Dear Friends of Mayer Lutheran High School,
Warm greetings in Christ to you as we head towards Spring!
Schools like ours are often referred to as “private” schools. While I know what people mean in using this reference, it is a poor choice of words. Mayer Lutheran High School is not a “private” school. Of the six uses of the adjective in Webster’s Online Dictionary of the English Language, none of them adequately describe our school. Consider definition 1.a. intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class.
While we are a school that unquestionably grounds our purpose and mission in God’s Word, we do not restrict enrollment to particular person, group or class.
A quick look at our enrollment and you will see kids from a wide variety of backgrounds. One of the most popular barbs thrown at schools like ours is that we are only for rich kids. Tell that to the ten percent of our families who qualify for free and reduced lunch or the majority of our students who receive financial aid. One of the great miracles that unfolds before our eyes each year is the many families who, on paper could never afford a Mayer Lutheran education, are actually able to do so! (Thank God for the many generous miracle-makers who provide support to make it happen!)
Mayer Lutheran is a truly American school. We are independent. We are free to teach with no limitations. We provide opportunity and hope. We believe all students, no matter what sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or economic background should enroll at our school and have a chance to put into practice the skills and hard work that make one a success in a nation which has rewarded such behavior for 225 years. Entrance exams are not given at Mayer Lutheran. Yet, high-performing, academically-driven scholars and others who struggle with traditional learning consistently lead all schools in our area in ACT scores. (Thank you teachers who somehow make it possible for all kids to learn at high levels!)
Make no mistake—as a school that prepares leaders to serve the community, nation, and world with the highest skill, integrity, character, and Christian love, Mayer Lutheran is truly a public school. The public benefits from the work we do in ways many may not even know. In addition to the 3,600 graduates who improve lives with their servant hearts and moral backbone, Mayer Lutheran serves the public in more tangible ways.
In a typical year, our school brings more than fifty-thousand guests into the hamlet of Mayer, MN, providing a nice boost to the local economy. Speaking of economics, our school budget alone pumps almost three-million dollars a year into western Carver County, supporting local businesses and our employees who purchase homes and pay taxes. Our campus provides ample space for neighbors to exercise, play, walk their dogs, you name it. Cultural activities like concerts, art shows, and plays, always encourage the public to attend. And, who can forget the mighty Crusader athletic teams? I’m repeatedly told that most people know of Mayer, MN because of Mayer Lutheran High School sports.
I could go on with how our school helped every driver on State Highway 25 be a little safer by paying a fair share to build a roundabout or how we provide support for many local charities to help them do the essential work that improves the quality of life for all of us. I could share how Mayer Lutheran students keep roads cleaned, parks maintained, and trails pristine. Our mission to prepare Christian leaders absolutely makes us a public school—one that serves our neighbors, wherever they live, now and for eternity!
Gratefully Serving the Public for Jesus,
Joel Landskroener