Frequently Asked Questions


What’s the difference between Christian and Public Education?>TOP

There are many wonderful teachers and students in public schools. We do not operate a Christian school at Shepherd of the Lakes because public schools are “bad.” However, there are some distinct reasons why we believe that Christian education is a blessing. It is our desire to teach children there is a God who loves them and longs for them to love Him too. Here are some more reasons:

  • We get to help children see that no matter what they’re good at or what they’ll be when they grow up, there is great joy in serving God. Every life has purpose and value!
  • Children learn God’s good design for how He created the world to work. Our students learn to discern right from wrong.
  • At a Christian school, teachers and administrators are partners with parents to instill enduring values in the hearts and minds of our students.
  • Our teachers model Christian service and love.
  • History is understood as His Story. Math is a reflection of an orderly God. Science involves knowing God through creation.
  • The highest standards for learning and behavior exist alongside a culture of forgiveness. We meet students where they’re at and help them become better!

What a blessing! What an opportunity! Have your children join us at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School and experience the difference!

Do you offer any financial aid? TOP

Yes, we do. Need-based assistance is available for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. We also have discounts for new elementary families, for members of Shepherd of the Lakes, for members of other LCMS Lutheran churches, for paying in full by August 15, and for families with more than one child in the elementary school. For more details visit the tuition page.

 

Do I have to be Lutheran to attend? TOP

No. All are welcome.

 

Is hot lunch served at your school? TOP

We offer hot lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays we have tacos, nachos, burritos, or quesadillas provided by Salsaritas. On Fridays we have pizza. We have microwaves available to heat up food brought from home. Milk is available every day. Hot lunch and milk are ordered by filling out a monthly menu and pre-paying.

 

Will you offer upper grades in the near future? TOP

We currently offer three and four-year-old preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten through sixth grade. We will have seventh grade in the 2013-2014 school year. It is our intent to have an eighth grade in the 2014-2015 school year. Read more about our plans for expansion.

 

Does the curriculum include foreign languages?TOP

Yes. Students in grades one through seven attend Spanish class twice a week. Students in kindergarten attend Spanish once a week.

 

Is SOTL School accredited?TOP

SOTL school has achieved accreditation through National Lutheran School Accreditation.

 

Is there a public transportation system available? TOP

Busing is not available at this time, but we have a great carpooling network.

 

Do you offer latch key? TOP

Yes, we offer an extended care program for all students (preschool through seventh grade) five days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and then again from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

 

Does SOTL have a dress code? TOP

There is not a dress code for preschoolers. Students in prekindergarten through seventh grade are expected to follow the dress code. Read the details here.

 

Does SOTL offer special education services? TOP

Some special education services are available such as speech services and occupational therapy. If you have a child with special needs, speak with the principal to be sure that SOTL can serve your child.

 

How do SOTL students do on standardized tests? TOP

Our students do very well. Read the details here.

Will I be obligated to do fundraisers for my child? TOP

Participation in fundraisers is not mandatory. We do welcome your efforts in support of the school.

 

Are there opportunities to volunteer during school hours? TOP

There are many different ways to serve at SOTL. Parents and grandparents volunteer as classroom helpers, library aids, PTO members, fundraisers, office support, and more. SOTL seeks to partner with all families.

 

What kind of enrichment programs do you offer? TOP

We offer a variety of extra programs to enhance the students’ learning experience and daily schedules. Examples include storytellers, community workers, Science Alive, Wild Swan Theater, puppeteers, and other programs and assemblies. Students saw a birds of prey presentation thanks to a grant from the Spirit of Alexandria.

 

Are there extracurricular programs or after school clubs? TOP

This year the school offers math club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girls on the Run, a running club for boys, and soccer club. Many of our students played basketball at neighboring CBC where they played on teams with other Shepherd of the Lakes students. You can read more here.

 

Can I arrange a tour of the school? TOP

We would love to have you visit. Please call the office at 810-227-6473 to schedule a tour or contact Christi Gaertner our recruitment coordinator at gaertner@shepherdsvoice.org.