We are happy to share the following information with you about our Christian Elementary School.  Gethsemane Lutheran School was established 30 years ago in 1975, by  members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, affiliated with the CLC Synod (Church of the Lutheran Confession), which was formed in 1960 and now has congregations in 22 states and in Canada, with mission activity in Nigeria (NCLC) and other parts of Africa as well as India (CLCI).  Our school offers a high quality learning environment and well-rounded education with God’s Holy Word as the back drop against which all subjects are taught.

REGISTRATION

Applications for both members and non-members of Gethsemane are accepted throughout the year.  There is no registration deadline; however, because of space limitations, an early registration assures a place in the classroom for your child.

A non-refundable registration/book fee will be submitted with the registration form:

1st through Grade 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 75.00

Note:  The Gethsemane Lutheran School Board of Education must approve all applicants before a student is enrolled.

TUITION

Monthly tuition is paid over a ten month period beginning on August 1st.  The monthly rate is as follows:

Grades 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   300.00

When a family enrolls more than two children, there is a 50% reduction in the tuition of each additional child (the oldest will be counted first).  Hot lunch, milk, sports equipment, and band instrument rental would be additional for anyone involved in these optional programs.

Tuition Assistance:  At this time we are unable to provide financial aid or assistance to those who are not members of Trinity or Gethsemane Lutheran Church.

CURRICULUM

We offer a complete curriculum which includes:

¨ Bible History/Catechism

¨ Reading/Literature

¨ Mathematics/Algebra

¨ Language

¨ Spelling 

¨ Penmanship

¨ Science

¨ History/Social Studies

¨ Art

¨ Music

¨ Physical Education

We use standard-type textbooks from various publishers such as  Houghton Mifflin, A Beka and Scott Foresman.  We are currently also using the the Shurley Method Language program, and the Saxon Math Series.  Our school’s student computer lab is equipped with five internet-linked E-macs.   Each classroom also has a computer.  Our smaller sized classes allow for field trips and guest speakers which enhance the classroom work.  Our well-rounded education program also allows for several enriching field trips and guest speakers throughout the year.

We participate in Iowa Basics standardized testing to make sure our kids are competitive with other schools in the state.

GRADE LEVELS

The average class size has been 3-5 students per class in grades 1-8.  Our school enrollment over the years has ranged from 17-46.  The last several years it has averaged about 25 students.

STAFF

We have two teachers and use the following class arrangements:   Room 1 - Grades 5-8

   Room 3 - Grades 1-4

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Our School Calendar follows the same format as the Central Valley School District with slight modifications.

DAILY  SCHEDULE

The school day  begins at  8:00 a.m. and dismisses at 3:00 p.m. There are no breakfast or day care programs provided, but we will work with you to find local programs that offer this before and after school.

Lunch Break is from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes an outside recess period.

TRANSPORTATION

We do not provide any bus service. We will, however, attempt to locate other school families in your area if you would possibly like to carpool.  Final transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the parents.

IMMUNIZATION

Immunization requirements must be fulfilled and verified as prescribed by the State of Washington before any student  may attend classes.

DRESS CODE

Our school does not require nor does it have a uniform. It is expected that children be attired in clean, modest clothing in good repair. 

HOT LUNCH

There is no daily hot lunch program. Students bring their own lunches.  However, twice a month, hot lunch is served by parents on a rotating schedule.  The price of the meals is currently $15.00 per student per year., payable at the beginning of the school  year.  Milk is also available on a daily basis, payable daily, monthly or yearly.  An information sheet on this is available upon registration.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR SPORTS

Gethsemane is a member of the Christian Schools Athletic Association (CSAA), which is a league comprised of approximately ten area schools.  The sports offered are all co-ed  with Cross-Country for grades 1-8,  and Soccer, Basketball and Softball for students in  grades 5-8, numbers permitting.