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   “Just as young children gradually learn to walk, then run and romp, as their confidence and skill allows, so Immanuel Lutheran Church of Walker is expanding its Christian School, step by step.” 

   Immanuel Lutheran School began in November 1998 with 14 students in a morning preschool program offered 3 days a week.  However, before the first day of school arrived, in fact, before there was a classroom, teachers or students, there was a vision. . . . . . . a vision backed by solid research, of a ministry to families throughout the community.  A feasibility and readiness study was conducted by the Department of School Ministry of the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) to determine if there was a need for a Christian School in the area.  The study confirmed  there was a need,  which  prompted the beginning of Immanuel Lutheran School’s preschool program.

   After much prayer and discussion, the following year they expanded to offer 3 full days of kindergarten with 9 students and 23 students were enrolled in morning and afternoon preschool.

   By 2000-01 school year Immanuel added 1st – 4th grades and the following school year added 5th grade.  6th grade was added  In 2002-03 with its first graduating class of 3 students. At that point Immanuel began participating in extracurricular activities with other Lutheran Schools and launched their first school musical. 7th grade was added in 2007-08 and the following year Immanuel graduated their first 8th grade class.

   In 2013 Immanuel Lutheran School celebrated their 15th anniversary and also went through the rigorous process of becoming accredited through the National Lutheran School Accreditation. Since the 2015 – 2016 school year, the school has experienced steady growth in enrollment. During this walk, God has been there guiding, guarding and blessing each step along the way.

   And so the story continues . . . . from 14 students in a morning preschool, Immanuel has expanded to over 50 students  in preschool - 8th grade adding teachers and aides as needed to ensure students receive the high quality Christian education they deserve. With growing enrollment and expanding programs, the Board of Education consistently discussed the potential of expanding the facility to better accommodate our students and staff.  With that vision in the forefront, in February 2023 they pursued funding which was offered by Cass County through the American Recovery Plan Act. A $250,000 grant was awarded and plans were in progress to add 2 additional classrooms with bathrooms, expand the existing classrooms and turn one into the Principal’s office and a full library.  

   Immanuel Lutheran Church members met with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to obtain guidance and how to proceed. With their mentoring we formed a building committee and a step by step guide of how to proceed. LCEF advised that at each step as long as the congregation gave a “GO” to keep going until the project halted or came to fruition.  The building committee contracted with an architect to finalize professional drawings based on the hand drafted plans put together by congregation member Gordy Dahn.  Those plans were sent to 5 different local contractors for bids.  Immanuel contracted with Gill Construction to complete the project.

   04/10/2024 ground breaking took place and we were on our way!  During the construction process Pastor, teachers, students, parents and congregation members wrote their favorite Bible verses on the framed walls of the new classrooms. (photo below)  The construction process moved along at a steady pace with the final building inspection taking place on 11/22/2024 and students occupying their new classrooms on 11/25/2024.

   Immanuel Lutheran School is fully accredited and offers a quality Christian education to students throughout Cass County and the surrounding area. Immanuel offers a safe, Christ-centered learning environment, encouraging academic excellence from each student.  The learning focuses on value and character development with computer integrated curriculum utilized at each grade level.  Weekly sing-a-longs and 2 annual musicals help build an early interest in music.  In addition, many students participate in band and choir through the WHA School District.  Each of the dedicated, licensed Christian teachers work with smaller class sizes, nurturing a family environment for students and families.  Students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade may  use the WHA School District bussing program.

   Immanuel’s licensed preschool is offered 2 half-days for 3 year olds.  The pre-kindergarten program is offering an additional option for the 2025-26 school year – parents will be able to choose 2 or 3 full days for their 4 year olds.

   God has orchestrated every step with Blessing after Blessing after Blessing including the generous gifts of time, talents and finances contributed by community businesses, organizations and individuals.  

   Come and see what God has done!!   The public is invited to celebrate the expansion at an Open House on Sunday, January 26th.  Worship service begins at 9am with tours and refreshments following  from 10am-2pm.  Information on enrollment will be available, or check out the school website:  www.immanuellutheranwalker.com

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