Our History

As the city of Chicago stretched farther and farther to the north, west, and south strong Lutheran churches grew on the far south side of the city. Lutheran parents began to hope for a Lutheran high school which could serve more students from the neighborhoods of south Chicagoland. In 1949, the campaign for a new high school got under way with every member visits among many supportive Lutheran churches.

The Beginning

A 22-acre plot of land which was a part of the Sievers farm was obtained. The land was located at 87th Street and Kedzie Avenue on a southwest corner of Chicago, bordering on the suburb of Evergreen Park. The location was so far removed by bus transportation from the main population centers that people wondered about the wisdom of purchasing this particular property, but in the middle of the prairie a sign soon appeared which read, "Future Home of Lutheran High School."

The campaign was successful, and the cornerstone was laid in a service of praise at this site on Sunday, April 29, 1951. The plan was to begin school with freshman and sophomore classes in September 1951, but it was evident that the building would not be ready for occupation for quite some time. It was at this time that two congregations, St. Stephen's at 65th Street and Peoria Avenue and Our Redeemer at 64th and Harvard Avenue saved the day by offering their parish halls as alternative sites.

Sixty sophomore students, called St. Stephen's their school home while ninety freshmen filled all available areas including the church pews and kitchen at Our Redeemer. Teachers walked or drove back and forth during the school day, and freshmen walked about a mile to St. Stephen's at the end of the school day for basketball and cheerleading practice.

A School was Born

As winter wore on the finishing touches were put on the new school, and students and faculty assembled at the new facility for classes on March 11, 1952. The original structure housed nine classrooms and offices on the first floor of the main structure and two classrooms, two laboratories, a typing room, cafeteria, and kitchen on the second floor. The west wing with its concrete floor and ten-foot ceiling served for gym classes.

On June 8, 1952 the building was dedicated as 2500 men, women, and children filled the bleachers.
Within three years the first class has graduated from Luther High School South and the anticipated enrollment for the fall of 1954 necessitated more changes. The west wind was filled in with three of the four present-day laboratories, and the former laboratories, cafeteria, and kitchen on the second floor were converted to classrooms. During the 1954-55 school year plans were drawn up for a major addition to the building, and the summer of 1955 brought frantic work as the new building took shape. This addition approximately doubled the size of the school, providing a gymnasium, library, prayer chapel, and additional office and classroom space.

Academic Excellence

Luther High School South has always been recognized for its academic excellence. In 1954 successful application was made for membership in the North Central Association. The school has enjoyed uninterrupted accreditation since that time. In 1984, Luther South was one of 60 private and parochial high schools in the United States to be recognized as a National Exemplary School. Again in 1990 the school was honored as a finalist in this competition. Another achievement of Luther South received is the Christus Award for National Excellence in Christian Education for the 2001-2002 school year.

Spreading our Ministry to the Community

In 1990 a Junior High School (seventh and eighth grade)was added to its program. The extra outreach is in response to the closure of several south side Lutheran elementary schools and to the desire of several Lutheran day schools to concentrate on the lower and middle grades while they expand their early childhood ministries. In the Fall of 2005, the Junior High will be adding a sixth grade to its roster.

Through the Grace of God

Throughout its 50 years of ministry to youth, the mission of Luther High School South is twofold: to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to every student and to provide and best possible academic education. By teaching and modeling the Christian faith and life we seek to prepare young men and women for positions of Christian leadership and service. We thank God for His past blessings, and we rely on His continued guidance and blessing on His work for His people.