The history of Lutheran Special School and Education Services is a story of commitment to the educational needs of special children.
1958 A small group of concerned parents and individuals start a classroom for three mentally retarded students. It is operated by the Federation of Lutheran Churches and occupied whatever empty space was available in metro area Milwaukee Lutheran elementary schools.
1971 The school was located at Concordia College and 12 students were enrolled.
1973 The Federation of Lutheran Churches could no longer financially support the school. Concordia College stepped in and sustained the program.
1976-1978 Concordia College continued to operate the classroom for 12 students with varying disabilities. Approximately 60 college students served each year in the classroom as part of their Introduction to Psychology class.
1982 The school moved with Concordia College to Mequon, Wisconsin.
1985 In the Fall, the Superintendent of Lutheran Schools formed a task force to evaluate the need for special education services in greater Milwaukee. The task force submitted a proposal that requested funds and support to establish an independent program. The request was granted.
1986 Lutheran Special School opened its doors as an independent school serving 12 students in a classroom at Milwaukee Lutheran High School (MLHS).
1987 A half-time teacher and teacher consultant were added to meet needs realized during the first year Lutheran Special School was located at MLHS.
1988-1989 The part-time position added the previous year became full-time. The teacher consultant program was expanded to the elementary school level. A resource room program was created in response to increased requests to place students in the self-contained classroom.
1990 A second full-time classroom was added at MLHS.
1993-1994 A full-time supportive consultant was hired to work with Lutheran Schools providing inclusive educational services.
1996-1997 An in service program was established, with help from Cardinal Stritch University, to instruct teachers working with children with learning disabilities.
1998-1999 School Choice participation began with nine students eligible to participate in the program. An in service was offered to parents of children with learning disabilities in the Milwaukee area.
1999-2000 A School to Work program began at Milwaukee Lutheran High School to help prepare special needs students for the job market after high school.
2000-2001 An additional part-time Teacher Consultant was hired due to increased demand in services.
2001-2002 A speech and language therapist was hired and a continuing education program on differentiated instruction was developed.
2002 Established an endowment fund to help sustain the programs and services of LSSES.