Teaching Styles Matter

Think back to your favorite teacher. Got it? Ok, what made him or her awesome? Keeping the whole class engaged was probably a large part of why they were a favorite.

At LuHi, one of our core values is to surround students with highly talented teachers - teachers who are experts in their field, know how to teach to all different learning styles, and pass along their passion for their subjects.

Lutheran has been a life changing, reliable, and wonderful home to me these last four years. Everyone was so devoted to help me find my passion by nurturing my education and grow into who God made me to be. I feel so prepared for college and what my future holds because I know that first, I have such a strong support network here at Lutheran, but also because I understand that the truest thing about me and about life is what God says. – Abby Akers, Class of 2019

Christian Ed

College Prep

Curriculum

Dual Credit Classes

Students have the opportunity to take dual-credit online classes. We partner with Grand Canyon University and Concordia University - Wisconsin. These classes count for high school credit as well as earning college credit. The college credit is transferable to most all colleges and universities. Students may choose part of their school day to work on these classes. Taking college classes in high school instills a college-like responsibility with their coursework.

Through GCU, students may take a variety of classes and earn 4 college credits per class. Classes include many basic General Ed classes like Accounting, Psychology, College Algebra, Economics, Criminal Justice, and more. Courses usually last 7-9 weeks, allowing students to take multiple classes per semester.

Our partnership with Concordia-Wisconsin, students may take advantage of a similar dual-credit program. CUW online classes include Sociology, Psychology, Accounting, Marketing, Computer Science, and more. Classes are 15 weeks long and follow the semester schedule of Concordia University.

A third option is to take classes through Colorado Christian University. Courses offered through CCU include AP Literature, AP Language, and US History - all taught in the classroom! Registration is open until October 15th for fall semester classes and February 28th for spring semester classes.

Many students choose college courses over AP classes because

getting credit doesn't depend on passing a test
all colleges accept credits from other accredited universities which is not the case with AP classes
more and more colleges only allow a "5" on an AP class as a substitute for a college class
students are not guaranteed college credit

For more information about LuHi's dual-credit program, please contact Denise Noffze, the College Guidance Counselor.

AP Classes

Lutheran High School offers a handful of AP classes in math, English, and history. Some colleges still recognize AP classes for credit if students receive a high enough score on the AP subject test.

AP classes intend to mirror entry-level college courses. The goal is to give students an idea of pace and expectations of a college level class. LuHi's AP course list includes:

AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Literature
AP Language
AP US History
AP US Government

Research has shown both pros and cons of the AP curriculum. Many high schools use the number of AP classes in their catalog to demonstrate academic rigor. Lutheran High chooses to challenge students in the classroom in different ways academically. To read more about our stance on AP classes, please read this blog post.

We have decided to remove AP classes from our science curriculum altogether. Science is an ever-changing field, so a quickly updated curriculum is essential. Course differentiation is more important to colleges than the number of AP classes on transcripts. LuHi offers 18 science courses - 8 of which are honors classes.

Only 6.9% of colleges listed Subject Test Scores (AP, IB) as considerable importance in their decision for a student for admission, according to the 2017 State of College Admissions report.

The Academies

One of the core reasons for creating The Academies is to offer a better option for students than AP Classes. An Academy provides a unique way for students show they went above and beyond the work of an average high school student.

The Academies is a unique curricular concept designed for students looking for academic rigor and an avenue to pursue their passions. Students personalize their Academy projects to fit their passions. They choose an area of focus attractive to them so they can dive in, learn, and get a head start on their future career. Upon completion of requirements, students earn an “endorsement” on their high school transcript.

Currently, we have 6 Academies students can choose from:

STEM
Music
Art
Business
Mission and Ministries
Lights

Creating Future Leaders

The idea of readying students of today into leaders of tomorrow may seem abstract. In this ebook, we offer 4 methods to develop students into future leaders. Whether students will be leaders in a family, a workplace, or a community, it is essential we arm them with the skills and knowledge to serve.

Honors Classes

Honors classes are an excellent option for students looking for an academic challenge without the expectation of college-level work. Honors classes at LuHi include:

Honors World History
Honors Macrobiology
Honors Microbiology
Honors General Chemistry
Honors Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Astrophysics
Mechanics
Electricity and Waves
Honors Algebra II/Trig
Honors Geometry
Honors Pre-Calculus
Honors Intro to Lit
Honors American Lit
Spanish IV
Spanish V

We grade Honors, Grad Plus, and AP classes on a 5.0 GPA scale. Weighted classes can help a student stand out on college applications

Access (504s, IEPs)

LuHi's Access Program is as a time to reinforce concepts taught in the classroom. The Program is open to students: - with a current IEP or 504 plan - who have participated in special programs (academic or emotional) at previous schools - or who have a recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or therapist.

The Access Program offers a small study hall class for students to complete tests and get extra help. LuHi honors student accommodations stated in IEP/504 plans in all classes. Some basic examples of accommodations include but are not limited to: