Elementary school, usually categorized as including grades K or 1-5, sets the stage for young people in so many ways. Many positive characteristics can be seen in the elementary years. Students in these grades are growing academically by leaps and bounds, developing strong foundations in reading and math, and ready themselves to a deeper dive into new concepts. Students look up to their teachers and want to be like them in many ways. Students in these grades often love to help their parents, their teachers, their fellow students, and others.
Many reasons exist for choosing a Lutheran education in the elementary years. First, the smaller class sizes and well-qualified teachers often help students experience above-average academic growth. Setting the stage for future academic success is a tremendous responsibility that our teachers take seriously.
What a blessing for the students in our Lutheran schools to have great role models - people who love Jesus and love to share Him with others. Positive, supportive, non-parent adults have been identified as a top developmental asset for young people. No, our teachers are not perfect, since all of us are sinners! However, it is wonderful to know that our teachers are encouraged to strive to grow in their own faith daily and lead our students to do the same.
Tapping into our students’ servant hearts is a hallmark of our Lutheran schools. Most of our schools participate in service projects as classes, as a school, through chapel offerings, and together with the other schools in The Lutheran Schools Partnership in our annual joint chapel offerings project. Elementary students have a need to feel needed, just as we all do. By finding new ways they can help others, we help them follow these words of Christ, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another," John 13:34.
The elementary years are so much fun! Seeing the amazing development of these students from year to year is a privilege of working in the Lutheran schools. Partnering with families to help them along the path of development is another privilege. What a blessing to families as they help their children grow academically, socially and emotionally, and spiritually.
