Elementary Academics
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our mission is to develop capable, Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners who use their gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, in faith, to touch a troubled world with God’s grace.
Academics
Within the classroom, our students experience a rich and challenging liberal arts program that contains the full offering of core curricula, including math, science, english/language arts, history and geography, and religion. In the lower elementary grades, we give particular emphasis to reading, which is the key to all other learning, through a strong phonics program.
As a school, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners by:
transforming natural childhood curiosity into a passion for learning
thinking critically and working collaboratively within the classroom
exercising problem-solving and decision-making skills when challenges arise
fostering relationships across grade levels through teacher-led family group activities
faithfully and lovingly serving God and our neighbors
Complimentary Classes
In addition to core subjects, we incorporate art, music, physical education, and Spanish into our curriculum. Our distinctive music program includes classroom music, Suzuki-based violin instruction (grades 1-3), and choir at the elementary level. Once students reach 4th grade, they have the opportunity to join band, orchestra, and tone chime ensembles. Private music lessons are also available during the school day as a convenience for families who wish to enjoy uninterrupted family time in the evening. Lessons are available for piano, voice, strings, and band instruments (additional fees apply).
Experiential Learning Opportunities
In addition to providing engaging classroom instruction, our teachers are enthusiastic about introducing students to hands-on learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Throughout their elementary years, our students participate in experiential learning opportunities at The Outdoor Campus, The Great Plains Zoo, The Washington Pavilion, The Old Courthouse Museum, The Butterfly House & Aquarium, Good Earth State Park, The Corn Palace in Mitchell, The Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, and elsewhere.
Technology
Technology is incorporated into instruction on a daily basis through the use of smartboards and mobile devices. Our 1st and 2nd grade classrooms contain one iPad mini for every two students. Beginning in 3rd grade, students start using 1:1 iPad technology. In 5th grade, students transition over to 1:1 Chromebook use, which continues through middle school.
Recess, Brain Boosts, & Learn-Move-Grow
Elementary students participate in zoned recess multiple times every day. The program provides a physically and emotionally safe “zoned” play space that promotes improved student health, behavior, and academics. Activities are determined by our Active Recess Committee and rotate through zones on a weekly basis. In 2017, our program was identified by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission as a “research-based, powerful, and replicable” best practice.
An extension of our zoned recess program, classroom teachers incorporate “brain boosts” into the school day every 20 minutes. The boosts are designed to increase brain activity and help students get 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity, which helps improve academic performance and overall wellbeing.
In 2017, we launched Learn-Move-Grow, an exciting new program designed to keep kids learning, moving, and growing. The program is all about promoting healthy brains, because we know that nutrition and movement directly affect a child’s learning, concentration, sleep, behavior, and overall health.
Extracurriculars
At the elementary level, many of our students participate in athletics through local club and community organizations. Camp experiences are often available to elementary students during the summer months. Beginning in 6th grade, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of formal athletic and other extracurricular activities at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. At the high school level, we currently complete as a class B school.
Community
Community is an important part of life at SFLS. At the beginning of the school year, kindergartners are welcomed into family groups comprised of students in grades K-8. Group members work together throughout the year to complete a variety of service projects and activities. Elementary students also participate in numerous other multi-grade activities throughout the year, including music programs, chapel services, science fair, and field day.
CONFLICT-RESOLUTION & RECONCILIATION
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we use resources from PeaceWiseKids to teach our students Christ-centered conflict resolution and reconciliation skills. By employing the skills taught through PeaceWise, our students learn problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout the course of their lives as friends, employees, spouses, parents, and community members.
SCHEDULE YOUR CAMPUS VISIT
Setting foot on campus plays an important role in helping us understand your family’s needs and giving you a true understanding of what it means to receive a Sioux Falls Lutheran School education. As a result, the first step in our admissions process is to schedule a campus visit. Please contact our admissions team at 605-335-1923 to book your visit. We look forward to meeting you!
Non-Discrimination Statement
Sioux Falls Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational or admission policies, athletics, and other school administered or sponsored programs.
SCHEDULE YOUR
VISIT TODAY
Call 605-335-1923
What Families Are Saying:
“Every interaction we had with staff, administrators, and students just gave us the sense that this is a really positive environment. It’s a really life-giving place where the Holy Spirit is at work, where people are really trying to live as Christ, and where we knew our kids are going to be encouraged, nurtured, and strengthened each and every day.”
–Dave, SFLS Parent
“There are many reasons why I love going to Sioux Falls Lutheran. I would say the main point would be because we get a Christian education. It's great because it sets a good foundation for your morals and ethics, and when you go out into the world people are going to see that and that's going to define your character… I feel very confident with the teachers I have. They are leading us down a great path, and I can't wait to see where that takes me.”
–Emma, SFLS Class of 2023
“I often marvel at the ways that Sioux Falls Lutheran School is impacting my life, even today. Early on, ADHD provided a serious obstacle to my education. I can only imagine where I would be if I had not received the support and attention of the staff and teachers at SFLS. Beyond that, I can’t stress how important it is to receive an education where faith and school are joined hand in hand. The knowledge and values that I started to cultivate at SFLS have been vital in defending and grounding my faith throughout my life thus far.”
–Paul, SFLS Class of 2010
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