Frequently Asked Questions . . .

Where is Emanuel Lutheran School located?
In the Village of Patchogue, NY, at 179 E. Main St., 1/2 mile west of Route 112.

What grade levels does Emanuel Lutheran School have?
3 & 4 year old Preschool (full & half day), full day Kindergarten, and 1st through 8th grade.

What is the history of the Emanuel Lutheran School?
Emanuel Lutheran School is one of more than 2500 Lutheran elementary schools in the nation. We have been in existence for over 45 years. We began in 1957 as a Kindergarten and first grade with 17 students and one teacher and now operate with a student population of 200 and a staff of 35. We are accredited by the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and are evaluated on an annual basis by the Patchogue-Medford School District which is authorized by New York State. We are also a part of the Lutheran Schools Association of Metropolitan New York (LSA). Four of our teachers have been honored by the LSA as Teacher of the Year and our past principal has been honored as Administrator of the Year.

Why do you exist?
Emanuel Lutheran Church established a Christian Day School to provide for the integration of religion with general education, to nurture a child with a foundation for a worthwhile temporal life, to help the child envision the blessings of eternal life and to prepare the child for a dedicated life to the Lord through an active relationship with Him.

Whom do you serve?
Those families and students who find they desire and are interested in a Christian education. Geographically, we draw from approximately 15 different school districts from Central Islip north to Rocky Point, east to Center Moriches.

What is the age cut-off for Kindergarten students?
Children must be 5 years old by December 31st.

Do you offer any help for working parents?
Our students can participate in our after-school program which begins immediately at the close of school and runs until 6:00PM. Our before school care opens at 7:00AM. There is a $5.50 per hour per student charge for the program. The children participate in an organized study time, snack time, and recreation time supervised by the teacher on duty. We also offer a summer care program beginning the end of June and running to the end of August. This program is available from 7:30AM until 6:00PM. And, we offer a full day preschool Summer program for children who turn 3 by December 31st

What educational programs does Emanuel Lutheran School offer?
We teach all of the subjects that public schools teach. We use many of the same textbooks, and follow the same course of study. We do offer some "extras" such as daily religion class, Spanish class, computer class, and a remedial program for students that qualify. We find that our curriculum meets or exceeds the New York State standards. We offer a gifted and talented program for students in grades 3 through 8 that qualify.

How do students get to Emanuel Lutheran School?
Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade receive transportation from their public school districts. These transportation requests should be in by April 1st.

Do I have to buy textbooks?
No. Your public school district is obligated to provide students in their district with textbooks. All you need to do is fill out a request. Just as with transportation, these forms should be in by April 1st.

Does Emanuel Lutheran offer any extra-curricular activities?
Yes, 4th, through 8th graders may participate in choir; 5th through 8th graders may participate in soccer, basketball, cheerleading, softball and Handbells. During the school day we offer band instruction for grades 3 through 8, and various programs throughout the year such as a swimming program at the local YMCA for grades K through 3. There is an after-school Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scout troop, Cub Scout pack, and bowling available for students in grades K through 3.

Do all of your students come from a Lutheran background?
No. We are a Lutheran school, however, most of our students come from various Christian backgrounds. One of the special things about Emanuel is the opportunity for children to share their beliefs about God with each other in a non-judgmental way. We stress the importance of a relation ship with God, and that relationship can be carried out through participation in the child's own church.

What unique learning opportunities do you offer?
Our fifth through 8th graders travel to upstate New York for an outdoor educational experience. This gives the children the opportunity to discover God's wonderful creation through a hands-on experience. We offer many field trips that correspond to classroom learning. The 5th through 8th grade travels each spring for three days. As mentioned above, we offer a swimming program in May as part of our physical education class for that month.

What is the average class size?
Classes average between 14 and 25 students depending on the grade. We will only accept a maximum of 25 students per grade. The Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes have a teacher's assistant working with them.

Is there a discount for siblings attending Emanuel Lutheran?
Yes, presently there is a 40% reduction for the second child, a 60% reduction for the third and an 80% reduction for the fourth and subsequent child.

How often is religion taught?
Religion is taught formally 5 days a week. Informally, it is incorporated into the curriculum as the opportunity arises.

Do you have a special Chapel service?
Yes. Every Wednesday morning the Kindergarten through 8th grader worships in the Church with the service being led by one of our pastors, the principal, our teachers, and even the classes. We occasionally have some special presentations such as missionaries or choir groups.

What is the discipline policy at Emanuel Lutheran School?
Discipline is consistent with Scripture, not administered in anger or retribution, but in love. It is administered to guide the child toward the achievement of behavior which will make him or her the type of person who grows in grace with God and man. Our expectations are high, and we students choose to meet those expectations more often than not.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, we have a school uniform policy for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Contact the school office for more information and prices.

How do I apply?
For more information about our school, the application process, or to schedule an interview or a personal visit, please contact us any weekday between 8:00AM and 4:00PM.