General Documents
Download general documents from Lutheran Schools.
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WELS School Accreditation
WELS School Accreditation (WELSSA) is a process in which the school evaluates its current education practices and seeks sound methods to build on its strengths and determine new ways to grow and strengthen the educational ministry of the school for the benefit of the students and parents to the glory of God.
There are 145 WELS schools currently accredited and 15 schools in candidacy, that is, working through the accreditation process for the first time.
WELSSA is a sanctioned member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).
Read more about the WELSSA accreditation process by downloading the documents on this page.
Contact Us
Paul Patterson, WELSSA executive director
Abby Truss, WELSSA support specialist
welssa@wels.net, 414-256-3221
Partner Sites
National Council for Private School Accreditation
Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association
Texas Private School Accreditation Commission
Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation
The Annual School Accreditation Report (ASAR) and School Improvement Plan (SIP) is due June 30. You can download the report directions/template below and pay the report fee at the Purchasing Center beginning March 1.
Congratulations to all of our newly accredited schools!
- Christ our Redeemer Lutheran School – Aurora, CO
- Paul’s Lutheran School – East Troy, WI
- Crown of Life Christian Academy – Fort Atkinson, WI
- King of Kings Lutheran School – Garden Grove, CA
- Paul’s Lutheran School – Howards Grove, WI
- John’s Lutheran School – Lomira, WI
- Immanuel Lutheran School – Manitowoc, WI
- John’s Lutheran School – Mukwonago, WI
- Redeemer Lutheran School – Tucson, AZ
- Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School – Wauwatosa, WI
- John’s Lutheran School – Watertown, WI
COVID-19 School Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for community response recommendations and resources.
U.S. Department of Education information and resources for schools and school personnel.
United States Environmental Protection Agency for Disinfectant Use Recommendations
American Academy of Pediatrics Guidance for School Re-entry
Wisconsin Schools view latest information from the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools.
Collaborate with WELS educators with this Facebook Group
For resources that are specific to WELS Early Childhood Ministry and COVID-19 visit: WELS ECM Resources Related to COVID-19
View our Safely Back to School Webinar Series
Foundations
Foundations is a unique, program that boldly restates the mission and educational philosophy of WELS schools and early childhood programs to the communities in which we serve. This comprehensive suite of materials was developed by the Commission on Lutheran Schools to renew our commitment to Christian education. Its purpose is to help local congregations and schools generate a rich, ongoing conversation between students, parents, and Christian educators that clearly defines the differences between Christian education and other educational models.
Crafted to meet member and non-member parents at their point of need with biblical answers to practical questions, Foundations promises to provide a perspective on their child’s years of formal schooling that many parents have never considered.
Call Process
When a congregation or board determines they will be requesting a call list to fill a teaching position, the calling body is encouraged to follow a set of guidelines, such as who to contact to request a list, the necessary form to complete, directions for conducting a call meeting, etc. There is also a set of procedures to follow for those who receive a call. These procedures insure that the process is done in good order and that the call will be a blessing for everyone concerned.
Contact your WELS District President and visit wels.net/callrequest for teacher and staff minister call list or assignment requests.
Interested in returning to teaching after time away? Learn more about Call Eligibility.