How Christ Lutheran High Will Be Built
Our Financial Plan
Every resource we have is a gift from God: the paycheck, the harvest, the time and unique talents to serve our neighbors. We are not owners so much as stewards, entrusted with these resources to use for His purpose and glory. Being a faithful steward means planning carefully, giving generously, and being open about how those gifts are used.
That calling applies to us as a school, too. As Christ Lutheran High moves from vision to reality, we want to give you a clear picture of what it will take, where every dollar will go, and how each step builds toward a lasting ministry for our youth. One of our guiding commitments is to operate in a financially sustainable and responsible manner, and that begins with sharing our plan openly.
The Giving-Driven Steps
Christ Lutheran High exists to help students discover and develop their unique, God-given talents to live boldly for Christ. Our plan unfolds in four steps. Each is sized to what is needed at that stage of development, so we grow responsibly:
STEP 1: SET THE TABLE
The first step of development is happening as we speak. The board of directors is assembling the leadership, development resources, curriculum, and space so we are ready to welcome our first students. We need to reach this goal by the end of this year for an August 2027 launch, and we've already raised $120,000 toward our $175,000 goal — praise the Lord!
STEP 2: LAUNCH CHRIST LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
Looking ahead to next year, we will be preparing for the first two years of school operations. This step carries over all of the foundations of Step 1 and adds one of the most valuable investments of our ministry — the faithful teachers who will nurture a rich learning experience for our students. The estimated cost for the first two years of operations is $800,000.
From here, the vision gets even bigger and better.
STEP 3: SECURE OUR HOME
We are ultimately working toward a permanent campus of 30+ acres centrally located between our feeder schools in Cedar Rapids, Newhall, and Williamsburg. We would like to develop near the intersection of Highway 100 and Highway 30, just west of Cedar Rapids. This step is BIG — land in this area is currently selling for $130K–$160K per acre, largely due to competition with data centers. This puts our Step 3 goal at $780,000 to invest in a $3.9 million section of land. But we know God is so much bigger.
Please pray for our leaders and community to always stay grounded in this truth.
STEP 4: BUILD THE “HOUSE”
Once land is secured, we can build a welcoming space that fosters safety, growth, and community for a vibrant, long-term ministry. We have met with an architect and will pursue a formal plan as development takes shape. Based on our current projections, raising $5 million will give us a solid start toward a $25 million facility designed to grow with our students for years to come. A project of this size won’t happen all at once, and it isn’t meant to. Reaching these goals will take more than one season of giving — it takes a ministry built to last.
Planning Beyond Policy
Part of planning for the long term is preparing for change. As election day approaches, many families are wondering what the future holds for Iowa's Education Savings Accounts. ESAs have opened doors to Christ-centered education for families who once faced financial barriers, and they played a meaningful role in bringing Christ Lutheran High to this moment. But policies can change. Fortunately, our board is committed to building a viable ministry, sustained by the faithful generosity of God's people, so that Christ Lutheran High can serve students well for generations.
That's why our financial plan doesn't rest on any single source. Instead, Christ Lutheran High will be supported by a diversified mix: congregations and community partners who share our mission, individual donors who give faithfully, scholarship funds and tax-credit giving through Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization (ILSTO) and Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) programs, and family tuition. Each one strengthens the others, so a change in one area won't shake the foundation. Like a well-built house, the ministry is designed to stand firm no matter what, because it's built with many hands and, above all, on Christ.
Whatever happens on election day, our mission remains the same — and so does our need for partners like you. Right now, through December 31, every gift toward these steps will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your trust as we grow something that will shape lives for years to come.
– Erin Zellers
Director of Development
Double Your Impact
Now through December 31, every gift will go twice as far.
Two generous donors have each pledged $50,000 to match donations dollar for dollar — up to $100,000. Your contribution now will have twice the power to support student scholarships, innovative programs, and the investment of leadership staff.
$100 becomes $200 — provide scholarship support for a student in need
$500 becomes $1,000 — expand curriculum and technology
$1,000 becomes $2,000 — help us hire faithful teachers
Give once, change lives twice. Every gift increases opportunities for students at Christ Lutheran High.
