2012-13 National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) Exemplary Schools

The National Lutheran Accreditation Commission recently selected seven Lutheran schools in the United States for special recognition as exemplary schools. These schools demonstrated compliance with accreditation criteria that exceeded expectations related to the educational and ministry standards that are required for accredited schools. In addition, each school demonstrated innovative leadership through the implementation of Best Practices related to the academic quality and spiritual development of its students.

The following schools were selected to receive the award during the 2012‐13 academic year:

·         Bethany Lutheran School, Parma, Ohio, Ken Boerger, Principal

·         Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Steve Buuck, Chief Executive Officer

·         Hales Corners Lutheran School, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, Albert Amling, Principal

·         King of Glory Preschool and Kindergarten, Williamsburg, Virginia, Ruth McReynolds, Director

·         Loving Shepherd Early Learning Center, Golden Valley, Minnesota, Brenda Lovhaug, Director

·         Lutheran South Academy, Houston Texas, Sheila Psencik, Head of School

·         St Luke’s Lutheran School, Oviedo, Florida, Susan Hanas, Superintendent

With this honor comes additional responsibility. The leaders of these schools will now be required to share their “Best Practices” with other Lutheran schools. During the 2012‐13 school year, each exemplary school will prepare a print article and present webinar that are open to participation for all Lutheran schools. The sharing of Best Practices provides opportunities and ideas that have the potential to improve all of our schools.

National Lutheran School Accreditation, based in St Louis, Mo., encourages and recognizes schools that provide quality Christian education and engage in continuous improvement. NLSA accredits 655 Lutheran schools that have voluntarily chosen to submit to vigorous self‐study and evaluation. There are 2,382 Lutheran preschools, elementary schools and high schools in the United States.

For additional information contact NLSA Director, Mr. Terry Schmidt at terry.schmidt@lcms.org