The Salem Story

over 160 years of excellence!

A Legacy of Faith Since 1865

For over 160 years, Salem Lutheran School has been equipping students with a strong foundation in faith, academics, and character.

Salem Pic logo picture on floor_web

Our History

Salem Lutheran Church & School has served the community since 1865, committed to supporting, encouraging, and training God’s people in Christian discipleship at every age and ability level.

 

The campus expanded to include both a church and school facility in 1881. In 1959, a new building was constructed to house Salem’s education ministries, including an assembly room, kitchen, and classrooms. A major addition was completed in 1981 that added a gymnasium, kitchen, storage, and additional classrooms. The school and church office was added in 2006, and a library and conference room were completed in 2011.

 

Throughout our history, Salem has remained strongly committed to both faith-based day school education and Sunday school programs. These programs provide students with a foundation for success and knowledge of their Savior that prepares them for eternity.

 

Today, Salem is part of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries (AICLM), continuing our legacy of faith-based education for families throughout the West Metro and beyond.

Our Mission, Beliefs & Values

Everything we do at Salem starts with what we believe and why we exist. These are not just words on a page. They guide how we teach, lead, and build community at our private school.

Salem Lutheran School exists to partner with Christian families in providing a Christ-centered education where every child is known, challenged, and supported—academically, spiritually, and socially.

We believe education is more than curriculum. It is about forming young people who are confident in their identity in Christ, competent in their abilities, and prepared to serve others with purpose.

What This Means in Practice

We teach students not only what to think, but how to think—grounded in biblical truth and equipped with strong academic skills.

  • Faith integrated into learning, not separated from it.
  • High expectations paired with genuine support.
  • Small class sizes so teachers truly know each student.
  • A culture where character matters as much as achievement.
  • Partnership with parents who share our commitment.

We don’t promise perfection. We promise presence. When your child struggles, we notice. When they succeed, we celebrate. When they need guidance, we respond with both grace and truth.

Salem Lutheran School is a ministry of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries, a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and confessed in the historic Lutheran faith.

About God

We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It is the foundation for all we teach.

About Salvation

We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Salvation is a gift—not earned by works. This truth shapes how we teach, correct, and care for students.

About Students

Every child is created in the image of God with inherent worth and dignity. We teach students their identity is defined by God’s love—not grades, popularity, or mistakes.

About Education

Education is not neutral. Learning is a gift from God. Academic excellence and spiritual formation are not separate—they are integrated. All truth is God’s truth.

About Our Calling

God has entrusted us with the privilege of partnering with families to raise faithful, thoughtful, capable disciples of Jesus. We are unapologetically Lutheran and deeply invested in every child.

Our beliefs are not hidden. They are foundational. We exist to proclaim Christ, teach truth, and prepare students to live with confidence and purpose.

Our values shape everything we do. We call them CARES—and they guide how we teach, lead, and build community every day.

Christ-Centered Foundation

Faith is woven into how we treat one another, respond to conflict, and navigate failure. Students learn who they are in Christ and what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

Academics That Prepare Students

We hold high expectations because every child is capable of growth. Our teachers differentiate to meet students where they are. We prepare students for high school, college, and life.

Relationships Where Every Child Is Known

Teachers know their students—not just their academics, but their personalities, struggles, strengths, and families. We build trust through consistency and respond to needs early.

Every Student Belongs

Every child has a place here. We coach students into confidence. We create opportunities in athletics, music, service, and leadership because identity is shaped through engagement.

Strong Partnerships with Parents

Parents are partners, not spectators. We communicate clearly and address concerns directly. Our shared goal: raising children grounded in faith and ready for the world ahead.

Salem CARES—and it shows. These values are not aspirational. They are commitments we live out every day.

What Salem CARES Looks Like Every Day

C

Christ-Centered Foundation

Faith isn’t just a subject—it’s woven into every part of our day. Students learn who they are in Christ and how to treat others with grace and truth.

A

Academics That Prepare Students

Strong fundamentals. High expectations. Individual support. We don’t let kids drift—we build confidence through competence and prepare them for high school and beyond.

R

Relationships Where Every Child Is Known

With small class sizes and consistent teachers, your child won’t get lost here. We know each student’s strengths, needs, and personality.

E

Every Student Belongs

From athletics to music to service projects, every student has the opportunity to participate, grow, and discover their God-given gifts.

S

Strong Partnerships with Parents

You’re not on an island. We communicate clearly, respond quickly, and partner with you to support your child’s growth.

What We Believe

Students from all denominations are welcome at Salem Lutheran School, with the understanding that God’s Word will be taught in its truth and purity across all subjects, and biblical truths will be central to our curriculum.

Salem Lutheran School is affiliated with:

Additional WELS and ELS Schools

If you’re looking for other WELS or ELS schools in the area, we’re happy to connect you with sister schools.

School Objectives

Spiritual Growth & Biblical Foundation

Through daily engagement with God’s Word, Salem students will:

Academic Excellence & Whole-Person Development

Through high-quality instruction and diverse learning experiences, Salem students will:

Family Partnership & Christian Education

Through active collaboration with parents, Salem Lutheran School will:

Safe & Loving Environment

Through careful oversight of school programs and student activities, Salem will:

Ready to See the Salem Difference?

Schedule a tour and discover why families choose Salem Lutheran School for their children’s education.