6 Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Private School
1) What Is Your School's Mission?
Emmanuel Lutheran School exists to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For us, that means placing emphasis on the story of Jesus' death and resurrection in everything we do. However, that does not mean it's to the exclusion of rigorous academics. We are committed to preparing our students for today, tomorrow, and eternity.
2) What Is the Average Class Size?
One of the advantages of private schools is that they typically have smaller class sizes. At ELS, we limit class size to no more than fifteen in any room. That is about 40% smaller than the average public school classroom in North Carolina. With fewer students, our faculty is able to identify the needs of individuals, and we are able to practice adequate social distancing.
3) What Role Does Religion Have in Your Education?
For ELS, religion has a significant role in our educational philosophy. All truth is from God. He is the creator of all things. From science and history to math and literature, our teachers are guided by a Christian worldview. We want to help students find the answers to life's questions in the Scriptures and be able to point others to that same well of knowledge and hope.
4) What Is the Role of Technology in the Classroom?
In the last year, we have seen the significant role technology can and should have in the classroom. We are committed to using every resource to help students learn in any situation. However, we do not want our students to merely learn by using technology. We want them to become masters of tech. That is why we proudly implement STEAM-based education strategies to help students learn skills that will serve them for years to come.
5) What Sets Your Institution Apart from Other Schools (Private and Public)?
As we have noted previously, there are many excellent schools from which to choose in the Asheville area. One thing that sets Emmanuel Lutheran School apart is that we are the only Christian parochial school in western North Carolina that implements STEAM curriculum. Per our website:
"STEAM is an educational movement that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration by applying all the disciplines together."
Beginning in kindergarten, students are empowered to learn in a creative, collaborative environment. Proficiency in scient, technology, engineering, and mathematics is increasingly vital for students beyond their secondary education, into college, and their careers. STEAM emphasizes those subjects as well as the arts to ensure creativity.
6) What Extracurricular Activities Do You Offer?
While religious instruction and academics are the most critical components of private education, extracurricular activities can help set a private school apart. Athletics, fine arts, clubs, and other extracurricular options can help students become well-rounded while also helping them attain scholarships and valuable experience.
For ELS, sports are not just about competition; one of the main goals of the athletic program is to help students learn to apply Christian principles to their lives. Whether it's giving God glory for successes or learning how to honor him through frustration and failure, our coaches and volunteers help students put their faith in action.
Emmanuel Lutheran School is a Christian private school located in the West Asheville area of Buncombe County. We are committed to providing an outstanding education balanced by a robust STEAM-based curriculum and emphasis on Biblical worldview. We provide quality extracurricular activities to help ensure students have as well-rounded an education as possible. If you would like more information about our school or to schedule a tour, contact the team at Emmanuel Lutheran today.