Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the credentials of Advent Lutheran Elementary School?
A: Our school is fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The teachers are experienced professionals and the school meets all state requirements. We have a rigorous curriculum and high standards. We do not, however, limit entrance to advanced students; we work with all students within our capabilities. We are not equipped to deal with special needs students.
Q: When does the school day begin and end?
A: The doors open at 8:00 A.M. and are closed and locked at 8:15 A.M. Late arrivals ring the doorbell to gain access. The doors are open again at 3:15 P.M. and students are dismissed from their classrooms. Students are to be picked up by 3:30 P.M. If a child is not picked up by this time, he is walked to “After School Care” in the Child Development Center and the parents are charged accordingly.
Q: Does Advent Lutheran Elementary School have a dress code?
A: Yes. The students wear school uniforms on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and physical education uniforms on Monday and Thursday. Uniforms may be purchased from Flynn and O’Hara and Land’s End. See the handbook for details. We do have an inventory of previously worn uniforms.
Q: What is the maximum class size?
A: The student-teacher ratio will not exceed 20 to 1.
Q: What is the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod?
A: This is the denomination of Advent Church. We believe the Bible to be holy and perfect and the only rule and norm for our ministry and life. God is triune and created all things; Jesus is God and died for our sins; the Holy Spirit is God and works faith in people’s hearts. Considering all Christian denominations in America, we are an eight on the scale measuring conservative belief with ten being the most conservative.
Q: What relationship does the Advent Lutheran Church have with the school?
A: Spiritual and financial. The church considers the school a significant part of its community ministry. The church built the school and contributes, on average, more than $50,000 per year to sustain the ministry. With less than 100 giving units, the church’s commitment to the children’s Christian education is substantial.
Q: Is there any financial aid available?
A: Yes. Individual church members have given scholarships to students who could not afford the tuition. This has been on a need basis only; it is not an organized process. We are working on a tuition trust fund that will use only the account interest to help with tuition. Ultimately it will secure the future for students and the school itself. When the fund has grown to the point that significant monies are available, certain criteria and prerequisites will have to be met in order to receive a portion of those funds.
Q: Does my family have to become Lutheran or join Advent Lutheran Church to attend the school?
A. No, all children are welcome. However, Advent Lutheran Church members receive first consideration for open seats at the school and children of church members in good standing, as determined by the school board and pastor, receive a tuition discount.