Westlake Lutheran Academy is expanding its educational offerings with a new high school program opening for the 2025-26 school year.

The inaugural freshman class will set the tone for a unique high school experience. Head of School Stacey Walter said the school will start with just a freshman class and add on each year, giving this first group of students a unique opportunity.

“For this freshman class that will be the trailblazers, we are looking to add in a lot of leadership opportunities,” Walter said. “No other class will get to be the top class or the leaders of a school for five years in a row.”

The school plans to host monthly guest speakers from various fields, giving students insights into entrepreneurship, engineering and other career paths. Weekly student-led chapel services further cultivate public speaking and leadership skills, reinforcing the academy’s mission to prepare students “for today, tomorrow and eternity.”

The academy’s high school curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach with four additional credit requirements compared to public schools. Students can pursue endorsements in STEM—or science, technology, engineering and math—and participate in distinctive programs such as DNA fingerprinting and advanced labs, providing hands-on experiences often reserved for college-level courses.

Small class sizes will ensure tailored instruction and meaningful teacher-student relationships.

“In a smaller environment, students get the chance to try everything—sports, choir, band, theater and more—without the competitive cuts seen in larger schools,” Walter said.

Westlake Lutheran Academy’s commitment to fostering a tight-knit community sets it apart. Families and staff share strong bonds, creating a supportive environment where values and relationships flourish.

“Parents know the other families their children are around, providing a sense of security that’s rare in larger schools,” Chief Advancement Officer Bret Walter said.

The academy’s 42-acre campus also allows for significant growth. Plans for new facilities include a robotics lab and dance room, positioning the high school to compete in robotics and expand its extracurricular offerings.

The high school program responds to overwhelming parent feedback.

"It's a response to the feedback we've gotten from parents who say, ‘We want to be able to be at this school all the way through,’” Bret Walter said. “People who are happy here want to stay so that their younger kids can go here too. We're really excited to provide that for families.”

As the launch approaches, the academy’s focus remains clear: to inspire students to be known, be involved and be inspired. This philosophy underscores every aspect of the new high school experience.

Westlake Lutheran Academy’s high school is poised to provide students with a faith-based education that prioritizes academic excellence, leadership development and community values. For more information, visit www.westlakeprep.org.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.