Ascension Lutheran Christian School is the only faith-based school located in Gary, Indiana. This year ALCS saw a 40% increase in enrollment over 2019. The growth of the LUMIN schools is especially notable given the global virus pandemic. What is it about the Gary school that is gaining the confidence of local families during uncertain times?
Dr. Kevin Brockberg, executive counselor for Christian education and superintendent of Lutheran Schools of Indiana, credits a mix of factors. “Ascension has a hands-on school board, strong onsite leadership, and established support from other urban schools in the LUMIN Network,” said Brockberg. “The school’s mission to support students and their families spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically has benefitted the surrounding community.”
Brockberg believes that the boost in enrollment can be attributed to word-of-mouth advertising. Families are telling other families the good news about ALCS. The Ascension board, leadership, teachers, and staff are woven into the local community and are sensitive to parent and family needs. Recently, the school has adapted its learning model in the face of a global virus pandemic. Approximately one third of students are learning onsite in a traditional classroom setting this semester with the rest learning online/remote or in a blended model of onsite and remote delivery.
“Some parents wanted the option of onsite learning,” said Dr. Brockberg, “and Ascension Lutheran Christian School offers that and much more.” The school also operates a breakfast program for all students. Educators know that student scholars need nourishment to excel and Ascension’s supportive community is there to make sure no one goes to class hungry. The food is donated by parishioners from throughout the Indiana District. The breakfast program has continued uninterrupted despite the pandemic.
Dr. Brockberg will visit ALCS in October. He had this to say as he looks forward to meeting with students and staff. He shared, “I have the opportunity to visit Ascension to lead their weekly Chapel service. I’ll also be delivering breakfast donations from members of our Fort Wayne-area churches.”
The consistency of the ALCS schedule, interwoven with spiritual formation and robust academics, reinforces student life outside of the classroom as well. The school strives to help its families pursue stability and explore possibilities they may not have considered before joining the Lutheran education system.Ascension Lutheran Christian School currently serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth and looks to expand to sixth grade next year. The school anticipates adding additional grades as the student population ages up and as more families in the Gary Community become aware of the opportunities awaiting at ALCS.
Are you a Christian educator filled with passion, patience, and a growth mindset? Ascension Lutheran Christian School is hiring. Visit the ALCS Careers Page for consideration. Parents or guardians who would like to inquire about enrollment for their students can request information online.