Growing our School
We invite you to continue reading below to learn about the progress we have made toward our goal of opening in fall of 2025 with a kindergarten classroom.
The Vision
Our journey began with a casual conversation between a pastor and the preschool director about the dynamics of local school districts. We have heard from families who are concerned about the well-being of their students and who wish for a school in which children feel safe and supported in their complete selves. We have an appropriate space and the opportunity in our building to grow our preschool and accommodate more students and their families. Holy Cross Lutheran Church welcomes all through our work as a Reconciling in Christ church, and we are dedicated to teaching the faith through love, grace and acceptance. It is through these lenses that our vision began to take shape: an elementary school that feels safe for all students and families to attend.
The Beginning
Our first step was to extend the position of Preschool Director from a part-time to a full-time position. The preschool and the church directed dedicated funds to the school to fund the increased hours and salary for the director. Between September 2023 and March 2024, we established a School Advisory Board (consisting of educators, grant writers, and the pastors), applied for and received permission from DPI to open an elementary school, and applied for grant funding from two education-specific foundations. Research continues on the Wisconsin Parental Choice program, accreditation, and funding.
Principal 360
In January 2024, our director enrolled in Principal 360, an eleven-month intensive leadership development program sponsored by the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF). Principal 360 develops and equips a united network of Lutheran school principals as visionary educational leaders. The program culminates with a professional certification for the director as well as a comprehensive strategic plan for Holy Cross Lutheran School. We are pleased to announce that our director has successfully graduated from Principal 360.
Currently
After much prayer, consultation and discernment, we have solidified the school’s vision, mission and value statements. Guided by those values, we are exploring curriculum, developing plans for indoor and outdoor classrooms, and writing job descriptions, policies, and handbooks.
Another important aspect of our current work involves securing funding to establish the school and hire additional staff with the aim of opening our doors in the fall of 2025. To that end, we are applying for grants and seeking potential donors. We plan to extend the Legacy Circle of Holy Cross Lutheran Church to include an opportunity to leave a legacy gift to Holy Cross Lutheran School. If you feel called to help us on this journey, you can donate here or be in touch with Pastor Andy Fetters (andyf@holycrosslutheran.org) to discuss how you might contribute.
Choice School
We are pleased to announce that Holy Cross Lutheran School will participate in both the Milwaukee Parental School Choice Program and the Wisconsin Parental School Choice Program. More information about these programs can be found on the Department of Instruction website here.
Rooted
Our faith is firmly planted in the Gospel, reflected in our worship and sacraments, and full of God's grace. We reflect on scripture to find meaning in all the ways
God shows up in our lives and how we can serve others.
Who We Are
Relevant
We believe that God is still speaking as we humbly work to connect our faith to our lives. We are a multigenerational community, bonded by faithful engagement, growing together to transform the world around us.
Relational
We are allies for our neighbors and strangers in need, seeking justice and offering a sense of community. We welcome God's children of all backgrounds, circumstances and identities, to be fully known and loved.