Emmanuel Lutheran School

1958-2008

The history of Emmanuel Lutheran School began with the founding of the First Lutheran Church in 1903, later to be changed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The dream of a Christian school was openly discussed.

In the fall of 1958, a kindergarten was begun as the first step in the establishment of a Christian Day School. Ground was broken in the present location for a new church in July, 1959, and dedicated in May, 1960. The school grew steadily. In 1963, an educational wing was started which added four classrooms, office space and storage space for the school.

In 1978, a preschool was added, giving Emmanuel a continuous educational program for children in preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-3.

Emmanuel Lutheran Congregation, as part of a long-range planning process, broke ground in 1985 for a new multipurpose fellowship hall and a complete renovation of the lower level of our education facility.

In 1989 Emmanuel Lutheran School was awarded accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Our program was the first Academy accredited program in the Asheville-Buncombe region.

In 1993 the congregation reestablished fourth and fifth grades and in 1995 two new classrooms were constructed, which enabled Emmanuel Lutheran School to expand its education program through grade five.

In 1999 and infant/toddler program was added to the early childhood program.

In 2000, Emmanuel Lutheran School initiated an expansion program by adding grade six. Grades seven and eight were added in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The current Christian Education Center became operational at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year.

Did You Know?

• Emmanuel Lutheran School has had 10 principals. These include Donald Adams, Lucille Huslage, Walter Richter, John Schroeder, Don Moerbe, Fred Aceto, Mike Rush, Robert Forester, David Janisko, and Luke Schmelzle.
• Our Summer Rocks program offered over 30 different camps this summer, with over 150 children attending