Families in Garner, North Carolina seeking quality private education 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 in a nurturing community. For many Garner families, the brief commute to RLS provides access to an educational experience that aligns with their values while preparing their children for future success.
Why Garner Families Choose Private Education
Parents from Garner increasingly explore private school options for various reasons:
Faith Integration
For families of faith, private Christian schools like Resurrection Lutheran integrate spiritual development throughout the curriculum rather than treating it as separate from academics.
Academic Excellence
Many private schools offer rigorous academics with high expectations, proven results, and preparation for future educational success.
Individualized Attention
Smaller class sizes allow for more personalized instruction and closer teacher-student relationships, ensuring each child's needs are addressed.
Character Development
Private schools often emphasize character formation alongside academic achievement, helping students develop integrity, responsibility, and leadership.
Consistent Educational Philosophy
Private schools maintain a cohesive approach to education across grade levels, creating continuity from early childhood through middle school.
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 educating students from Garner and surrounding communities since 2002.
Mission and Vision
Resurrection Lutheran School is committed to educating generations of children in the training and instruction of the Lord. We provide a Lutheran educational experience that is Christ-centered as well as academically focused for children in junior kindergarten through eighth grade.
Accreditation and Recognition
RLS is dually accredited by National Lutheran Schools Association and Cognia, ensuring that we meet rigorous educational standards while maintaining our distinctive Lutheran Christian identity.
Grade Levels
- Junior Kindergarten (age 4 by August 31)
- Elementary (Kindergarten through Grade 5)
- Middle School (Grades 6-8)
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
Academic Excellence for Garner Students
Families who choose Resurrection Lutheran School for their children benefit from our comprehensive approach to education:
Curriculum Highlights
Our curriculum follows North Carolina State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities. 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 platforms that enhance learning while teaching responsible digital citizenship.
Specialized Instruction
Students benefit from dedicated specialists in:
- Music
- Physical Education
- Art
- Library
- Technology
- Spanish (grades 4-5)
Standardized Testing Performance
Our students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of our academic approach.
Faith Formation and Character Development
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we believe that education extends beyond academics to include spiritual growth and character formation:
Faith Integration
- Daily devotions and prayer in the classroom
- Weekly chapel services led by pastors and teachers
- Biblical worldview woven throughout curriculum
- Service learning opportunities that put faith into action
- Christian character development in everyday interactions
Character Education
Using the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) as a model for Christian life, we help students develop:
- Personal responsibility
- Respect for others
- Integrity in all situations
- Compassion for those in need
- Leadership skills
Community Service
Service to others is integrated into school life through:
- Grade-level service projects
- School-wide initiatives like "Every Family Feeds a Family"
- Support for organizations like Wake Crisis Family Ministry
- Participation in events like "Bunks Across America"
Commuting to RLS from Garner
Many families find that the commute from Garner to Resurrection Lutheran School is manageable and worthwhile for the educational benefits their children receive.
Typical Commute Times
- From central Garner: Approximately 20-25 minutes
- From northern Garner: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- From southern Garner: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Transportation Options
- Most families choose personal transportation, often organizing carpools with other RLS families from Garner
- 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
(Note: These are actual perspectives from RLS families)
"We live in Garner and initially worried about the drive to RLS, but it's been much easier than expected. The 20-minute commute gives us valuable conversation time, and the education our children receive makes every minute worthwhile." – Garner RLS family
"As a Garner family, we've connected with other families in our area for carpooling, which has made the logistics even more manageable. The community at RLS has been so welcoming that we've never felt like 'outsiders' coming from another town." – Garner 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
Comparing Educational Options for Garner Families
Families in Garner have several educational paths to consider:
Garner Public Schools
Wake County Public Schools serve Garner with several elementary, middle, and high school options.
Garner Charter Schools
Charter school options in and around Garner provide tuition-free alternatives with specific educational approaches.
Homeschooling
Some Garner families choose to educate their children at home, sometimes supplementing with co-ops or part-time programs.
Private Christian Education
Schools like Resurrection Lutheran offer faith-based education with distinctive approaches to learning and character development.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
- Educational philosophy and approach
- Faith integration importance to your family
- Class sizes and individualized attention
- Commute and transportation logistics
- Extracurricular opportunities
- Community and culture
- Cost and value assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Garner families currently attend RLS?
We have a growing number of families from Garner, representing approximately 5-7% of our student body. Many Garner families have found that the commute is a worthwhile investment for the educational experience their children receive.
What is the application process for Garner residents?
The application process is the same regardless of 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).
Do you provide transportation from Garner?
While we don't offer formal transportation services, many Garner families organize carpools with other RLS families from their area. Our before and after school care programs also provide flexibility for commuting families.
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 Garner-area high schools) where they typically excel academically and assume leadership roles. Our rigorous middle school program prepares students for honors-level coursework in high school.
What makes RLS different from other private schools in the area?
Our distinctive Lutheran approach combines academic excellence with authentic faith integration throughout the curriculum. We maintain smaller class sizes, emphasize writing and critical thinking, provide a close-knit community, and offer a balanced approach to technology and traditional learning methods.
Take the Next Step
We invite Garner 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 Garner 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.
