At Emmanuel Lutheran School, we believe that quality Christian education should be accessible to families from diverse financial backgrounds. We understand that investing in private education is a significant decision, and our comprehensive financial aid programs are designed to help bridge the gap between your educational aspirations and financial realities.
When considering the cost of private education, many families weigh the financial investment against the lasting benefits their children receive. Emmanuel Lutheran School offers distinctive advantages that create exceptional value:
Emmanuel provides rigorous academics within a nurturing Christian community. Our dual accreditation through National Lutheran Schools Accreditation and Cognia (formerly AdvancEd) ensures educational excellence, while our faith-based approach integrates Christian values throughout the curriculum and school life.
With class sizes capped at 20 students, Emmanuel's teachers can truly know and support each child's unique learning style, interests, and needs. This personalized approach maximizes educational outcomes and helps each student develop their God-given potential.
Beyond academics, Emmanuel nurtures students' spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development. Our STEAM focus, specialist programs in art, music, and physical education, and emphasis on character development prepare students for success in all areas of life.
The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to eligible North Carolina families, helping them send their children to the private school of their choice. Emmanuel Lutheran School is a participating school in this program.
For the 2025-2026 school year, families should apply through the NC Education Assistance Authority website beginning February 1, 2025. Our admissions team can provide guidance on navigating this application process.
The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program is available for students with documented disabilities. Funds from this program can be used for tuition, fees, and other qualified educational expenses.
Students with specific designated disabilities may be eligible for a higher scholarship award amount. These disabilities include autism, hearing impairment, moderate or severe intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, and visual impairment.
Emmanuel Lutheran School maintains a limited financial aid fund to assist families who demonstrate financial need but may not qualify for state programs or need additional assistance beyond state scholarships.
School-based aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Families with multiple children enrolled at Emmanuel Lutheran School receive automatic tuition discounts:
These discounts are applied to the lower tuition amounts when children are in different grade levels.
Members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church receive a 25% tuition discount. This discount reflects the church's ongoing support of the school's mission and its commitment to making Christian education accessible to congregation families.
Emmanuel Lutheran School partners with FACTS Management Company to provide several payment options:
One payment of the full tuition amount, due by August 1, 2025. This option incurs no additional service fee.
Two equal payments, due August 1 and January 1. This option incurs a modest service fee.
Ten equal monthly payments, August through May. This option incurs a modest service fee and requires automatic bank draft or credit card payments.
All incidental expenses (lunch, after-school care, field trips, etc.) are billed through your FACTS incidental account.
Each year, many Emmanuel Lutheran School families successfully access financial aid options to make their educational choice a reality. While every family's situation is unique, here are examples of how families have made Emmanuel affordable:
Some families combine state scholarships with school-based aid and multi-child discounts to significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
For families who don't qualify for need-based aid, our monthly payment option makes tuition manageable by spreading payments throughout the school year.
Many families find that adjusting discretionary spending in other areas allows them to prioritize their investment in Christian education. Our financial aid advisors can provide budgeting guidance if helpful.
Begin researching financial aid options as soon as you consider Emmanuel Lutheran School. Note important application deadlines, particularly for state scholarship programs.
Complete Emmanuel's admission application and testing process. While admission and financial aid decisions are separate, both processes can proceed simultaneously.
Submit applications for the NC Opportunity Scholarship and/or ESA+ Program through the NC Education Assistance Authority website (beginning February 1).
If seeking school-based financial aid, complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. This requires submission of tax returns and income verification.
Once all applications are processed, you'll receive a comprehensive financial aid package outlining all scholarships and aid for which you qualify.
Complete the enrollment process, including payment of the enrollment fee, to secure your child's place at Emmanuel Lutheran School.
Our admissions team provides guidance throughout this process, helping you navigate applications and deadlines to maximize your financial aid opportunities.
No. Admission decisions are made independently of financial aid considerations. We first determine whether Emmanuel is the right educational fit for your child, then separately address how to make it financially feasible.
Yes. Both new and returning students are eligible for all forms of financial aid. Returning families must reapply for financial aid each year, as financial circumstances and available funding may change.
Even if your family doesn't qualify for need-based financial aid, you may still benefit from multi-child discounts, church member discounts, and monthly payment options that make tuition more manageable.
As early as possible. State scholarship programs have specific application windows, and school-based aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Ideally, begin the process in January-February for the following school year.
For school-based aid, financial need is determined by the standardized FACTS assessment, which considers income, assets, family size, and other factors. This objective analysis helps us allocate limited resources fairly among qualifying families.
While most financial aid is awarded before the school year begins, families experiencing unexpected financial hardship during the school year may apply for emergency assistance, subject to available funds.
If your family experiences significant financial changes during the school year (job loss, medical emergency, etc.), please contact our business office promptly. We'll work with you to reassess your situation and explore additional assistance options.
We understand that financial aid can seem complex, and every family's situation is unique. Our admissions and financial aid team is here to help you navigate these options and create a plan that works for your family.
Contact us online or at (828) 281-8182 to schedule a confidential financial consultation. We're committed to working with you to make quality Christian education an affordable reality for your family.
Emmanuel Lutheran School - Preparing students For Today, For Tomorrow, Forever through accessible Christ-centered education in Asheville, North Carolina.
