Inspiring the next generation of classical thinkers. Immanuel Lutheran School is a classical Christian academy serving students and families from throughout the Northern Virginia and DC metro area for nearly 80 years at our campus on Russell Road in Alexandria.
Wisdom, eloquence and virtue these are the aims of a classical education. The patriarchs of western civilization understood that education was more than the acquisition of basic skills and mere competency. The purpose of education was to transform, to elevate, and to refine the mind and the soul. This was the standard, not the exception. At the center of classical education is an emphasis on the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Because these universal values serve as the building blocks of classical learning, the classical arts are timeless and proven, and have been known to produce many eloquent confessors and wise leaders.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 209 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,024
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Average class size: 21 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 19 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Immanuel Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1870
Student Body
Total Students
209 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
25%
Average Class Size
21 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform information available upon request
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 19 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,024
Tuition Notes
Discounts for: Military, Multi-student, Church membership
Jr. Kindergarten program (ages 4 and 5) tuition ($8058)
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
38%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Whitney Work
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
House System, Latin Club, Math Club, MathCounts Team, Patrols, Student Ambassador Program, tutoring
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, handbells, Piano Lessons, Talent Show, Voice Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
physical education
House System, Latin Club, Math Club, MathCounts Team, Patrols, Student Ambassador Program, tutoring
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, handbells, Piano Lessons, Talent Show, Voice Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
physical education
School Notes
- A classical school has many distinctives that set it apart from the average classroom experience. There is emphasis on the liberal arts, the development of language and the knowledge of culture. By engaging students in a "conversation" with the past, classical education familiarizes them with the developments and culture of Western Civilization. Through this process, students become well-versed in the great works of literature, music, and art as well as in science and math.
- Most of the material used at Immanuel is advanced by at least one grade level. Our accelerated curriculum not only gives students a jump start on developing crucial cognitive and analytical skills, but also challenges them to expect more of themselves in school, as well as in life. Formal studies in Latin begin in the 3rd grade, and by the 7th grade, our students are using the same curriculum used to teach college Latin.
- Our curriculum also strives to nurture the body and soul. All classes are taught through the lens of the Biblical Worldview. The memorization and recitation of Bible verses, the Lord`s Prayer, hymns, the Apostles` Creed, and sections of Luther`s Small Catechism are all part of the daily classroom regimen. The Physical Education program stresses the wellness of the body to support an active mind.
- At Immanuel, we believe there should be cohesion and correlation between the material taught from grade to grade. Our curriculum is designed to build upon the material taught in the years before. This way, the student is building upon their understanding of the subject matter, rather than storing loads of unconnected facts. From neatness in penmanship to courtesy in the classroom, we hold our students to the highest standards in all areas, and place great emphasis on Christian character formation, as well as the importance of being good citizens.
- Lower School students at ILS happily absorb, memorize, recite, and write the basic facts and rules on which the rest of their student vocations build. In the Grammar stage, our classrooms are abuzz with the recitation of scripture and catechism, studious chanting of Math and Grammar rules, and expressive reading of great Literature.
- In addition to academics, the students practice the School Standards of Truth, Love, Honor, Faithfulness and Excellence from the foundation of each, enabling them to see and do the most basic tasks of academia and virtue. From Jr. Kindergarten on up, ILS Lower School students learn and discuss how they are each simul iustus et Peccator, sinner and Saint, inherently flawed but forgiven and loved by God. They are also taught from their first year how they have a responsibility to serve God and love others.
- Lower School classrooms are filled with joyful chants and songs, bright with the work and wonder of our students. We rejoice in the curiosity of our students` minds and the love they express to their families, their teachers, and one another. Join us for a story or a Grammar Jingle to see what a day in the life of the Lower School includes.
- Our philosophy embraces a truly classical liberal arts approach, full of reading, writing, and discussion. Our students study the Socratic model of learning as they prepare for and enter the dialectic stage of their development. This trains our students in speaking, thinking, and writing so that they can become expressive, clear, and organized.
- By studying subjects increasingly unique to modern students-such as Latin, logic, and the scope of world history-Upper School students at ILS are taught to look beyond themselves, their own times, and their own culture. Yet knowledge of facts is not enough. A fully formed person will have wisdom and charity in addition to knowledge. Our school seeks to support parents in guiding the student on this path to virtue.
- Most importantly, the Word of God is a constant presence in our school; as a regular and daily feature of the life of the school, prayer, worship, and the proclamation of the Gospel will frame classroom instruction and discussion. Our prayer is that each and every one of our students lives out their various vocations, with love and service to their neighbor, in response to the love and mercy God shows each of us.
- Our days are busy and full of learning, whether that is intellectual, spiritual, emotional and social, or physical. You are invited to come visit with us! Observe classes, talk to our students, and ask questions of our teachers.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Immanuel Lutheran School cost?
Immanuel Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $14,024 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Immanuel Lutheran School?
The acceptance rate of Immanuel Lutheran School is 38%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Immanuel Lutheran School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Virginia with low acceptance rates.
What is Immanuel Lutheran School's ranking?
Immanuel Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Immanuel Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Immanuel Lutheran School is Jan. 19 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 19 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Immanuel Lutheran School located?
Immanuel Lutheran School is located in the Potomac West neighborhood of Alexandria, VA. There are 4 other private schools located in Potomac West.
School Reviews
5 7/7/2022
The best private school in the area. It provides the best classical, Christ-centered education in Virginia and employs loving teachers and great administrators.
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