Statistical Summary for 2008-2009:

Number of Lutheran Schools:
Early Childhood Centers 1406 Elementary Schools 986 High Schools 108

Where do the children who attend Lutheran elementary schools go to church?

39% are members of the LCMS congregation which operates the school
5% are members of other LCMS congregations
3% are members of other Lutheran denominations
36% are members of other Christian churches
17% claim no church membership

Do any of the unchurched children or their families ever join the Lutheran church?

3,592 children were reported baptized as a direct result of their attending a Lutheran elementary or secondary school.

2,198 adults were reported being baptized or confirmed as a result of their children attending a Lutheran elementary or secondary school.

How many children attend our Lutheran schools?

131,361 attend Early Childhood Full Day, PreK
120,684 attend Elementary Schools 
18,867 attend High Schools
270,912 Total Students

43,603 Students in Before/After School Care

How much does it cost to operate a Lutheran school?

The average per pupil cost to operate a Lutheran High School last year was $9,064. For a Lutheran Elementary School, it was $5,570. For Early Childhood Center, it was $2,640.

How is this cost covered?

A wide variety of funding plans exist across the country. Below are the national averages for early childhood centers, high schools and elementary schools:

Early Childhood Centers
Congregation Budget - 12%
Tuition/fees - 81%
Other - 7%

Elementary
Congregation Budget - 40%
Tuition/Fees - 49%
Third Sources - 11%

High School
Congregation Budget - 7%
Tuition/Fees - 68%
Third Sources - 25%

The "average" Lutheran elementary school has 9 full time teachers with 133 students. Students per full-time teacher - 15

The "average" Lutheran high school has 15 full time teachers with 216 students. Students per full-time teacher - 14

Why do Lutherans sponsor a Lutheran school?

Lutherans have established schools in the United States since 1640. The reasons for opening and maintaining these schools has varied across the country and throughout history. All can be traced to six goals. Some schools will exist for all six reasons, others for only 2 or 3 of them. Each is a valid reason for the establishment and maintenance of a Lutheran school.

• To nurture faith
  
• To grow in grace and knowledge
  
• To teach the Word
  
• To communicate and establish Christian values
  
• To equip for Christian service
  
• To reach out with the Gospel to others

How do I go about starting a Lutheran School?

The Genesis Project helps LCMS congregations start Lutheran elementary and secondary schools. It consists primarily of three services which must be done in sequence: a one day consultation, a feasibility study, and some matching grants. Additional Genesis services include a conference for principals of new schools, resources for congregations as they start schools, and support for new schools. For more information, please contact Vickie Johanpeter at (314) 965-9917 ext. 1294.

Each District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod also provides consultation assistance for congregations. Usually a District Education Executive can provide the assistance and direction to help you begin a feasibility study for a school. Resources are also available from the School Ministry to assist planning groups. For elementary and high school studies, order the Guidelines for Starting a School manual from the Administrator's Handbook series

School Ministry is under the Board for District and Congregational Services of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

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