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 NLSA
is a process to help Lutheran schools evaluate their academic
quality and spiritual dimension of the school (LCMS School Ministry,
2024). It is a voluntary process that puts the school through a
rigorous process of examining the great things happening in the
school as well as areas of improvement.
The major focus of the accreditation process is a Self-Study report
in which the school reviews every aspect of its make-up: Purpose,
Relationships, Leadership, Professional Personnel, Teaching and
Learning, Student Services, and Facilities. Each one of these
categories gets a thorough review from a sub-committee made up of
teachers, administration, parents, church members, members of the
local community, and, in some cases, students. The Self-Study report
takes approximately 9-10 months to complete.
Upon completion of the Self-Study report, a site visit team is
chosen to validate the material provided in the report. This team
will consist of retired administrators and teachers, current
administrators and teachers, local education personnel, and others.
The team will conduct a site visit of about 3 days reviewing and
providing a recommendation on whether or not the school should be
accredited. If the team recommends accreditation, Zion will have
achieved something only 14% of the Lutheran schools in Central
Illinois have accomplished.
The entire process will take approximately 12 months,
but it will be well worth it, according to the principal of Zion,
Dr. Steve Parry. “National Lutheran Schools Accreditation will help
ensure Zion is providing the best Christ-centered education
experience it can to our students and families.” Dr. Parry looks
forward to beginning the Self-Study process and hopes to be
scheduling a site visit in the next school year.
Dr. Steve Parry, Principal Zion Lutheran School - Lincoln
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