Schools

Early Childhood Education and Schools

ELCA congregations and synods operate more than 1,400 schools and centers. A large majority of these schools are early childhood centers, such as preschools and kindergartens. Most programs enroll children from the community as well as children of congregational members. All seek to provide excellent education as well as character and faith development for children.

The ELCA churchwide organization works through the association of ELCA Schools and Learning Centers — the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association — to support these schools and centers. The Association offers services to the schools and centers, including support and advocacy. The Association also supports the ELCA in the use of schooling for mission outreach. Programs of the Association include resources for congregations, pastors, school administrators, principals, directors, schools boards, committees and parents.

If you have questions about schooling in the ELCA, contact the ELCA Schools and Learning Centers at www.eleanational.org. Parents looking for a school may also contact the association. They can locate congregations with schools or centers by using the Interactive Map and searching for congregations in their area with the phrase “and affiliated schools” in the congregational name.