History

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In 1983, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church established its school to meet the needs of children age 3 and 4. Sessions for children age 2 were added in 1989 and, in 1994 the school expanded to include kindergarten. A gradual expansion into the elementary grades was begun in 1999 with the addition of grades 1 through 3. In June, 2001 the members of the congregation approved continued expansion of the school through grade eight. In June 2006, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran School held its first graduation ceremony.
This church and school are members of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod that operates the largest protestant school system in the United States. The church operates several thousand early childhood centers, over one thousand elementary schools, about one hundred high schools, ten universities and two seminaries.

Purpose and Goals

Early Childhood Department Mission/Purpose
To offer to families a program, based on the Good News of Christ’s love and facilitated through developmentally appropriate learning experiences. We will maintain a Christian environment that will support the young child’s spiritual, emotional, physical, social and intellectual growth
And nurture:
Spiritually Developing Christians
Self Directed and Enthusiastic Learners
Problem Solvers
Clear and Creative Thinkers
Church and Community Contributors
Effective Communicators

Elementary Grades Department Mission/Purpose
To assist families in the education of their children by providing a Christ-centered quality education for the child’s mind, body and soul; in order that they become lifelong followers of Christ.

We Believe
…that our school is a ministry to families centered in the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior.
…parents are the primary educators and we are not to replace, but support and extend their teaching role.
…children learn best in an environment rich in Christian nurture; a place where each child is respected for their uniqueness and their need for a Savior.
…that the young child is a precious gift of God and gains understanding about God’s world by playing, experimenting and exploring. Matt.19:14
…children are willing learners who reach their fullest potential when they are actively involved in learning.
…we share a commission with the parents in our community and church to train children so that they may live the

Goals
Our Curriculum is especially designed for children of this community. It is designed to meet or exceed Arizona State Standards and meet the individual needs of our students... Therefore, although specific goals and objectives may differ for each child, our program provides the following:
… A broadening of the child’s aptitude for future schoolwork by providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences at all levels that will be personally rewarding to the child.
… Modeling and guidance to assist the child to become a responsible community member, respectful of the needs of others and responsible for their own actions.
… A high quality academic program, exceeding standards in an environment of Christian love.
…Spiritual nurture: by growing and learning in an environment where the Love of Christ is both modeled and taught. Both planned and spontaneous experiences include Biblical truth and life application.

A Lutheran School is…
As a Lutheran School, Shepherd of the Desert teaches Martin Luther's three “solas”: faith alone, grace alone, and scripture alone. Lutheran schools subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions, teach the Scriptural doctrine that salvation is not by works; it is a gift of God's grace through faith, ¬and see the Bible as the only authoritative norm of doctrine, knowledge, and life.
Accreditation
Shepherd of the Desert Early Childhood Department is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Childcare Licensure, 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3244. Phone: 602/364-2539.

All inspection reports are available for review in the school office or at the Office of Childcare licensure.

Accreditation is granted when nationally recognized Criteria for High Quality Programs have been met. An extensive self-study and validation visits are required.

Shepherd of the Desert Preschool and Kindergarten is accredited by:

The Early Childhood Accreditation Commission of the
Pacific Southwest District, Lutheran Church Missouri
Synod. Since 9/96

The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators. Since July 1989.

National Lutheran School Accreditation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, St Louis, MO.

The Elementary Grades Department is accredited by:

National Lutheran School Accreditation. 8/05