Immanuel Lutheran School

Immanuel Lutheran School is the best little school in Alexandria. It has a classical curriculum that is taught well, and the students respond to it enthusiastically.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Immanuel! Our children have thrived there. They are challenged by the curriculum, but in a very positive way. They are learning so much, but really enjoying what they learn. What a huge difference from their previous school.
--Submitted by a parent

Responding to the May 20, 2010 Review: A number of years ago, the school experienced difficulties in enrollment after losing a principal and transitioning to the classical curriculum. This is reflected in higher enrollment in the lower grades. In the 2010-2011 year, we experienced a very high retention rate, and added three new staff members. It would appear the reviewer was not a parent last year, as the PTL and leadership of the school are very active. We are in the process of accreditation with ACCS, which we hope to complete soon. Nevertheless, we have never claimed accreditation with them, only membership in good standing. The majority of our students are not members of Immanuel congregation, although parents satisfaction surveys are very high among non-members. Please come and see for yourself!
--Submitted by a teacher

NOTHING SPECTACULAR, but the Immanuel Lutheran School (ILS), a classical Christian academy, would initially impress any parent. This impression is not a lasting one. Notice that the number of students in class remains in direct proportion to the grade they attend: the lower the grade, the more students it has, the higher the grade, the less. In 2009 three (3) students graduated from ILS! The leadership is nonexistent, the Parent Teacher League does not offer the necessary balance between the school and parents, and no extracurricular activities are made available. Formation-wise, the school adapts the negative philosophy of punishment rather than that of positive reinforcement. This school claims a membership with Association of Classical & Christian Schools, but fails to mention that it is not the ACCS accredited membership (http://www.accsedu.org for details). Overall, this parochial school may be of value to the members of its own congregation at best.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school!! It is such a blessing to have a school that supports and reinforces our christian faith. We searched long and hard to find the classical educational environment provided by this school. Superb staff and leadership make this school a gem!
--Submitted by a parent

ILS is a wonderful school - truly a little known 'gem' in Alexandria. My child has been at ILS for 3 years and we have had a terrific experience with the school. It is both a challenging environment academically as well as a caring, Christian environment. Class sizes are small and the classical curriculum is very impressive. Latin begins in 3rd grade and the teaching of classical literature and composers, and the history of western civilization begins in Kindergarten! The material is presented in such a way that children have a terrific time learning this rich body of knowledge.
--Submitted by a parent

Immanuel Lutheran School is an excellent school, and our family has been very pleased with every aspect of their classical curriculum! The teachers and faculty are exceptional. Expectations are high, and while the accelerated curriculum and expectations may not be for everyone, if you believe in traditional values and have your sights set on raising respectful, responsible, well-mannered and intelligent children, you will find Immanuel to be a wonderful fit.
--Submitted by a parent

We have three children in ILS and have been thrilled with the 'Classical' education they're receiving. Classical Education is the only way to go.
--Submitted by a parent

My twins have really enjoyed this school and have had the joy of sharing a classroom for their 4th year. My son and daughter have made such great progress over their years with Immanuel. I was told that in public school they would have to be separated at kindergarten. I couldn't bring myself to separate them and then put them into a new environment. They have had all the individual attention necessary. They have continued their close friendship while making new friends in school. They have excelled at learning and have have acquired skills that have taught them to work in a challenging program with confidence and poise. They have done a lot of improvement in the school library this year and it is beautiful. The students participated in reading incentive programs and it was so hard to get my kids to put down their books. They read non-stop.
--Submitted by a parent

Being a military family stationed in the DC/VA/MD metro area can be very overwhelming- Housing - commuting - and schools just to list a few. Now in our 4th year we can't imagine what our lives would be like without this school. Our son has flourished beyond our expectations-- No one cares more about the education of these students than Immanuel's teachers. They go above and beyond the call of duty. More importantly to us is the spirutual instruction and guidance -- to us this is priceless~ We are truly blessed to be a part of this school and would highly recommend it to any parent looking for the best in classical education!
--Submitted by a parent