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Private Christian School in Asheville

Emmanuel Lutheran School provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in a caring environment. Since 1958, we've been preparing students in Western North Carolina for success today, tomorrow, and forever. Our mission statement reflects our commitment: to prepare children "For Today, For Tomorrow, Forever."

Christ-Centered Education for Growing Minds

Located in west Asheville, our accredited private Christian school offers a nurturing educational journey from preschool through 8th grade. We combine academic excellence with strong Christian values, creating an environment where students grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. As one of Asheville's longest-established Christian schools, we've built a reputation for educational excellence grounded in faith.

Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment

At Emmanuel Lutheran School, we believe in developing the whole child. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while nurturing their spiritual growth. We follow NC State standards while integrating Christian principles throughout all subject areas.

Our dedicated teachers hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and are committed to providing personalized attention in our small class environment. With class sizes ranging from 10-20 students, we ensure each child receives the individualized support they need to thrive. This smaller learning environment allows teachers to truly know each student's strengths, challenges, and learning style.

What sets us apart:

  • Christ-centered curriculum that integrates faith into all subject areas, from mathematics to literature
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention and optimal learning, creating strong teacher-student relationships
  • Experienced, qualified faculty dedicated to academic and spiritual growth, serving as both educators and mentors
  • Dual accreditation through National Lutheran Schools Accreditation and Cognia, ensuring educational excellence
  • Comprehensive curriculum following NC State standards while maintaining our Christian foundation
  • Character development that emphasizes Christian values such as kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity

Innovative STEAM Education with a Christian Perspective

Emmanuel Lutheran School is Western North Carolina's first Christian parochial STEAM school. Our innovative STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) begins in kindergarten and builds progressively each year.

Through our STEAM curriculum, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while applying their knowledge across different disciplines. We integrate technology with the arts to build confidence and inspire students to achieve their full potential.

Our STEAM approach acknowledges God as the ultimate creator while exploring His creation through scientific inquiry and creative expression. Students learn that faith and science complement rather than contradict each other, providing a holistic understanding of the world.

Our STEAM program features:

  • Hands-on, project-based learning experiences that make abstract concepts concrete and engaging
  • Robotics, drones, and 3D imaging technology that prepare students for an increasingly technological world
  • Integration of Christian values into scientific exploration, recognizing God's design in creation
  • Progressive skill-building from kindergarten through 8th grade, with age-appropriate challenges
  • Cross-curricular applications that make learning engaging and relevant to real-world situations
  • Emphasis on collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving
  • Development of critical thinking skills that serve students throughout their academic journey and beyond

Programs Offered

Emmanuel Lutheran School provides a comprehensive educational journey for children at all stages of development:

Early Childhood Education

  • Infant care through Pre-K in a loving, nurturing environment
  • Play-based curriculum through The Creative Curriculum that fosters spiritual, emotional, and academic growth
  • Christian values integrated throughout the day through Bible stories, songs, and activities
  • Focus on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness
  • Safe, secure facilities designed specifically for our youngest learners

Elementary School (K-5)

  • Strong foundation in core academic subjects including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies
  • Bible-based teaching and daily devotions that reinforce Christian values
  • Specials including Music, Art, Physical Education, and STEAM
  • Growing independence and responsibility appropriate to developmental stages
  • Field trips and hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom

Middle School (6-8)

  • Rigorous academic preparation for high school success
  • Character development and leadership opportunities that prepare students for future challenges
  • Specialized classes including Spanish, Music, Art, and STEAM
  • Electives on Fridays that allow students to explore interests and develop new skills
  • Focus on organizational skills and study habits essential for high school and beyond

Student Life at Emmanuel

We believe in developing well-rounded students through various extracurricular activities and opportunities. Our approach encourages students to discover and develop their God-given talents while building strong relationships with peers and teachers.

Athletics

Our athletics program includes volleyball, basketball, cross country, cheerleading, pickleball, and disc golf. Students learn teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship within a Christian framework. Our coaches focus not just on skill development but on character formation through sports.

Enrichment

Students participate in academic fairs, competitions, and special programs throughout the year, including Science Fair, History Fair, Art Fair, International Night, Spelling Bee, and Geography Bee. These events showcase student learning while encouraging scholarly excellence.

Special Events and Traditions

Our school community comes together for events like Grandparents' Day, Family Dance, and our annual Color Run/Obstacle Course. These traditions build community spirit and create lasting memories for our students and families.

Field Trips and Travel Opportunities

Educational experiences extend beyond our campus with field trips for all grades. Our 4th graders participate in an Outer Banks trip, while 8th graders travel to Washington, D.C. – both valuable cultural and educational experiences.

Our Christian Foundation

As a Lutheran school, Emmanuel is grounded in the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and absolute truth. Our educational approach emphasizes:

  • Integration of faith in all subject areas, showing how God's truth applies to every area of life
  • Weekly chapel services that bring our school community together in worship
  • Service opportunities that put faith into action
  • Character development based on biblical principles
  • A supportive Christian community that reinforces values taught at home

While we are affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, we welcome families from all Christian denominations and those seeking a faith-based education. Approximately one-third of our students are members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, while two-thirds come from diverse Christian backgrounds or families exploring their faith journey.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

We understand that investing in your child's education requires careful financial planning. Emmanuel Lutheran School offers various financial aid options to help make Christian education accessible to more families.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • NC Opportunity Scholarship for eligible families
  • NC ESA+ Program for students with disabilities
  • Emmanuel Lutheran School financial aid for demonstrated need
  • Multiple child discounts for families with more than one student enrolled
  • Emmanuel Lutheran Church member discounts

We're committed to working with families to make quality Christian education accessible. Contact our office for more information about tuition rates and financial assistance options.

Admissions Process

Joining the Emmanuel Lutheran family is a straightforward process:

  1. Schedule a tour of our campus to experience our community firsthand
  2. Complete an application and submit required documents, including academic records and recommendations
  3. Student assessment for appropriate grade placement
  4. Enrollment after acceptance to secure your child's place in our school

Our admissions team is ready to guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have about our school community. We welcome applications throughout the year, though some grade levels may have limited availability.

Visit Emmanuel Lutheran School

Experience firsthand what makes Emmanuel Lutheran School special. Schedule a tour to see our dedicated teachers and students in action, explore our facilities, and learn more about our Christ-centered approach to education.

Schedule a Tour

Contact us to arrange your visit online or at (828) 281-8182

Location: 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806

Emmanuel Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs.