Do You Have to Be Lutheran or Christian to Attend Valley Lutheran High School?
- teggleston7
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions families ask when they first explore Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix is:
Do you have to be Lutheran or even Christian to attend?
The simple answer is no.
Students do not need to be Lutheran or Christian to attend Valley Lutheran. In fact, our student body includes families from many faith traditions as well as families who are still exploring spiritual questions.
Many of the families who now call Valley Lutheran home once asked this exact question themselves.
Families exploring Christian high schools in the Phoenix area often ask these questions when they first discover Valley Lutheran High School.
Students Do Not Have to Be Lutheran or Christian
Valley Lutheran High School welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
Students from many Christian denominations
Students from other faith traditions
Students exploring questions about faith
Students who do not identify as religious
Families choose Valley Lutheran for many reasons including strong academics, leadership opportunities, athletics, and a community where students are known and supported. Experience the campus firsthand by scheduling a tour or Shadow Day.
Faith is part of our identity as a school, but belief is not a requirement for admission.
Why the Name “Valley Lutheran”?
Valley Lutheran High School was founded within the Lutheran Christian tradition, and that heritage continues to shape our mission and values.
For us, “Lutheran” describes the foundation of our educational philosophy, not a filter for who is welcome.
That foundation emphasizes:
The God-given value of every person
Grace, truth, and forgiveness
Service to others
Academic excellence alongside character development
These values shape how we teach, lead, and care for students.
How Faith Is Part of the School Experience
As a Christian high school, faith is part of the daily rhythm of campus life.
Students experience this through:
Weekly chapel gatherings
Theology classes
Service opportunities
Mentorship from teachers and staff
Faith is not limited to one class period. It is part of the broader conversation about purpose, leadership, character, and service.
Families who want to learn more about the Lutheran tradition can explore the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s overview of beliefs here:
Are Students Required to Share the School’s Beliefs?
No.
Students are not required to convert, profess belief, or share the same faith background as the school.
What we do ask is that students:
Participate respectfully in chapel and theology classes
Engage thoughtfully in discussion
Be open to learning in a values-centered community
Questions and curiosity are welcome. Many students grow through conversations about faith, purpose, and identity during their high school years.
What Families Often Tell Us
Families from many backgrounds consistently share that they appreciate:
A clear framework of values
A school culture where students are known and supported
An emphasis on character and integrity
A community that partners closely with parent
Students frequently say they feel welcomed, respected, and supported, regardless of where they are in their faith journey.
Who Thrives at Valley Lutheran High School
Valley Lutheran is a strong fit for students who want:
A school where they are known, not anonymous
Strong relationships with teachers and peers
Opportunities for leadership and service
A learning environment grounded in values and purpose
Families do not need to share every belief to appreciate a school committed to academic excellence, character formation, and community.
The best way to determine if Valley Lutheran is the right fit is to visit campus, meet teachers, and observe classes in action.
Experience Valley Lutheran for Yourself
The best way to understand the culture of Valley Lutheran High School is to visit campus and experience the community firsthand.
We invite you to schedule a personal campus tour or student Shadow Day.
👉 Schedule a visit: www.vlhs.org/visit
A Christian High School Serving Phoenix Families
Valley Lutheran High School serves students from across the Phoenix metro area, including communities such as Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and North Phoenix.
Families searching for a Phoenix private high school or Christian high school near them often discover that Valley Lutheran provides a unique combination of academic rigor, strong community, and faith-informed values.
Students arrive from many different educational backgrounds including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be Lutheran to attend Valley Lutheran High School?
No. Students do not need to be Lutheran to attend. Valley Lutheran welcomes students from many Christian denominations as well as families from other faith traditions.
Do students have to be Christian to attend Valley Lutheran?
No. Students are not required to be Christian or to convert while attending the school.
Are students required to attend chapel?
Yes. Chapel is part of the school schedule and students attend respectfully as part of the shared community experience.
Do students have to agree with the school’s beliefs?
No. Students are not required to profess faith or share the same beliefs. Students are simply asked to participate respectfully and engage in thoughtful discussion.
Why do families choose a Christian high school if they are not Christian?
Many families choose Christian schools because they value the community, character formation, leadership development, and supportive environment these schools provide.
Written by:
Tori Eggleston
Director of Admissions & Marketing
Valley Lutheran High School
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