Zion Lutheran School Breaks Ground on $2 Million Expansion

New wing will include a cafeteria and seven-room Early Childhood Center 
 
(ST. CHARLES, MO) - Nov. 4, 2014 - One of the oldest Lutheran schools in St. Charles County is getting a new addition. 
 
Zion Lutheran Church and School recently broke ground on a $2 million expansion to its campus at 3866 Harvester Rd in St. Charles. The school celebrated with an early-morning ceremony that included students, teachers, parents, church leaders, and Zion alumni.
 
The new wing will house a seven-classroom Early Childhood Center and a 140-seat cafeteria. The school, which dates back to 1851, serves 300 students in K-8 and 155 children in early childhood. Principal Marc Debrick said the addition will help answer an increasing demand for high quality early childhood services in St. Charles County.
 
"We have seen tremendous growth in that area over the last five years," said Debrick, who added that one of the keys to that success is flexibility. Instead of requiring set days for pre-school classes, Zion lets parents choose the schedule that suits their family's needs.
 
Debrick said at least 50 percent of Zion's early childhood families go on to enroll their children in Zion's elementary school, even though many are non-church members. 
 
"That's a huge accomplishment for a private school," said Debrick. "The fact that those families trust us to care for and educate their children shows us that we're really fulfilling our mission as a faith community."
 
The new wing will connect to the school's gymnasium. The school hopes to finish the project in July 2014. Zion's congregation raised $750 thousand of the total cost through a capital campaign; it plans to finance the remaining amount.  The extension was designed by LePique & Orne Architects of St. Charles.
 
Zion Lutheran School is a member of the St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).  
 
A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 30 elementary schools and four high schools, including three National Blue Ribbons Schools and a National Lutheran Exemplary School. For more information and a list of member schools, visit www.lesastl.org.
 
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