Emmanuel Lutheran School of Asheville, NC was awarded National Accreditation by the National Lutheran School Accreditation Commission, which met in St Louis July 31 and August 1, 2009. This year's commission accredited 95 schools, including 11 high schools, 73 elementary schools and 11 free-standing early childhood centers. Emmanuel Lutheran School has demonstrated the quality of its educational program to a visiting team and district accreditation commission. All have agreed that Emmanuel Lutheran School was worthy of National Lutheran School Accreditation. The certificate for five years of accreditation was awarded to Principal Luke Schmelzle at a public ceremony on October 4, 2009 by Sally Hiller.