St. Matthew Lutheran
Accredited in Faith: Reflecting on Our NLSA Visit

Mr. Dan Burk • Principal
April 1, 2026

3 Minute Read

We are excited to share an update on our recent accreditation visit through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) process—an important milestone for St. Matthew Lutheran School.


NLSA is a rigorous process designed to ensure that Lutheran schools are faithfully carrying out their mission while providing high-quality education. It is built around two key components. First, schools complete extensive Written Documentation, reflecting deeply on all areas of ministry—mission and identity, teaching and learning, leadership, finances, and operations. This self-study helps a school evaluate its strengths and identify areas for growth.


The second component is the Validation Team Visit, where a team of trained educators and administrators spends time on-site. They observe classrooms, meet with teachers, students, parents, and leaders, and review documentation to affirm the work being done and provide guidance for the future.


During their time with us, the Validation Team shared an encouraging overall message:


“The Christ-centered atmosphere is very evident at St. Matthew. The teachers and administrators demonstrate Christ’s love to their students and to each other. Families are enthusiastic about the school and the education their students receive. St. Matthew is blessed to have supportive leaders and a supportive Church.”


In addition, the team highlighted several outstanding strengths of our school:


Family Enthusiasm – Our families are deeply invested in St. Matthew. Their support, encouragement, and partnership in Christian education create a strong foundation for everything we do.

Student Interactions – The team consistently observed students treating one another with kindness, respect, and joy. These Christ-like interactions reflect both our teaching and the culture of our school.

Church and School Relationships – St. Matthew is truly a unified ministry. The close connection between church and school strengthens both, creating a shared mission of raising up disciples of Jesus.

Classroom Dynamics – Our classrooms are engaging, structured, and supportive environments where students are encouraged to grow academically and spiritually. Teachers are intentional in meeting students where they are and helping them succeed.

Christ-Centered Atmosphere and Leadership – Above all, the team recognized that Christ is at the center of everything we do. From leadership to daily interactions, there is a clear commitment to living out the Gospel in both word and action.


Beyond celebrating these strengths, the NLSA process also plays a critical role in shaping our future. This journey helps us develop a School Action Plan for the next five years. Through our self-study, we identified several key areas where we want to grow and improve, and the Validation Team also provided additional recommendations to strengthen our ministry even further. This ensures that we are not only maintaining excellence, but continually striving to better serve our students, families, and community.


Based on their findings, the Validation Team has recommended St. Matthew Lutheran School for Accreditation in Good Standing—a tremendous affirmation of the work happening here each day.


We will not receive official confirmation until the end of June, and a full report will be shared at an upcoming Congregational Meeting.


We thank God for this opportunity, for our dedicated teachers and staff, for our supportive families, and for our church community. Most of all, we give thanks that everything we do is rooted in Christ, who continues to guide and bless St. Matthew now and into the future.

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