Forward in Faith

FORWARD IN FAITH

More students. More opportunities.

FORWARD IN FAITH

is a result of extensive research, planning, and prayer. It will propel Lutheran West forward and elevate our school to new heights.

I invite you to join me in making these plans a reality for current students and many generations of students to come.

- CHRIS STEINMANN ‘00 SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

OUR STUDENTS have an impact on...

OUR SCHOOL, which has an impact on...

OUR COMMUNITY, which has an impact on...

OUR WORLD.

A HISTORY AND FUTURE OF GROWTH

THROUGHOUT THE DECADES, LUTHERAN WEST HAS MODERNIZED OUR SPACES AND THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE .

Throughout the 75-year history of the CLHSA and the 65-year history of Lutheran High School West, our community has taken proactive steps to properly position the school to serve the ever-changing educational, experiential, spacial, and technological needs of students.

Lutheran West sees the transition to a 6-12 school as an opportunity to grow and transform Christian education in Northeast Ohio. Lutheran West will offer families the ability to realize a Christ-centered education that includes robust academic, extra-curricular, and arts offerings.

1958

1971

After 10 years at the original Lutheran High School in downtown Cleveland, Lutheran High School West is established in Rocky River.

Lutheran West is expanded with the addition of the “100s” and guidance counselor offices in the library.

1985 The Cleveland Lutheran Educational Endowment Fund (CLEEF) is established.

1988 The Jochum Room and John Katt Music Room are built, allowing more space for the fine arts.

Light the Night enables the construction of a new football stadium named Alumni Field. 2000

2003

Through the Vision Alive! campaign, Science and STEM programs are expanded with the addition of the science wing and an engineering lab. A dedicated art studio is added, along with The Senney Gymnasium, weight room, and locker rooms.

2011

The Unleash the Spirit capital campaign allows for the establishment of The Senney Honors Academy, expansion of the Jochum Room into the 490-seat state-of-the-art Jochum Performing Arts Center, new baseball dugouts, the addition of artificial turf on the baseball diamond and Alumni Field, and refacing of the school building.

2019 The I Believe in West campaign provides for a full renovation to the library, a modern update to the Wittrock Gymnasium, and updates to the main offices, Admissions Center, and Student Life Center.

2022 Lutheran West welcomes its first middle school students on August 22, 2022.

THE OPPORTUNITY

…for students and their families.

Lutheran West students thrive in a unique learning environment that is both educationally excellent and rooted in faith. The physical facility expansion set forth by Forward in Faith will enable Lutheran West to accommodate more students in grades 6-12 while providing them with a wealth of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities — all in spaces that facilitate 21st century learning.

…for Lutheran West.

Throughout the decades, Lutheran West has grown and is currently operating at near capacity. At the same time, the demand for top-notch private middle school and high school education in Northeast Ohio has also grown and changed. In order to excel in today’s competitive private school market, Lutheran West must be attractive to families who have more choices than ever before, who are seeking extensive opportunities for their students, who demand modern and comfortable facilities, and who are both within and outside the traditional Lutheran feeder school system.

…for Christian education.

While the overall enrollment at many Christian schools throughout the country is decreasing, Lutheran West’s enrollment continues to increase. We have a unique and compelling responsibility to transform and grow Christian education in Northeast Ohio, laying the groundwork for Lutheran West to produce young Christian leaders for many decades to come.

Through the planned expansion set forth by Forward in Faith, and with your help, we’ll seize this opportunity that God has bestowed upon Lutheran West.

“THROUGH THE FORWARD IN FAITH EXPANSION, THE OPPORTUNITIES AND UNIQUE PROGRAMS offered at Lutheran West will make the 6th-8th grade experience as robust as possible for optimal preparation for, and success in, our thriving high school curricular and extra-curricular programs.”

- ASHLEY KOZA, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

THE VISION:

PREMIER 6TH - 12TH GRADE EDUCATION FOR 900 STUDENTS

NOW IT’S TIME ONCE AGAIN

to not only adapt, but to excel. It’s time to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Christian education in Northeast Ohio. Lutheran West will propel the student experience forward in faith as we continue into the 21st century.

Lutheran West’s vision is to offer top-notch private 6th-12th grade education to 900 students that intentionally pursues excellence while maintaining a Christ-centered community.

This vision is achieved through:

Middle school in which high school credit can be earned in 8th grade

Advancement of premier programming at the high school level, with marquee programs in athletics, the arts, STEM, and business

Opportunities for academic, athletic, and arts programs for middle school students using high-caliber facilities and resources already in place at Lutheran West Building and renovation projects to accommodate growth and provide modern learning spaces

Enrollment growth to 900 students

TRANSFORMING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR 900 STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE:

Elite curricular areas in which students can focus their educational experience according to their own emerging interests, talents, and goals.

This student experience, unique to Lutheran West, enables graduates to become Christian influencers and leaders in these growing and important fields.

THE FINE ARTS CONSERVATORY

Through enhancement and expansion of existing spaces and programs, students enjoy a fully immersive arts experience.

A focus on visual arts, dance, vocal music, instrumental music, and drama programs develops young people who have collaborative and creative skills to influence our society and culture.

THE SENNEY ENTERPRISES BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY

Students in The Senney Enterprises

Business & Entrepreneurship Academy benefit from thoughtfully developed coursework, real-world business exposure, peer collaboration, and professional resources. Graduates are poised to create their own businesses, study entrepreneurship in college, or enter a variety of business disciplines. They enact change in our society and economy through their approach to business with a mindset of servant leadership.

THROUGH INTENTIONAL INVESTMENT IN QUALITY PROGRAMS

THE STEM ACADEMY

The areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are among the fastest growing and changing fields in our modern world. The goal of Lutheran West’s STEM Academy is to prepare students to enter these fields through the use of state-of-the-art spaces, technology, and equipment for hands-on learning. Through the STEM Academy, the groundwork is laid for graduates to become Christian influencers and leaders in scientific and technological fields.

LONGHORN ATHLETICS

With the addition of grades 6-8 at Lutheran West, middle school students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic programs. Student-athletes entering Lutheran West as sixth graders benefit from building their skills and working with Christian leaders, coaches, and teammates for seven consecutive years. Studentathletes at all grade levels thrive in an athletic culture of positive growth, dedication, perseverence, and servant leadership.

THE SENNEY HONORS ACADEMY

Established in 2011, The Senney Honors Academy is a thriving program at Lutheran West. Senney Honors Academy students are challenged to excel beyond traditional classroom learning through leadership training, enhanced academic coursework, and standardized test preparation. They graduate from Lutheran West prepared for college and beyond. With the addition of middle school, The Senney Honors Academy is being adapted to serve 6th-8th graders with similar programming.

“I BELIEVE IT IS OUR DUTY AS CHRISTIANS to be constantly and prayerfully considering how we can best raise the next generation of Christian leaders for our community and our world. Now is a grace-filled moment of action: Lutheran West is in a position to expand its ministry and serve more students for Christ.”

- WALLY SENNEY ʼ 73 FORWARD IN FAITH CAMPAIGN CHAIR

“GROWING UP IN TODAY’S DIGITAL WORLD makes me grateful that I can learn and grow in a Christian community. Young people may not realize it, but they need Christ-centered education more than ever. I’m so excited that my school is in a position to expand and share the message of God with even more people.”

- ARRYON ESPOSITO ʼ22

ADDITION OF 15 CLASSROOM SPACES TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH IN ENROLLMENT

CAMPUS EXPANSION TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH

TO ACCOMPLISH THE VISION SET FORTH, WE MUST CAPITALIZE ON EXISTING RESOURCES AND SEEK OUT NEW ONES. WE'LL EXPAND AND ENHANCE THE SCHOOL'S PHYSICAL FACILITIES, ALLOWING LUTHERAN WEST TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS WITH MORE OPPORTUNITIES.

CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MUSIC ROOM FOR THE ADDITION OF ORCHESTRA AS WELL AS SPECIALIZED INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL INSTRUCTION

DOUBLING OF ART STUDIO SPACE

TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS TAKING MORE ART COURSES

EXPANSION OF THE SCENE SHOP AND DRESSING ROOM AREAS OF THE JOCHUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

ADDITION OF THREE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE AND STEM LABS FOR EXPANSION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS

STATE-OF-THE-ART VIDEO BROADCASTING & EDITING FACILITY

EXPANSION OF SCHOOL COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

ADDITION OF A STYLIZED FENCE LINE, EXPANDED PARKING LOT, AND LANDSCAPING TO ENHANCE CAMPUS APPEARANCE AND SECURITY

CREATION OF A NEW BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

CONSTRUCTION OF A DEDICATED SPACE FOR THE SENNEY HONORS ACADEMY TO GATHER AND HOLD EVENTS

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

SITE OF FORMER MEDICAL WEST BUILDING (FUTURE SITE OF PROPOSED FIELDHOUSE )

LUTHERAN WEST’S MIDDLE SCHOOL classes are currently held in the existing upstairs academic hallways, with middle school students attending specialty classes (physical education, art, sciences, music) in spaces dedicated to those subject areas. The proposed expansion will create ample space to serve 900 students in grades 6-12, with the “hub” of the middle school located in the new upper level classroom spaces.

- EXTERIOR & GROUNDS ENHANCEMENTS

- NEW CONSTRUCTION

- INTERIOR REPURPOSING

AS PLANNED, FORWARD IN FAITH EXPANSION INCLUDES:

PROPOSED EXPANSION

FORWARD IN FAITH MUST YIELD A $21 MILLION RESULT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BUILDING PLANS:

EXTERIOR & GROUNDS ENHANCEMENTS

- Expansion of the parking lot and creation of a student pickup & dropoff loop

- Updating of campus fence to a decorative iron & stone pillar style

- Construction of new main entrance with gathering space and secure entry

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Additions include:

- More classroom space to accommodate growth in enrollment in grades 6-12

- Elevation of the school building to include a second story over the “100s” classrooms

- New music room for the addition of orchestra as well as for specialized instrumental and vocal music instruction

- State-of-the-art video production and editing facility

- 3 new state-of-the-art STEM labs for expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs

- Dedicated space for meetings and events for The Senney Honors Academy

- Elevator to second story

INTERIOR REPURPOSING

- Double art studio space

- Creation of a new Business & Entrepreneurship Center

- Expansion of the scene shop and dressing room areas of the Jochum Performing Arts Center

- Expanded School Counseling and Student Services Center

FUTURE EXPANSION

UPON COMPLETION OF PRIMARY CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES, the Lutheran West campus master plan includes a large-scale fieldhouse with potential natatorium on the former site of the Medical West Building. This future expansion will require an additional funding effort.

MISSION & VISION: INTO THE FUTURE

CONTINUED ENDOWMENT GROWTH

The Cleveland Lutheran Educational Endowment Fund, commonly referred to as CLEEF, was established in 1985 with the mission to further the educational program of the CLHSA, largely through annual endowment distributions to the schools’ operating budgets.

Funded through planned gifts (bequests and estate gifts made through wills and trusts), CLEEF has been and will continue to be essential to the ongoing funding of school operations and student experiences.

Since its inception, CLEEF has provided over $6.5 million in additional income necessary to meet the day-to-day costs associated with running our schools.

As the student body and programmatic offerings expand, operating costs will also increase. In order to sustain Lutheran West’s anticipated expansion, a focus must be placed upon growing our endowment. The Forward in Faith campaign includes raising $2.5 million in deferred gifts to ensure that high-quality Christian education is attainable for many generations to come.

to educate for the 21st century

to transform students’ experiences BUILDING EXTERIOR, GROUNDS, AND PARKING

WHAT IT TAKES $21 MILLION

to build the facilities to serve 900 students

[ $2 MILLION ]

WHY NOW?

Lutheran West is in a strong and exciting positiona position that will allow the vision of Forward in Faith to become a reality. In the history of our school, we have never had more:

STUDENTS

FINANCIAL STABILITY

ENDOWMENT & PLANNED GIFTS

PROPERTY

STRENGTH IN OUR ALUMNI BASE