Central Lutheran School in New Haven is busting at the seams. With a student population hovering just over 400, Central Lutheran has decided to embark on a building expansion that will include a new gymnasium, administrative space, and much needed classrooms.Based on a study done by Design Collaborative on behalf of The Lutheran Schools Partnership, the study showed a strong need for additional space.According to John Weber, Director of Advancement for Central Lutheran,“The study showed us that we have the smallest classroom square footage per student of all area Lutheran schools. As our enrollment continues to grow, our need for more space grows as well.”For Mr. Weber, who is responsible for fundraising and curriculum development at Central Lutheran, the impact of this building project is more than just professional, it’s personal. Two of his children attend Central and a third will be joining the school in the kindergarten prep program next year.Mr. Weber notes that this project will have a positive impact on students in several ways. First, the design of the classroom spaces will allow for flexibility with furniture that can be moved for active lessons and quick transitions. Younger students will have classrooms designed for smaller bodies. Older students will have spaces designed for collaboration. These classrooms will facilitate better learning experiences for teachers and students.The building expansion also impacts the youngest students, whose current location is in the church building across the parking lot. After the expansion, the preschool will finally get their own space in the school building, connecting all age groups under one roof.
The building expansion also includes another gymnasium, allowing Central to host larger athletic tournaments, sports events and possibly even summer camps.“Currently, we are unable to hold our Christmas concert at Central,” Mr. Weber adds. “Our hope is to build a gym that will be large enough to host all of our events on site.” Having a large, multipurpose space will benefit the athletic and music departments in big ways, by allowing Central to expand their reach by offering events they could not host before.The expansion will also include a new music space for vocal and instrumental practice. Additional music opportunities give students more access to the arts.Currently in the silent phase of their campaign, to accomplish their goals the school is hosting a building campaign kickoff event on January 9 that includes a free cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception for adults. With the theme, Thankful for our Heritage, Committed to our Future, the event will unveil the building project, as well as the total dollars pledged to this historic campaign. No pledges will be solicited at the event and all friends and supporters of the Central Community are invited to attend.Through this building expansion, Central will be able to continue their commitment to academic excellence, while providing an environment that fosters the intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of students.
