Educating the Whole Child: Mind
At Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School, education is about more than what happens in a single classroom or course. As a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school, LuHi is committed to educating young people in body, mind, and spirit.
The “mind” portion of that mission begins with a challenging and engaging academic program that recognizes students as individuals. From grades 6 through 12, LuHi provides students with the foundation, opportunities, and support they need to grow as learners and prepare for college and beyond.
Small Classes
At LuHi, students are known, both in and out of the classroom. With an average class size of 16–18 students, teachers are able to build meaningful relationships with their students, provide individualized support, and create classrooms where students are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and take intellectual risks.
LuHi’s block schedule also allows for extended class periods, giving students and teachers time to explore course content more deeply and engage in hands-on, collaborative, and project-based learning.
Building a Strong Foundation
Beginning in 6th grade and continuing throughout middle school, core academic courses focus on building the knowledge and skills students will need as they transition into increasingly challenging coursework.
Courses are intentionally designed with the progression of skills in mind. Students develop as writers, readers, researchers, problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators, building upon those skills from one grade level to the next.
Authentic Skill Development
Academic preparation extends beyond mastering content. Throughout the LuHi experience, students develop the communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will serve them in college, their careers, and their lives.
STEM courses and hands-on learning experiences provide opportunities for students to apply these skills in meaningful ways. Students are challenged not simply to know information, but to use what they know to explore questions, solve problems, create, and innovate.
Personalized Academic Pathways
LuHi recognizes that students have different strengths, interests, and academic goals. Rather than placing students on a single academic “track,” high school students may take courses at different levels across different subject areas, including college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement.
A student may, for example, pursue an honors-level course in one subject while taking a college-preparatory or Advanced Placement course in another. School counselors work closely with students and families to develop schedules that provide an appropriate level of challenge while supporting each student’s overall success.
Advanced Placement
LuHi offers a robust Advanced Placement program, providing students with opportunities to pursue college-level coursework while still in high school. Students also have the opportunity to participate in AP Capstone, an interdisciplinary program designed to strengthen research, analysis, collaboration, presentation, and academic writing skills.
School counselors help students thoughtfully plan their AP coursework based on their individual strengths, interests, and goals.
Elective Opportunities
Elective courses give students another way to personalize their LuHi experience. Offerings are continually evaluated and developed based on student interests, emerging fields, real-world applications, and faculty expertise.
Across disciplines, students have opportunities to explore subjects beyond their core academic requirements, discover new interests, and dig more deeply into areas they may wish to pursue in college or as a career.
Student Leadership
Learning also happens when students are given opportunities to lead. LuHi students can explore areas of interest through leadership opportunities throughout the school community, including serving as teaching assistants, participating in student organizations, and contributing their ideas to programs and initiatives.
These experiences allow students to take greater ownership of their education while developing confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills.
Graduation Requirements
LuHi’s graduation requirements are intentionally designed to prepare students for the expectations of college and beyond. A strong foundation in core academic subjects is complemented by opportunities to pursue electives and areas of particular interest.
The goal is not simply for students to meet graduation requirements, but to leave LuHi prepared to take their next steps with confidence, curiosity, and a growing sense of purpose.
LuHi’s School Counseling Office supports students throughout their journey with a comprehensive college preparation process, helping students explore their interests, identify best-fit colleges, and confidently navigate the path from high school to what comes next. Learn more about LuHi’s college counseling here.
Measuring Growth
External assessments provide one of several tools LuHi uses to evaluate student growth and the effectiveness of the academic program. Assessment data, classroom performance, and other measures help faculty and school leaders identify opportunities to support individual students while continually strengthening curriculum and instruction.
What’s to Come?
LuHi’s commitment to engaging education continues through Shine On, the school’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
Building upon the progress of LuHi’s previous strategic plan, Shine On looks toward the future through a three-horizon approach. Priorities include strengthening LuHi’s identity and educational experience, creating meaningful ways to measure student growth and program effectiveness, expanding innovative opportunities and pathways, and continuing to develop a life-preparatory model of education rooted in relationships and spiritual formation.
As education continues to evolve, LuHi remains committed to thoughtfully evaluating how students learn and what they will need for the future — while remaining grounded in the mission that has guided the school for generations: educating young people in body, mind, and spirit.
See for Yourself!
Schedule a tour, and see first-hand why families choose LuHi.
