Lutheran Special School & Education Services (LSSES)

Sixty years ago, LSSES was established by a small group of concerned Lutheran parents who wanted better options for their children with special needs. Today LSSES is a proven leader in providing quality Christian special education throughout southeastern Wisconsin to over 300 children annually. LSSES began as one classroom serving 12 students, being owned and operated by the then Concordia College. In 1986, it became an independent Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. In May 2017, LSSES purchased a building in Hales Corners, where the administrative offices and stand-alone classrooms are now located. This is the first time we have ever had a facility of our very own.

Beginning the new school year in LSSES new facility they have more than doubled their size. They now operate four elementary stand-alone classrooms, a high school program, a resource room program in Milwaukee, teacher consultant services, art therapy, and teacher resources and workshops.

Changing the Life of a Student

Students in our programs come from a variety of educational settings throughout the area (Lutheran, Catholic, public, charter, etc.) and seek our services for a variety of reasons: finding that their current school can’t serve their needs, desiring value-based education, failing classes or being asked to leave their current school, or just needing a change. They have a variety of learning challenges that hinder their success, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabled (LD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), autism, and variety of emotional issues. We consider LSSES to be more of a “specialty” school which offers a curriculum that addresses the whole child – academically, socially, and spiritually – meeting each child where they are in life. As a Christian organization we provide an opportunity for lives to be touched by the Holy Spirit through daily devotions, religion classes, and personal witness. LSSES makes a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve not just for today and tomorrow, but for eternity!

Our classroom theme for the 2018-19 school year is “Soar like eagles” in reference to Isaiah 40:31 where we are encouraged to find our strength through Christ. We want our children to be able to rise above their weaknesses and disabilities and let their hope in Christ be the wind beneath their wings. Our faculty and staff can offer this hope to our students every day. Having a new facility allows us to share this hope with so many more kids and families!

LSSES has a wish list of items the new facility needs to operate as a school. If you wish to donate, please contact Dianna Bonfield at dianna@lutheranchurchcharities.org  or call 847-287-6624 to find out what is needed.

View Wishlist