A Strong Commitment to Christian Education
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod has a rich tradition of excellence in Christian education. It has operated elementary schools for more than 150 years. The WELS is the fourth largest private/parochial school system in the United states with hundreds of early childhood centers, elementary schools, and high schools across the country. It also operates two preparatory high schools, a college, and a seminary to train its called workers. On average, students attending WELS Lutheran elementary schools outperform their peers on standardized achievement tests, and students attending WELS high schools perform well above state and national averages on aptitude tests. We are proud to be a part of this tradition of excellence in Christian education.
Lutheran Elementary Schools
Nearly 350 Lutheran elementary schools serving a combined total of more than 25,000 students are operated by WELS congregations across the United States. These schools demonstrate congregations' commitment to providing full time Christian education to children. St. Jacobi Lutheran Church operates our school with the purpose of serving families in nurturing and equipping their Children as disciples of Christ.
Click here to find a Lutheran elementary school near you.
Area Lutheran High Schools
21 local/regional associations of WELS congregations operate area Lutheran high schools across the country in 10 different states. These high schools vary in size from fewer than 100 students to more than 1000 students, and they serve a combined total of nearly 6,000 students. One thing they all have in common with each other is that they provide secondary Christian education that prepares students to be Christ's disciples. St. Jacobi belongs to the association of Milwaukee area congregations that own and operate Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee.
Click here for a list of all the area Lutheran high schools.
Ministerial Education
The WELS is blessed with a three-level system of ministerial education designed to train its called workers for full time ministry in WELS churches and schools. Two preparatory schools (Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI, and Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI) encourage and begin training high school students for the public ministry. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, provides undergraduate training for teachers and staff ministers and pre-seminary training for pastors. Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, provides final training for pastors.