Choosing a high school can feel overwhelming. (We encourage 8th graders to spend a shadow day on campus with us.) That's why we want to introduce you to Frankie - a LuHi junior - to give you a glimpse into a typical day at LuHi. For students like Frankie, balancing academics with extracurricular activities is key to a successful and fulfilling high school experience.
At LuHi, students experience a full schedule with eight class periods each day, plus a lunch break. The day is a mix of core classes, electives, and a theology class every year. The whole student body also attends Chapel three times a week.
Starting the Day
For Frankie, once a week, her day starts with a before-school choir practice. She is part of a new women’s audition Choir, Bella Voce. “It’s a great way to start the morning!” she says. This group of ladies works hard and enjoys sharing their love of music, even if it means getting to school a little earlier than others.
When she doesn’t have Bella Voce practice, she can meet with teachers during their Office Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Chapel days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, classes start at 7:40 am).
Navigating Classes
Frankie’s day consists of a combination of core and elective classes. Her favorite class this year is Leadership with Coach Brandsma. “Coach Brandsma is an amazing teacher. He’s very engaging, and I feel like this class is going to help me become a better woman of God,” Frankie shares.
Chemistry has been her most challenging subject so far. “Chemistry can get confusing, and it’s definitely challenging,” she admits. But with Mrs. Barlow’s guidance, Frankie is confident she can navigate the tough spots.
Staying Ahead
Like many LuHi students, Frankie uses her study hall period to get ahead on homework. This is especially important since she balances her studies with extracurricular activities. “I play tennis two evenings a week,” Frankie explains. “Right now, I feel like my schedule is very well-rounded between academics, extracurricular activities, and spending time with friends.”
Lunchtime and Community
Students at LuHi stay on campus for lunch, except for seniors who have the option to leave with parental permission. Frankie enjoys this time to relax and catch up with friends. “My favorite part of the day is when I get to see my friends. We always have a good time, and I look forward to getting a good laugh in,” she says.
Lutheran High aims to be a place where students find Christian community complete with good friends and faithful teachers who will give biblcal advice and guidance to students. LuHi expects students to engage with our mission: Nurturing academic excellence and encouraging growth in Christ. Leaning into Christian community is an aspect of the latter half of our mission.
Support and Success
LuHi offers a range of honors and AP classes, but also provides support for students on support plans in Access Class. Frankie benefits from this program. “I’m so grateful to be in Mrs. Mancell’s Access Class. I have a language processing disorder, which can make certain subjects more difficult. Mrs. Mancell understands my learning style and has helped me succeed in all subjects, but especially math and science,” Frankie explains.
Part of LuHi’s mission is to nurture academic excellence. This means creating an environment where students feel supported and where their success is a shared goal. It also involves preparing students for the next step in their educational journey by equipping them with both knowledge and critical thinking skills. Our teachers focus on developing higher-order thinking skills to ensure students are well-prepared for future challenges.
Every graduate of LuHi should:
- know Jesus
- be prepared for their next educational challenge
- have a desire to serve others
- love their community
- know the answers to life’s great questions: who am I, why am I here, is there any hope, and is there truth?
Getting Involved
LuHi encourages students to get involved, whether through clubs, sports, or performing arts. Frankie has found a balance that works for her, but the school offers something for everyone. Students can also dive deeper into specific areas through the Academies, which include STEM, Music, Mission and Ministry, Business, Art, and Lights.
Spiritual Life
Faith is central to life at LuHi, with students attending chapel three times a week. The goal of Chapel is to remind students that they are children of God and provide an opportunity to worship together as a community.
In our podcast series, Summer School with the Theology Department, we dive deeper into what LuHi believes and teaches students about faith. Listen to the Podcast
Advice to prospective students
When asked what advice she would give to a student looking for the right high school, Frankie says, “Look beyond the building and the campus; focus more on the people and the culture. You can have a good or bad experience at any high school, no matter how amazing people say it is. So ask yourself: do you feel like you belong?”
We agree. Finding the right high school is about finding a culture that aligns with you. It should be a place that supports your academic goals, offers activities you enjoy, and upholds the same values you do.
Frankie’s typical day at LuHi reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and Christian community. Whether it’s challenging herself academically, singing in an extracurricular choir, or connecting with friends during lunch, Frankie is growing in her faith, academics, and personal relationships every day.
If you are interested in learning more about LuHi, we encourage you to come in for a campus visit! You can schedule your tour today.
