About CLS
Celebrating over a half century of Christian Education (established in 1944)
Christian. We strive to help children and their families experience God’s saving love in Christ and to prepare children for servant leadership in the world.
Scope
The school operates a preschool, elementary and middle school program with classes for three-year-olds (age 3 by Sept 1) through the eighth grade. In the classes through the fifth grade the children remain with the home room teacher except for those subjects or activities provided by special teachers or aides. Sixth through eighth grades are departmentalized taking advantage of academic strengths of individual teachers. The focus is also on early adolescent development in a Middle School structure of an 6-8 period academic/elective day.
Faculty/Staff
Every effort is made to retain teachers/staff members who profess their Christian faith, who have demonstrated their love for children and have a degree in elementary education. Professional growth of faculty and staff is encouraged to insure that current educational theory is used and the strongest methods of teaching are used. Many of the teachers have their masters degree. As a redeemed individual, a Christian can enjoy the love of God because of the redemptive work of Christ. It is every teacher’s responsibility to reflect that love to the children and to help each child to know and feel the importance of self. A high level of self esteem is vital, not only for learning, but also for success in all life’s endeavors. We want every child to feel that success and the satisfaction of achieving one’s goals.
Sponsorship and Control
Concordia, established in 1944, is a Christian education ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church. Members of the Board of Directors are elected or appointed by these two congregations. The Board establishes broad policies and the principal, with the help of the faculty and staff, implements those policies and oversees the smooth operation of the school. Comments and recommendations by school parents are welcome and encouraged as reflected in the school handbook.
Accreditation
Concordia has both National Lutheran School Accreditation and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation.
Curriculum
| Writing | Science |
| English | |
| Spelling | |
| Upper Grades (6-8) | |
| Hand bell Choir, other electives | |
*Interscholastic sports are centered in basketball with competition against schools of similar size as Concordia.
Extended Care
At the Redeemer campus, morning extended care begins at 7 A.M. and after-school care ends at 6:15P.M. This is available to PS3-grade 8. Since children are in a structured setting for a good portion of the school day, the after-school program is slightly less structured but students do choose organized activities either indoors or outdoors. Older students are provided a period of time each day in Extended Care to do school work. Charges are based on a daily flat rate to provide parents flexibility in using this program.
Concordia Serves All
It is our desire to be able to serve children in all stations of life regardless of color, race, nationality, creed, or wealth. All are welcome by Christ who came to serve us all. Ours is a Christian school where there is no place for prejudice or bigotry. It is our prayer that we will always be that kind of school.
Background Information on Concordia
There are more than 2,800 Lutheran Schools in Australia, China, Canada, and the U.S. Concordia is so very proud to be a part of that system, the largest Protestant school system in the world. Since 1944 when we began as Trinity Lutheran School, Mt. Rainier, with 80 students grades 1-8, in two rooms, we have been blessed over these 60+ years.
In Lutheran Schools across our nation, more than 17,000 teachers provide a quality Christian education to more than 290,000 students each year. Concordia’s 10 full and part-time faculty, along with classroom aides and support staff, “strive to create a love of learning by stirring the heart, mind, and soul of every child.” We are an experienced, competent, and loving faculty and staff. It is wonderful to feel like a family at school and to have our kids and parents love attending each and every day. We are “a great place to grow.”
Our 8th grade graduates do well wherever they choose to attend high school. They are successful in academics and their social and emotional adjustment is always strong. Local area high schools are eager to admit our students. In our 60+ years we are proud to have graduated more than 1,000 students. They have a history of honors, accomplishments, and scholarships for both high school and colleges. Two of our graduates are even teachers on our staff at this time.
Concordia has an excellent parent teacher relationship with weekly classroom communication letters going home to parents along with four midterms and four report cards to chart academic and social progress. Teachers are easily accessible to parents, and parents are always welcome to visit and provide assistance to the school and its program. PALS, the Patrons Association of Lutheran Schools, is another strong avenue for parental involvement at the school.
Before and after school child care is available. Buses enable a field trip emphasis across the grades.
Concordia has a computer at each desk in grades 7-8 and a computer lab type setting for grades 5-6; two handbell choirs in the upper
grades; physical education in all the grades (1-8) along with after-school basketball and cheerleading in the upper grades. The Faculty and Staff of Concordia are here because Christ commanded Peter and us to “feed my lambs.” This we do regardless of color, race, nationality, creed, or wealth. All are welcomed by Christ who came to serve us.
Prospective Parents
“What are the effective school practices that help to insure a quality school and how will you find them at Concordia?’
It is a challenge for parents/families to find the best possible school for their child(ren). We wish to make that process easier for new and prospective families. School Reform Research identifies 15 most critical “effective school attributes” and divides them into ‘contextual’ and ‘instructional.’ We encourage you to look for them to some degree, wherever you visit.
“Contextual Attributes”
- safe and orderly school environment
- strong administrative leadership
- primary focus on learning
- maximized learning time
- monitoring of student progress
- academic emphasis attainable by all
- flexible class groupings
- strong curriculum
- supportive classroom environment
- parent and community involvement
“Instructional Attributes”
- careful orientation to lessons
- clear and focused instruction
- effective questioning techniques
- feedback and reinforcement
- review/reteaching as needed
Concordia has shaped these 15 attributes in a quality, Christian setting. We would like to provide you the personal attention that we feel will benefit you the most and enable you to see Concordia as we operate each day.
What next?
If you are interested in Concordia, we will be happy to meet with you and give you a tour of the facilities. Please call the school office (301- 927-0266) to request a packet of materials or to arrange a classroom visit and school tour. We look forward to meeting you and telling you more terrific things about Concordia Lutheran School. We hope to meet you soon so that we may provide you with information on any aspect of our school. We welcome the opportunity for a more personal contact.
God be with you and be gracious to you!
|
|
Concordia Lutheran School 3799 East West Highway Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 Phone: (301) 927-0266 Fax:(301) 699-0071 E-mail: concordia@clsmd.org (Concordia Administration) |