Frequently Asked Questions
Faculty & Curriculum
- Are Calvary students allowed to attend Nichols Career Center?
- Are there any dual enrollment courses offered at Calvary?
- Are your teachers experienced and qualified?
- Can Calvary offer my student appropriate use of current technology?
- How does your curriculum meet the Missouri state standards?
- Is a guidance counselor available to the students?
- My child has a learning disability or special needs. Is there a place for him/her at Calvary?
- My child is gifted. Is there a place for him/her at Calvary?
- What opportunities do students have to select elective courses?
- What religion classes will my student take?
Extra-Curricular Activities & Sports
- What does Calvary intend to offer for a sports program?
- What extra-curricular activities does Calvary intend to offer?
Facilities & Growth
- How did Calvary begin?
- What does Calvary intend to have for a permanent location?
- What is the projected enrollment for the 2009-10 school year?
- Where are your current facilities?
Tuition & Financial Aid
Parent’s Feelings about Calvary
Student’s Feelings about Calvary
Parent & Student References
Faculty & Curriculum
- Are Calvary students allowed to attend Nichols Career Center?
- Yes, students who are on a program to meet normal graduation requirements will be able to attend Nichols Career Center. We are pleased to have already had two students take advantage of this opportunity.
- Are there any dual enrollment courses offered at Calvary?
- Calvary was first able to offer dual enrollment classes in the 2009-2010 school year with College Calculus and College Biology. Calvary was very pleased with the great student interest. Calvary will seek to continue to offer classes to meet the interests and abilities of the students.
- Are your teachers experienced and qualified?
- Please visit the Faculty and Staff link from this page to read short excerpts about each of our qualified and experienced teachers. All of Calvary's teachers are strong Christians who boldly live their faith as they present our Missouri Accredited college preparatory curriculum.
- Can Calvary offer my student appropriate use of current technology?
- We believe that today's students must have access and training in using current technology in preparation for their future careers. Calvary provides student access to up-to-date Dell computers with current professional software including Microsoft Office and the Adobe CS2 Suite to educate the students in the latest software technologies. Students currently use computers for daily computer classes in addition to supplemental use in nearly all our other classes. Students also have access to these computers for class work and appropriate recreational uses before and after school.
- How does your curriculum meet the Missouri state standards?
- Calvary has been unconditionally accredited by National Lutheran Schools Accrediting Association. NLSA accreditation meets or exceeds requirements of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Is a guidance counselor available to the students?
- Calvary Lutheran High School recognizes the need for a guidance counselor when students prepare to select their continuing education and career goals. Mrs. Denise Crider currently teaches our Career/Finance course and has been actively engaged in helping each junior and senior to work through the process of college and financial aid applications. In addition, Mrs. Crider has helped to incorporate essential study skills and experience in taking ACT and SAT tests to prepare students for their next level of education. In addition, Mr. John Engelbrecht, Executive Director, holds an advanced degree in Guidance and Counseling, and has served in some capacity as a guidance counselor for the past 15 years.
- My child has a learning disability or special needs. Is there a place for him/her at Calvary?
- Calvary Lutheran High School has limited resources to direct toward this area. However, where adjustments can be made to the normal program that are beneficial to the individual learner and do not overtax existing personnel and learning for the mainstream, these modifications will be employed. Our qualified and caring teachers are willing to help families who are willing to work hard and will offer support. Our small class sizes allow us to give special attention to each individual student.
- My child is gifted. Is there a place for him/her at Calvary?
- Calvary Lutheran High School will offer a curriculum that is challenging for gifted and talented students. It is our opinion that these students can also benefit from a wide range of after school activities including academics, fine arts, and athletics. With our small school size, students can be involved in a large number of these activities which can provide excellent experience and skills for college and career.
- What opportunities do students have to select elective courses?
- Calvary believes that it is important to develop the whole student. Calvary will continue to develop the students spiritual and moral/ethical character throughout every activity and academic course we offer. In addition, we will nurture the fine and practical arts by offering numerous classes and activities.
- We will continue to provide those electives which enhance College Preparatory Certification goals and are of interest to students and parents. Currently students can select from the following list of elective classes: Computer Desktop Publishing, Web Design, Spanish I & II, Art, Choir, Leadership, Essence of Acting, Study Skills, Yearbook Design, Psychology, and Economics.
- What religion classes will my student take?
- Our religion curriculum follows this order: Old Testament, New Testament, World Religions, Relationships, Christian Denominations, Christian World View. The Bible serves as the primary text for all of these classes. The Bible is taught as the Inspired Word of God, free from error and intended to teach us about God's love and plan for us. Students of other Christian denominational backgrounds are warmly welcomed. We are sensitive to the differences in the practices and doctrines of the various Christian denominations.
Extra-Curricular Activities & Sports
- What does Calvary intend to offer for a sports program?
- Calvary currently has junior varsity programs established under MSHSAA guidelines for Fall and Spring Baseball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball. We have already been able to move our volleyball program into the varsity level and the 2008-09 season was exciting as the students secured a 2nd place district finish and were honored with three players being named to the First Team All District. We maintain the possibility of more sports programs if there is sufficient student interest. We intend to expand into all normal sports areas as the school develops.
- What extra-curricular activities does Calvary intend to offer?
- Calvary students can currently select from numerous activities including: service projects, Student Council, Drama, Audition Choir, Science Club, Chess Club, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, Baseball, Volleyball, and Girls or Boys Basketball. We will continue to add additional activities as sufficient student interest is shown.
Facilities & Growth
- How did Calvary begin?
- Lutheran education at the elementary level has been a strong component of the Lutheran churches in the area since their beginning. Lutheran education at the secondary level began to take shape early in 2003 when a group of concerned members of the various Lutheran churches organized and conducted a professional feasibility study called the "Genesis Project".
- This study suggested that a Lutheran secondary school with an ultimate goal of approximately 400 students was not only appropriate but necessary. As a result of this study and the ensuing effort and planning of a large number of people, Calvary Lutheran High School was organized and began classes August 2005. Calvary Lutheran High School is one of approximately 120 high schools in the United States operated by Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregations.
- What does Calvary intend to have for a permanent location?
- Please check out the exciting developments in this area through the Location link from the sidebar on the right.
- What is the projected enrollment for the 2009-10 school year?
- We anticipated increasing our enrollment to approximately 40 students for the 2009-10 school year. God blessed us greatly as the actual enrollment reached 44 students for the first day of classes this year. Please continue to keep Calvary in your prayers as we seek to continuing growing.
- Where are your current facilities?
- We are pleased to continue leasing space from Lincoln University for at least one more year. We rejoice that we are able to remain in this friendly adaptable environment for next year, with parking spaces and entrances dedicated solely to Calvary Lutheran High. This building is located at 900 Leslie Blvd at the intersection of Leslie and Chestnut.
Tuition & Financial Aid
- How was the amount of tuition chosen?
- Tuition is established to cover approximately 90% of the per student operating cost of the school. None of the tuition is used to cover the cost of site and building. We are dependent upon congregations, individual donors, and grants to cover all costs not covered by tuition, including financial aid.
- Is there financial aid?
- How is the selection made? Our philosophy includes the concept that no family, sincerely desiring a Christ-centered education for their children, should be denied this opportunity simply because of their financial situation. Accordingly, we have developed a Tuition Grant program whereby families with demonstrated financial need may apply for, and receive, a grant to cover the difference between the tuition and the amount they could reasonably be expected to pay. The extent of need for the individual family is determined by a third party organization that verifies need.
Parent’s Feelings about Calvary
- What do the current parents feel about Calvary?
- "Calvary is an extension of what I value and believe in – they are part of my team in helping build my son into a Christian leader, not only teaching him but also modeling for him Christ-like character in all aspects of life. My son loves the personal atmosphere and thrives in the challenging academic environment, the sports, service activities, school clubs, drama, leadership opportunities and other activities offered by Calvary." - Karen Miller
- "Calvary is an atmosphere for learning in a religious setting with caring teachers who want each student to excel. You will be advised of any problems that arise unlike many other schools and will feel secure your student's learning in a safe and well-organized setting. The extra help and consideration toward my individual student, along with the excellent teaching staff, is well worth every dollar it costs to send my child to this school." – Tricia Dusheke
- "This was the best decision we could have made for our son. He is doing well academically as well as maturing in his Christian faith. We are so pleased with the quality of his high school education." – Charles & Christine Hollingsworth
Student’s Feelings about Calvary
- What do the students feel about Calvary?
- "At Calvary, you can participate in sports and other activities no matter what your skill level is. Calvary is very close knit, like a family. It is a great school!" ~ Kelsey I.
- "What I like about the after school activities are they’re not all sports. And you don’t have to have any skill when it comes to the activity, the people involved with the activity are always glad to take new recruits. Another thing that’s good is the attention you get from the students and the teachers. The students are normally friendly and nice. The same could be said for the teachers. The teachers don’t just teach but also help students to learn and understand the material." ~ Ryan M.
- "Calvary is a great place to grow in knowledge as well as faith. Everything we learn in the classroom can be tied into God’s Word. You can always receive help when you need it because the teachers are focused on your success." ~ Hannah
- "Calvary provides an excellent curriculum along with extra-curricular activities. Since Calvary is a smaller school you don’t see a wide variety of people every day, this means a friendly connection is linked between each other growing us closer as a family. Calvary is a great school, and I’d recommend anybody to attend." ~ Jacob
- "You will not find one person that does not relate to someone else in a special way. The teachers are also very caring and helpful towards the students. Whenever you need help with a subject that is hard for you to understand, the teacher takes the extra time needed until you understand the subject. You would not necessarily get this at a larger high school. The most important reason for coming to Calvary is the Christian atmosphere." ~ Kelsey O.
- "The teachers are willing to give all the help needed by the students to help them succeed. The students get along very well with one another at Calvary, and strong friendships are made. I enjoy coming to Calvary very much." ~ Kellie
- "Calvary is a fantastic school. It is full of caring people and fun activities. The teachers are always there to help and they truly care about their students, both academically and personally. Students show compassion for each other and always help each other daily. There is always something fun going on that you can join. I feel that I will be successful in the future, due to the education I have received from Calvary." ~ Darci
- "Here at Calvary, I feel like I am growing both spiritually and mentally. Calvary prepares all of its students for what it will be like in the future. Calvary Lutheran High School is also a great place to grow in your faith. Every class you go to ties God and the Bible to your regular class. Calvary has amazing teachers that will work with you whenever you need the help. I know that Calvary has prepared me for my next step in life, college." ~ Brianna
- "I have grown as a person since I have come to this school, and it has prepared me for me future in many ways." ~ Ryan G.
- "I like Calvary because of the great teachers and small class sizes. The great teachers help any time we need help. They are always there if we need to talk about something or to bounce ideas off of them." ~ Amy
- "The students here are all close to one another, and we all share a close bond. Knowing that Calvary is preparing me for college with challenging classes and for life, I can be assured that my spiritual and academic abilities will help me succeed. I am very grateful for a school that actually cares about me and my future." ~ Whitni
Parent & Student References
- Who could provide me with a parent/student's perspective of Calvary Lutheran High School?
- The following Calvary families have volunteered to answer any questions you may have about our school. It would greatly please us to share with you about the great ministry happening at this school.
Parents Students Home Phone Sheri Barnes Mikaela 761-4138 Shirley Bernskoetter James 634-2157 Alison Jenkins Kellie 896-5173 Terrie Miller Kyle 893-4022 Dan Sommerer Whitni 496-3774 Michelle Yahnig Caleb 896-4185
How Can I Find More Information?
Contact the School at 681-5491 or
900 Leslie Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65101
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
administrator@calvarylhs.org
Erich Ahlers
Principal/Teacher
principal@calvarylhs.org
