-based education,” said Josh Swartz, education executive for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Missouri District. “With the rapid expansion of school choice across the country, including here in Missouri, this desire is becoming a movement. Lutheran schools are uniquely positioned to meet this moment.”
Overwhelming support
Planning for SLHS began in early 2024, when a group of parents (and one grandparent), whose children currently attend the nearby Springfield Lutheran School (preschool–8th grade), met to discuss what it would take to open a high school.
“It was so amazing to see how God brought the group together around that table. … You could sense the passion of the people [there],” said Stephanie Grandestaff, SLHS executive director.
The group moved swiftly in the next year, conducting a feasibility study, engaging in fundraising, establishing their core values and educational philosophy, and hiring faculty and staff for the new school. All along, they experienced overwhelming support and generosity from Lutheran families in the area, local businesses and other people in the community.
The LCMS churches in the greater Springfield area have also been supportive of the high school. Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, Mo., leases its classroom space to SLHS, and its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hagerman, serves as the pastoral advisor for the high school. Other LCMS pastors in the area are helping out with the school in a variety of roles, from leading chapel services, to teaching the theology class, to serving on the school board.
Small school, strong relationships
SLHS currently has a freshmen class of four students. Three of these students came from Springfield Lutheran School.
Even as everyone at SLHS prays that God will bless the school with increased enrollment, the students and their teachers are thriving at their small school.
“I love the small classrooms. I really love these students. They are so hard working and determined. And they’re very smart and quick [with questions],” said Hannah Thompson, who teaches literature and science.
“I’m really liking the fact that it’s a small class,” said Benjamin, one of the freshmen. “I’ve always wanted a small class, and I think it’s really cool because it’s more individualized and you really get to know the people around you better.”
The students are also excited for the ways in which they can be the leaders for the school. Being the first class means that they can help establish the culture of the school and be good examples for the classes that will come after them.
Christ at the center
Most important, teachers and students alike are excited and thankful to be at a Lutheran school, where there is weekly chapel, faith-based curricula, daily prayer, and a sense that Christ is at the center of everything.
“I love that … we pray at the beginning of every class and [that] everything that we talk about in science and English … funnels down at the end of the class … to how this helps us grow in our faith and learn more about God. And I think that’s so cool,” said Benjamin.
Barbara Watkins, who brings a wealth of teaching experience to SLHS, jumped at the opportunity to teach in a Christian environment. Upon retiring after many years as a public-school teacher, she started praying that God would provide her with a way to continue to serve others. This position at SLHS was an answer to those prayers.
Watkins said that the relief of being able to share her faith openly with students is also a blessing: “[Here] I’m not afraid to talk about my faith,” she said. “In public school, I would if a kid asked me, but I still had to watch what I said.”
“It’s important to us that teachers are talking about their faith and [teaching] everything through that lens, not just in religion class, but in every class throughout the day,” said Grandestaff.
When SLHS was founded, its core values were considered and chosen very intentionally: “Christ-Centered Community, Relationship-Driven Culture, Educational Excellence.”
“A relationship-driven culture was very important to us because we know that people are craving real-life connection,” continued Grandestaff. “We know that the Lord created us to be connected to a community, and the enemy loves when we’re in isolation and when we’re alone. With the digital world, that’s become more and more of an issue, especially for our young people,” she continued.
“In a culture where families are searching for belonging and purpose, Lutheran schools provide more than classrooms,” said Swartz. “They create a community where faith and learning intersect daily, where students are challenged academically, and where families find safety and support.”
SLHS is providing families in southwest Missouri a place where their high school-aged children can receive an education based on the sure foundation of God’s Word, be formed in their baptismal faith in Christ and build relationships that are the fruit of God’s own love for His people.
“Each new Lutheran school is a beacon of hope,” said Swartz.
Posted Oct. 14, 2025
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