Families in Chatham County seeking educational alternatives to public schools have excellent options just a short drive away. Resurrection Lutheran School, located in neighboring Cary, offers a Christ-centered education that combines academic excellence with character development and spiritual growth. For many Chatham County families, the brief commute to RLS provides access to an educational experience that aligns with their values and educational priorities.
Why Consider a Private School Alternative?
While Chatham County offers public education options, many families seek alternatives for various reasons:
Faith Integration
For families who value Christian education, private Christian schools integrate faith perspectives throughout the curriculum rather than treating spiritual development as separate from academics.
Individualized Attention
Smaller class sizes at private schools like Resurrection Lutheran allow for more personalized instruction and closer teacher-student relationships.
Consistent Educational Philosophy
Private schools maintain a consistent approach to education across grade levels, creating a cohesive experience from junior kindergarten through middle school.
Value Alignment
Faith-based private schools often reflect the values parents are teaching at home, reinforcing rather than contradicting family beliefs.
Academic Excellence
Many private schools offer rigorous academics with high expectations and proven results for student achievement.
Resurrection Lutheran School: An Overview
Located in Cary, Resurrection Lutheran School serves students from junior kindergarten through eighth grade in a Christ-centered educational environment. Our school has been serving the greater Wake County area, including Chatham County families, since 2002.
Core Values
- Christ-centered education that integrates faith throughout the curriculum
- Academic excellence with high expectations for all students
- Character development based on biblical principles
- Community partnership between school, church, and families
- Individual attention that recognizes and nurtures each child's unique gifts
Accreditation and Recognition
Resurrection Lutheran School is dually accredited by National Lutheran Schools Association and Cognia, ensuring that we meet rigorous educational standards while maintaining our distinctive Lutheran Christian identity.
Academic Advantages for Chatham County Students
Families who choose Resurrection Lutheran School for their children benefit from our comprehensive approach to education:
Curriculum Excellence
Our curriculum follows North Carolina State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities. This creates a rigorous academic experience that prepares students for future educational success.
Focus on Essential Skills
We place special emphasis on:
- Strong writing skills with focus on both composition and intellectual depth
- Mathematics fundamentals and problem-solving approaches
- Reading comprehension and analysis
- Scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation
- Historical understanding and cultural awareness
Technology Integration
Technology is embraced and incorporated daily to prepare students for an increasingly digital world. Tools include Chromebooks, laptops, SmartBoards, and online learning platforms.
Specialized Instruction
Students benefit from dedicated specialists in:
- Music
- Physical Education
- Art
- Library
- Technology
- Spanish (grades 4-8)
Standardized Testing Performance
Our students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of our academic approach.
Commuting to RLS from Chatham County
Many families find that the commute from Chatham County to Resurrection Lutheran School is manageable and worthwhile for the educational benefits their children receive.
Typical Commute Times
- From Pittsboro: Approximately 25-30 minutes
- From North Chatham communities: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- From Siler City: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Transportation Options
- Most families choose personal transportation, often organizing carpools with other RLS families from their area
- Before and After School Care programs (7:15-8:15 am and 3:00-5:00 pm) provide flexibility for commuting families
Commuting Families' Experiences
"The drive from our home in Chatham County to RLS takes about 25 minutes, but it's time well spent. We use the car time for conversation, listening to audiobooks, or reviewing for tests. The education our children receive makes the commute more than worthwhile." – Chatham County RLS family
"We initially worried about the commute from Pittsboro, but after seeing how our daughter has thrived at RLS, we've never looked back. We've connected with other Chatham families for carpooling, which has made the logistics even more manageable." – Pittsboro RLS family
Extracurricular Opportunities
Beyond core academics, Resurrection Lutheran School offers numerous opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests:
Athletics
- Fall: Girls' Volleyball, Boys'/Girls' Cross Country
- Winter: Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Cheerleading
Fine Arts
- Music programs including band and chorus opportunities
- Drama productions
- Visual arts instruction and exhibitions
Clubs and Activities
- National Junior Honor Society
- Student Council
- STEM-focused clubs and competitions
- Community service initiatives
Field Trips and Experiential Learning
- Educational excursions connected to curriculum
- Unique overnight travel opportunities for middle school students
- Cultural arts programs brought to campus
Community and Parent Involvement
Resurrection Lutheran School believes that education is most effective when schools and families work in partnership:
Parent School Organization
Active parent involvement through our PSO creates community and enhances the educational experience through:
- Community-building events
- Teacher appreciation initiatives
- Fundraising for special projects
- Volunteer opportunities
Communication
Regular communication keeps parents informed and involved:
- Weekly newsletters
- Digital parent portal (Sycamore School)
- Scheduled parent-teacher conferences
- Regular email updates
- Open door policy for addressing questions or concerns
Volunteer Opportunities
Parents are encouraged to share their time and talents through:
- Classroom assistance
- Field trip chaperoning
- Special event coordination
- Library support
- Athletic program assistance
Affordability and Accessibility
We understand that private education represents a significant investment for families. Resurrection Lutheran School strives to make our programs accessible to families from various financial backgrounds:
Tuition and Fees
For detailed information about current tuition rates and fees, please visit our Affording Resurrection page.
Financial Aid
Need-based financial assistance is available to qualifying families. Our goal is to make RLS accessible to families who value Christian education and are committed to our school community.
Value Considerations
When evaluating the investment in private education, families consider:
- Christ-centered education that supports family values
- Small class sizes and individualized attention
- Strong academic preparation for high school and beyond
- Character development and leadership opportunities
- Consistent educational philosophy across all grade levels
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Chatham County families currently attend RLS?
We have families from various Chatham County communities, including Pittsboro, North Chatham, and even some from further west. Approximately 8-10% of our student body comes from Chatham County.
What is the application process for out-of-county students?
The application process is the same regardless of county residence. We accept applications on a rolling basis until classes achieve full capacity. Early application is encouraged, especially for grades with traditionally high demand (kindergarten and sixth grade).
Are there additional fees for non-Wake County residents?
No, our tuition structure is the same for all students regardless of county residence.
How do Chatham County students adjust socially when attending school outside their immediate community?
Our community-oriented approach helps all students feel welcome and connected. Many Chatham County families find that their children develop friendships both at school and in their home communities. School events, playdates, and other social opportunities help strengthen these connections.
How do RLS graduates transition to high school?
Our graduates are well-prepared for high school success. While some continue to private high schools, many return to their district public schools (including Chatham County schools) where they typically excel academically and assume leadership roles. Our rigorous middle school program prepares students for honors-level coursework in high school.
Take the Next Step
We invite Chatham County families to experience the difference a Christ-centered education can make for their children. To learn more about our programs or to schedule a tour, please contact our admissions office today.
For families interested in connecting with current Chatham County RLS families to learn about their experiences or discuss carpooling possibilities, our admissions team can facilitate these introductions.
Resurrection Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
