fbpx-noscript

Blog

21 Aug
0

Discover Metro St. Louis Lutheran Schools: Blending Faith, Tradition, and Innovative Curriculum

Each of our Lutheran schools offer unique academic curricula tailored to their educational philosophy. All integrate our Lutheran faith and include the foundations of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, music, art, and religion.

Traditions, like handwriting and cursive are embraced in our schools, while you will also find innovation through technology and STEM/STEAM learning. Each Lutheran School may focus on specialized subjects, offer advanced or accelerated courses, or incorporate alternative teaching methods.

Lutheran schools have the flexibility to adapt their curriculum depending on student needs and interests, allowing for tailored educational experiences.

Read More
19 Aug
0

How do I apply for private school tuition assistance?


DOWNLOAD & SAVE

Read More
14 Aug
0

Can I get financial aid for my child/children to attend private school?

Yes!

Families qualify for tuition assistance when the ratio of tuition cost to income in the previous tax year is 10% or greater. This qualifies for all children in kindergarten through 8th grade.

High school students are ineligible to receive tuition assistance from LESA, and are not factored into the combined tuition cost for the elementary school.

The MO scholars’ program and tuition assistance from LESA are not one in the same. Some families can qualify for both types of assistance. After receiving the MO Scholars tuition assistance, if your family’s combined tuition is still 10% of your income from the previous tax year, your family can still qualify for LESA tuition assistance.

Read More
12 Jun
0

Lutheran Schools Enrich Art Curriculum to Inspire Spiritual Growth

One of the many blessings of a Lutheran education is the strong emphasis on art and its connection to our faith.

In Lutheran schools, visual arts are not only integrated into daily classroom activities but are also offered as a dedicated part of the curriculum.

This week, LESA’s Curriculum Writing Program focused on the Art Curriculum, exploring how it can be fully integrated with elements of faith while also aligning with Missouri and Illinois state standards. A Lutheran education is truly well-rounded—providing students with academic excellence and spiritual growth. Through art, music, and other creative expressions, students are given meaningful pathways to explore and deepen their faith.

Thanks to this wonderful team of educators for bringing this curriculum forward!

Captained by LESA Director of Educational Resources, Laura Montgomery

Claire Weigand (Coordinator), Casey Schmitt,  and Nikki Akridge Word of Life Lutheran School

Erica Gillespie, Christ Community Lutheran School- St. Louis

Julia Gray and Elizabeth Varner, Immanuel Wentzville

Mindy Hanke, St. Paul’s Lutheran School

Katy Outlaw, Trinity Lutheran Church – Orchard Farm MO

Katrina Wallace, Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Elizabeth Warren, St. John’s Lutheran School Arnold, MO

Read More
05 Jun
0

Who is LESA?

She’s not a person. LESA is an organization with the mission to equip families, Lutheran Schools and faith communities for dynamic, Christ-centered education.

LESA lives into that mission by creating faith-based curriculum for all subject areas. Each summer curriculum is updated on a rotational basis. Up first in summer 2025: music curriculum.

Lutheran Schools provide a light up by providing music education in each of our schools and LESA equips the schools with faith-based curriculum to support the light of Christ through music!

LESA’s Educational Resources Director, Laura Montgomery, was joined in the LESA office this week by Lindsey Weidner, Child of God Lutheran;  Lois Eatherton, St. Paul’s Lutheran School; and Anthea Ybarra, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, to begin the creation process.

Founded in 2004, the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is a consortium of Lutheran schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area that collaborates to support and enhance Lutheran education by providing financial assistance, educational resources, and advocacy for students and families.

History of LESA

20 Year Anniversary Video Celebration

Read More
27 May
0

Danielle Madsen, Third Grade teacher at Green Park, honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program

L to R: 1. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations; 2. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 3. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 4. Lisa Waltenberger—Principal, Green Park Lutheran School; 5. Danielle Madsen— 3rd Grade Teacher, Green Park Lutheran School, pictured with her class.

We are pleased to announce that Danielle Madsen, 3rd Grade Teacher at Green Park Lutheran School, has been selected as one of our May honorees of the Adopt-A-Teacher program—a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was created to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools nominate teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to student learning and embody the mission and vision of their school. This year, Danielle Madsen is recognized for her outstanding dedication and service to Lutheran education.

As one of 31 exceptional Lutheran educators honored this year, Danielle will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in her classroom

  • A T-shirt and other fun surprises!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers like Danielle, who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA aim to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Congratulations to Danielle and all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your dedication is deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions will be announced in June!

HONOREE

Danielle Madsen

Danielle Madsen is a 3rd Grade teacher at Green Park Lutheran School. 

Principal Lisa Waltenberger shared that Ms. Madsen actively pursues professional development to enrich her classroom and generously shares her insights with colleagues. “Danielle is a shining star on our staff and works closely with parents to ensure every student’s success.”

Read More
15 May
0

Abiding Savior Lutheran School educator honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program, Sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union

L to R: 1. Brian Ryherd—Principal, Abiding Savior Lutheran School; 2. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 3. Linda Trower— Middle School Science Teacher and Athletic Director, Abiding Savior Lutheran School; 4. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 5. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations.

As part of the LESA celebration of Teacher Appreciation week, we had another day of surprise and delight for the LESA/ Lutheran Federal Credit Union Adopt A Teacher Program!

We are thrilled to announce that Linda Trower from Abiding Savior Lutheran School has been selected in May as an honoree of the Adopt-A-Teacher program-a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was established to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools were invited to nominate teachers who exemplify a deep commitment to student learning and embody the school’s mission and vision. This year, Linda Trower stands out for her exceptional dedication and service to Lutheran education.

As one of 31 outstanding Lutheran educators recognized this year, Linda will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in her classroom
  • A T-shirt and other goodies!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers like Linda, who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA hope to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Thanks to all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your efforts are deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions coming in May!

HONOREE

Linda Trower

Linda Trower is a Middle School Science teacher and Athletic Director at Abiding Savior Lutheran School. 

“Mrs Trower has been a model of diligence, consistency and creativity in her science instruction.  She is utterly trustworthy.  Faithfulness is a rare quality, and Mrs Trower exemplifies it!” says Abiding Savior Lutheran School Principal, Brian Ryherd.

Read More
25 Apr
0

Two Local Educators Honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program Sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union

L to R: 1. Eric Brofford—Principal, Holy Cross; 2. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 3. Stephanie Faulders—2nd Grade, Holy Cross; 4. Sarah Sidwell—6-8 Grades, Holy Cross; 5. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 6. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations.

Two outstanding teachers from Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville have been recognized for their exceptional dedication to Lutheran education through the Adopt-A-Teacher program, a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was created to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing them with financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools were invited to nominate teachers who demonstrate a deep commitment to student learning and embody the school’s mission and vision. We are excited to announce TWO Honorees from Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville!

This year, the Adopt-A-Teacher program is making a meaningful impact by supporting 31 exceptional Lutheran educators. Each selected teacher will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in classroom.
  • A T-shirt and other goodies!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA hope to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Thanks to all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your efforts are deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions coming in May!

HONOREES

Stephanie Faulders

Stephanie Faulders has done an outstanding job teaching her second graders this year. In addition, she has taken on the challenging task of directing Holy Cross’s school musical—the first play in several years.

Reviving the musical involves a tremendous amount of work, and Stephanie’s dedication is inspiring both students and staff. The school community is grateful for her hard work and looks forward to a fantastic performance this spring.

Sarah Sidwell

Sarah Sidwell, who teaches 6th-8th grade science, has done an excellent job introducing a new science curriculum and providing challenging activities that engage our students. Beyond her classroom achievements, Mrs. Sidwell and her husband, Andy, took the lead in renovating the school’s Science Room, transforming it into a functional and inviting space for all classes to enjoy.

Their efforts have created a modernized environment that supports hands-on learning and fosters student curiosity in science. The school community appreciates their dedication to improving both the educational program and the learning facilities.

Read More
19 Feb
0

Lutheran educators honored during our 2025 Day of Giving.

We’d like to congratulate the educators honored during our 2025 Day of Giving with all gifts benefitting the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). The gifts provided on our Day of Giving serve as a heartfelt tribute to educators, allowing our Lutheran community to honor their favorite teachers through donations.

To amplify the impact of donations, Thrivent Financial pledged to match every $2 contributed with an additional $1. This initiative helps provide resources and scholarships for over 8,400 Lutheran students.

We celebrate the transformative role our teachers play in shaping young minds at area Lutheran schools. Join us in honoring these educators.

HONOREES

  • Carolyn Bergt, retired, Salem Lutheran-Affton
  • Child of God Lutheran School faculty
  • Chuck Conover, retired, Word of Life
  • Debbie Davis, retired, Lutheran South
  • Ken Eckert, retired, Immanuel-Olivette
  • Arthur Hemler, retired, Word of Life
  • Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville faculty
  • Lee Jansen, retired, Immanuel-Olivette
  • Chuck Lindt, retired, Green Park
  • Beth Meyer, Green Park
  • Marilyn Nitsch, retired, Atonement Lutheran
  • Ted Palisch, retired, Green Park
  • Wesly Pinkston, St. John School-Ellisville
  • Roxanne Rolfing, retired, Immanual Lutheran-St. Charles
  • Carol Rudsinski, retired, Salem Lutheran-Affton
  • Coach Mike Russell, retired, Lutheran North
  • Larry Tiemann, retired, Word of Life

Read More
03 Feb
0

The Annie Frey Show raises $16,662 in Scholarship Drive

Thank you to everyone who participated in The Annie Frey Scholarship Drive to celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week.

With your help, the Annie Frey Show successfully exceeded the $15,000 goal, raising $16,662 to establish an endowment scholarship through the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). This scholarship will provide ongoing support for Lutheran students, families, and schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

LESA has a strong track record of supporting Lutheran education, having awarded over $8.2 million in tuition assistance to more than 4,600 students since 2004. The organization serves 8,400 students across 35 Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area, with a mission to provide quality Christian education.

We are so blessed by our partnership with The Annie Frey Show and 97.1 FM and we appreciate the support of our Lutheran community. The Scholarship Drive has ended, but you can still contribute your gift here.

You can also browse our Lutheran Schools here.

You can still donate by clicking the button below.

Read More
1236