What does it mean that we are a Lutheran school?

Christian education has long been a part of the Lutheran heritage. Martin Luther was very concerned about the Christian education of children. He wrote the Catechism as a tool for parents to use in instructing their children in basic teaching of the Bible. When Lutherans first came to America they brought their educational system with them. Teaching and instructing children has always been a key part of the Lutheran Church. Caring for the spiritual needs and nurturing the young faith of children as well as providing a strong academic foundation remains a high priority.

A recently released report shows the academic performance of students in WELS elementary schools compared to the national average in 2012: the national average is represented at the 50th percentile while WELS students, grades two through eight, consistently scored in the 60th to 75th percentile for all subjects tested (reading, language, mathematics, science, social studies).

Our school believes and follows the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The Bible and Lutherans teach:

• that the Bible is the true word of God. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means that God breathed into the writers the exact thoughts and words they were to write. As a result every statement in the Bible is the truth.
• that there is only one true God. This God is invisible, holy, eternal, and has all power and wisdom. In the Bible, God reveals himself as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is why he is called “Triune.” These three persons in one God are all God.
• that at the beginning of time God created heaven and earth and all creatures. He did this in six days. He spoke his almighty word to create all things. He made everything out of nothing.
• that the first man and woman lost the image of God when they gave in to the temptation of Satan and disobeyed God’s command. This brought on them the judgment of God. Since that time all people are conceived and born in sin, desire to do what is evil, and are dead spiritually. Therefore, we are unable to reconcile ourselves to God by our own efforts and deeds.
• the gospel. The message of the gospel is the good news that a loving God sent Jesus Christ to take away the sins of all people. This gospel freely offers to all sinners the righteousness that is found in Jesus.
• that Jesus Christ is the Savior of everyone. He is the eternal Son of God, equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is also the son of the Virgin Mary. He became man to redeem all people. Taking our place, he lived a perfect life keeping the law of God for us. He also died as our innocent substitute on the cross to pay a price sufficient for everyone’s sin. After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven. On the Last Day he will judge all the people who are still living and those whom he will raise from the dead.
• that the Holy Spirit is true God equal to God the Father and God the Son. He has names and characteristics which belong only to God. The Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts through the gospel. He also keeps us in the faith and motivates us to do good works.
• For additional information on our teaching visit the WELS website.