First Lutheran School is a private Christian elementary school serving families in La Crosse and the surrounding area, guided by Biblical teachings and supported by First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The school provides faith-focused education for early childhood through 8th grade, helping children grow spiritually, academically, socially, and morally in a Christ-centered environment.
First Lutheran School has a longstanding history of Christian education, first organized in 1859 with the mission to nurture students in their relationship with Jesus and equip them for lives of Christian service.
The curriculum integrates Biblical truth into daily learning, emphasizing that Christ is the foundation of wisdom, knowledge, and character formation.
Dedicated faculty and staff aim to partner with families in guiding each child to know, love, and live for their Savior, valuing personal spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
Students are encouraged to engage in worship, prayer, and Christian fellowship, fostering a loving community that reflects the grace and compassion of Christ.
The school's programs strive to develop confident, compassionate, and capable learners who are prepared for the next stages of schooling and a life lived for Christ.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked WI School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 159 students
- Yearly Tuition: $3,500
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
First Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1859
Campus Size
4 acres
Student Body
Total Students
159 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 35%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Average Class Size
17 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
non-offensive, neat, clean clothing
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Member Tuition - $1,700
Non-Member Tuition- $3,500
Admissions Director
Steven Strong
Admissions Associate
Emily Niemi
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Academic Competitions
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts and CraftsChoirs
Instrumental Music LessonsPiano Lessons
Strings ProgramVocal Lessons
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does First Lutheran School cost?
First Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $3,500 for private students.
What sports does First Lutheran School offer?
First Lutheran School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is First Lutheran School's ranking?
First Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for First Lutheran School?
The application deadline for First Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is First Lutheran School located?
First Lutheran School is located in the Washburn neighborhood of La Crosse, WI. There are 2 other private schools located in Washburn.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed First Lutheran School also viewed these schools: Immanuel Lutheran School, Family And Children Centers Alternative Education, Mt. Calvary-grace Lutheran School, Providence Academy and St. Pauls Lutheran School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to First Lutheran School is Family And Children Centers Alternative Education (0.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Aquinas Catholic Schools (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Immanuel Lutheran School
(Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
806 Saint Paul St
La Crosse, WI 54603
(608) 784-5712
La Crosse, WI 54603
(608) 784-5712
1.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 75 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Family And Children Centers Alternative Education
Special Education School
1707 Main St
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-0001
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-0001
0.3 miles
Gr: K-12 | 38 students
Mt. Calvary-grace Lutheran School
(Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
1614 Park Ave
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-8223
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-8223
1.4 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 73 students
716 Windsor St
La Crosse, WI 54603
(608) 784-6167
La Crosse, WI 54603
(608) 784-6167
1.8 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 106 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
1201 Main Street
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 783-4822
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 783-4822
4.7 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 224 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5
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