Lutheran schools most often reflect the culture and ethnicity of their surrounding communities. One third of the students and one quarter of the staff persons in Lutheran elementary and secondary schools are persons of color. Many children in Lutheran schools are not Lutheran. They are enrolled because parents seek quality education in a Christian environment. Lutheran elementary schools average enrollments of 250 students and secondary schools average 400 students.
Lutheran schools work hard in making tuition affordable for the greatest number of families.
Many schools also have tuition assistance and scholarship programs. In the past year more than 300 ELCA congregations have expressed an interest in opening a school or center.