Families seeking Christian schools Mills River, NC have a valuable option just minutes away in nearby Asheville. Emmanuel Lutheran School has served the greater Henderson County and Buncombe County communities since 1958, providing students from throughout the region with an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in a caring environment.
Comprehensive Academic Programs
Emmanuel Lutheran School offers exceptional educational opportunities for students from infancy through eighth grade, with programs designed to meet each developmental stage.
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education center operates year-round, providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for infants through Pre-K. Children experience developmentally appropriate activities that promote growth in all areas: spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
Young learners benefit from experienced teachers who understand early childhood development and create engaging, faith-filled learning environments. Parents appreciate the flexibility of our year-round schedule and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are cared for in a Christian setting.
Elementary School (K-5)
Our elementary program provides a strong academic foundation while integrating Christian values across all subject areas. Students receive instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Religion, with curriculum that follows North Carolina State Standards enhanced by biblical perspectives.
Elementary highlights include:
- Small class sizes averaging 10-20 students for personalized attention
- Daily outdoor time totaling 40 minutes for healthy physical development
- Weekly chapel services and daily devotions
- Technology integration with computers or tablets for each student
- Special events including History Fair, Science Fair, Art Fair, and International Fair
- Field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom
- Fourth grade special trip to the Outer Banks
Students use proven curriculum materials including Go Math for mathematics, Rooted in Reading for early literacy, and Next Generation Science, all taught through a Christian worldview. Teachers are trained to differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and beginning in the 2025-26 school year, a dedicated teacher provides additional support during the school day at no charge to parents.
Middle School (6-8)
The middle school years are critical for development, and Emmanuel Lutheran School provides the academic rigor and supportive community students need during this transition. Our program challenges students intellectually while providing guidance through these formative years.
Middle school students receive instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics (including Pre-algebra and Algebra), Science, Social Studies, and Religion with emphasis on apologetics and ethical decision-making. They benefit from curriculum designed to prepare them for high school success, and many Emmanuel graduates excel in honors and AP classes at their chosen high schools.
Middle school offerings include:
- Electives such as Ram News, Archery, Cooking, and Study Hall
- Leadership development through Student Council and chapel leadership
- Eighth grade class trip to Washington, D.C.
- Technology integration supporting 21st-century learning
- Dedicated teachers who guide students through academic and social transitions
Enrichment Classes
Beyond core academics, all students participate in enrichment classes that develop talents and interests in various areas:
- Art with Mrs. Tammy Reilly, nurturing creativity through various media
- Music with Ms. A. Brown, introducing music appreciation, theory, and performance
- Physical Education with Coach Jen Jenkins, promoting fitness and sportsmanship
- STEAM with Mr. Mark Edmiston, fostering critical thinking through hands-on projects
- Spanish with Ms. A. Brown, providing language and cultural foundation
These specialized classes complement core curriculum and culminate in special events throughout the year, including the Art Fair, music performances, STEAM showcases, International Night, and Field Day.
Small Classes, Individual Attention
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Emmanuel Lutheran School is our commitment to small class sizes. With an average of 10-20 students per class, teachers provide the individualized attention that helps each child reach their full potential.
Small classes mean teachers know each student personally—their strengths, challenges, learning styles, and interests. This personal connection allows for differentiated instruction that meets students where they are and helps them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Parents consistently report that the personalized attention their children receive makes a meaningful difference in their educational experience.
A Welcoming Community
Emmanuel Lutheran School welcomes families from throughout the region. While one-third of our students are members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, the remaining two-thirds come from other area churches or families seeking a spiritual home for their children's education.
Our diverse community shares common values: a commitment to academic excellence, a desire for Christian character development, and appreciation for a caring school environment where each child is known and valued. Families quickly discover that Emmanuel is more than just a school—it's a community where lasting friendships form and faith grows.
Experienced, Dedicated Faculty
Every K-8 teacher at Emmanuel Lutheran School holds a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, and many have advanced training in their subject areas. Our faculty members are not only qualified educators but also committed Christians who view teaching as a ministry.
Teachers follow professional development plans focused on individual skill growth and strengthening our overall academic program. They stay current with educational best practices while maintaining the timeless Christian principles that form our foundation. This combination of expertise and dedication creates a learning environment where students thrive.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Options
Emmanuel Lutheran School is committed to making Christian education accessible to families throughout the region. We offer several financial assistance options to help make enrollment possible.
NC Opportunity Scholarship
The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to eligible K-12 students from lower-income families to attend private school. The priority application period runs from February 1 through March 1 each year. This state program has helped many families afford quality Christian education.
NC ESA+ Program
North Carolina's Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program meets the needs of students with disabilities. Funds may be used to pay tuition and fees for eligible private schools, and for expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring services, and educational technology. Eligibility is based on documentation of a disability and other program requirements.
ELS Financial Aid
Emmanuel Lutheran School offers financial aid in addition to what families may receive from the NC Opportunity Scholarship, and also for those families who do not qualify for state programs. Financial aid applications are processed through a separate system and require financial documentation. Aid must be reapplied for annually but provides consistent support for eligible families.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Member Discount
Members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church are eligible for a tuition discount of 25%. This benefit recognizes the partnership between church and school families who are actively involved in both communities.
For current tuition rates and to discuss financial aid options, please visit our tuition and financial aid page, contact our admissions team or schedule a tour.
Preparing Students for Future Success
Emmanuel Lutheran School graduates are well-prepared for the academic and social challenges that lie ahead. Our comprehensive curriculum, combined with Christian character development, creates students who excel not just in high school but throughout life.
Many Emmanuel graduates go on to excel in honors and AP classes at competitive high schools. Teachers and staff guide students through educational transitions, helping them develop study skills, time management, and self-advocacy they'll need to succeed. More importantly, students graduate with a strong faith foundation and Christian worldview that guides their decisions and relationships.
Convenient Location for Regional Families
While located in Asheville, Emmanuel Lutheran School serves families throughout Henderson County and the surrounding region. Our location at 51 Wilburn Place is easily accessible from major routes, making the daily commute manageable for families throughout the area.
The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, with doors opening at 7:30 AM. Aftercare is available until 5:30 PM each day for an additional fee, providing flexibility for working parents. While we do not provide bus transportation, many families find the drive worthwhile for the quality education and Christian community their children receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the school hours?
The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Doors open at 7:30 AM, and aftercare is available until 5:30 PM for an additional fee.
Do students wear uniforms?
Yes, students follow our school dress code policy. Information about uniform requirements and approved vendors is provided to families upon enrollment and is available in our school handbook.
How is faith integrated into the curriculum?
Faith is woven throughout our entire curriculum. Students attend weekly chapel services, engage in daily devotions and prayer, and learn Bible stories and memory verses. Christian values are integrated into all subject areas and classroom management, helping students develop a biblical worldview.
What is the average class size?
Our classrooms typically have 10-20 students per class. This allows our teachers to provide personalized attention and instruction to each child, ensuring that individual learning needs are met.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is provided by parents. There is no bus service to Emmanuel Lutheran School. However, many families from throughout the region find the commute manageable given the quality of education and Christian community their children receive.
How do you assess student progress?
We use a combination of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress. Report cards are issued quarterly, and parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice per year. Standardized testing is administered annually beginning in 3rd grade.
What lunch options are available?
Students may bring lunch from home or purchase hot lunch at school. We also offer special lunch options from local restaurants on Wednesdays and Fridays. All lunch purchases are charged to your FACTS incidental account.
Do you accommodate different learning styles and abilities?
Our teachers are trained to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, we have a dedicated teacher who works with students needing additional support during the school day at no charge to parents. We also offer Orton-Gillingham tutoring for students with reading difficulties.
Start Your Journey Today
Choosing the right educational environment for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. If you're seeking Christian schools that combine academic excellence with faith-based values, Emmanuel Lutheran School welcomes you to explore what makes our community special.
We invite you to schedule a tour and experience Emmanuel Lutheran School firsthand. Walk our hallways, meet our dedicated faculty, observe our classrooms in action, and discover the difference a Christ-centered education can make in your child's life. Contact us for more information to learn how our programs help students develop physically, socially, academically, and spiritually during these crucial years.