Where Faith and Learning Grow Together

A Christ-centered preschool through 8th grade where your child grows academically, spiritually, and confidently.

Five young students focused on writing and reading at a classroom table with water bottles and educational materials.
Adults and children standing in wooden pews inside a church with stained glass windows and a man speaking at a podium near the altar.
Children focused on writing at a school desk with sunlight streaming through classroom windows.
Stone church building with a large arched window and leafless trees in front under a blue sky.

Learning guided by faith and purpose.

Clubs, sports, and meaningful connections.

Serving Knoxville families since 1869.

Children and adults standing in church pews facing the altar during a service with stained glass windows and religious decorations.
Toddler in daisy-patterned pajamas holding a yellow toy block in a playroom.
Teacher sitting in front of a classroom reading 'Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!' as children on a colorful rug raise their hands.

Our Mission in Learning, Growing, and Serving

Faithfully learning and serving since 1869, First Lutheran School partners with families and the community to educate and care for students. Strengthened by God’s grace, we learn. Sharing Christ’s love, we grow. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we serve.

About us

Educating and Caring for Students Since 1869

At First Lutheran School, we partner with families to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and spiritually. Guided by Christ and strengthened by community, students grow with confidence and purpose.

Why us

The Right Place for Your Child to Learn and Grow

When students are known by name and guided by faith, they flourish. Our close-knit community, dedicated teachers, and strong academic foundation help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually every day.

Academics

Supporting Every Stage of Your Child’s Learning

Young children sitting on a colorful carpet attentively listening to an adult wearing black boots.

Early Childhood Program

Safe, nurturing classrooms help young children grow socially, emotionally, and academically through hands-on discovery.

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Elementary students focused on writing and reading at a classroom table with water bottles and school supplies.

Elementary

Personal attention and engaging lessons help children grow in confidence, responsibility, and a love for learning.

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Boy in a black First Lutheran School sweatshirt focused on writing in a notebook with a pencil at a desk.

Middle School

Students grow into independent thinkers, compassionate leaders, and resilient learners grounded in faith.

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We’d Love to Welcome Your Family

The best way to experience First Lutheran is to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and see our community in action.

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Testimonials

A Firm Foundation for Life

These testimonials from parents and alumni reflect the lasting impact of a Christ-centered education that helped prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

“Each day my child leaves for school excited to see her teacher and classmates. The academics at First Lutheran are second to none, but the relationships are what make this school so special. The students and teachers all know my child by name. First Lutheran is truly a school that feels like family. I know my child is getting an incredible education, but more importantly I know she is getting the love of Jesus shared and modeled every day!”

Lindsey and John

Preschool parents

“This school has taught me to lean on God and not on others with my problems... Starting the day with God and putting your faith in Him was always a staple at First Lutheran.”

Emily

Alumni

"I know that this school is one of the most incredible places to learn because the teachers care and want you to learn, and you make a close group of friends you want to spend the rest of your life with."

Julia

Alumni

“When we transferred to FLS my kids went from surviving school to thriving at school. During our time here they have made good friends, established good connections with their teachers, and been challenged to grow in ways that interest them and engage them. I especially like the way that the kids are encouraged to mix with and be friends with kids from all grade levels, not just their own class. It really makes FLS feel like family."

Esther Heneise

Elementary & Middle School Parent

“Because of these excellent people, I have been presented with the chance to head into high school with confidence and I am sure many of the lessons I learned here will accompany me throughout life."

Mary

Alumni

"First Lutheran School not only instills a genuine love of learning in our child, but its wonderful community of caring parents and teachers makes us feel like part of a large, loving family. The small class sizes and dedicated teachers at First Lutheran ensure that every student receives the personalized attention they need to learn and grow in the way that works best for them."

Jessyca Williams

Middle School Parent

Student Life at First Lutheran

Four young boys sitting on a classroom floor playing with colorful building blocks from a red container.

Before & After Care

Flexible care options provide a safe, supportive place for students beyond the school day.

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Young girl with a green bow playing soccer indoors, dribbling a turquoise ball on a gym floor.

Activities & Athletics

Sports, clubs, and activities build confidence and lasting friendships.

Explore Activities
Six young children sitting at a green cafeteria table eating lunch with lunchboxes and water bottles around them.

Lunch Program

Healthy, hot meals served daily give students the energy they need to learn and grow.

Lunch Menu
Young boys playing soccer with colorful balls in an indoor gymnasium.

Summer Day Camp

A fun, faith-filled summer of activities, friendships, and adventure for children of all ages.

Discover Camp
Children sitting at wooden pews reading from open hymnals or books during a church service or school event.

School Uniforms

Simple uniforms that support focus, confidence, and school pride.

Uniform Guidelines
Four young boys sitting on a classroom floor playing with colorful building blocks from a red container.

Before & After Care

Flexible care options provide a safe, supportive place for students beyond the school day.

Learn More
Young girl with a green bow playing soccer indoors, dribbling a turquoise ball on a gym floor.

Activities & Athletics

Sports, clubs, and activities build confidence and lasting friendships.

Explore Activities
Six young children sitting at a green cafeteria table eating lunch with lunchboxes and water bottles around them.

Lunch Program

Healthy, hot meals served daily give students the energy they need to learn and grow.

Lunch Menu
Young boys playing soccer with colorful balls in an indoor gymnasium.

Summer Day Camp

A fun, faith-filled summer of activities, friendships, and adventure for children of all ages.

Discover Camp
Children sitting at wooden pews reading from open hymnals or books during a church service or school event.

School Uniforms

Simple uniforms that support focus, confidence, and school pride.

Uniform Guidelines
Four young boys sitting on a classroom floor playing with colorful building blocks from a red container.

Before & After Care

Flexible care options provide a safe, supportive place for students beyond the school day.

Learn More
Young girl with a green bow playing soccer indoors, dribbling a turquoise ball on a gym floor.

Activities & Athletics

Sports, clubs, and activities build confidence and lasting friendships.

Explore Activities
Six young children sitting at a green cafeteria table eating lunch with lunchboxes and water bottles around them.

Lunch Program

Healthy, hot meals served daily give students the energy they need to learn and grow.

Lunch Menu
Young boys playing soccer with colorful balls in an indoor gymnasium.

Summer Day Camp

A fun, faith-filled summer of activities, friendships, and adventure for children of all ages.

Discover Camp
Children sitting at wooden pews reading from open hymnals or books during a church service or school event.

School Uniforms

Simple uniforms that support focus, confidence, and school pride.

Uniform Guidelines

Upcoming events

First Lutheran regularly hosts events that are important to our school family and culture. Most of our events are avalible on our Facebook Livestream if you are not able to attend in person.

Spring Musical
April 24, 2026
6:00 PM

Spring Musical

In the spirit of making a joyful noise: Preschool 3 through 2nd grade will present a barnyard musical about a unique group of animals living on an unusual farm. Students in 3rd through 8th grade will perform Dateline: Rock and Roll, exploring the progression of music from the 1950s through the 2000s.

Field Day
May 8, 2026
All Day

Field Day

Elementary students will participate in fun, athletic challenges planned and led by our middle school students. Events include the shoe kick contest, three-legged race, and tug-of-war. Parents are welcome to join the festivities and enjoy lunch provided by PTL. After lunch, middle school students will travel to Knoxville Catholic High School to compete in traditional track and field events.

Awards Night
May 12, 2026
6:00 PM

Awards Night

An opportunity to recognize our 5th through 8th grade students who have gone above and beyond in academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics.

ECE Chapel and Graduation
May 13, 2026
8:30 AM

ECE Chapel and Graduation

Our preschool students will lead chapel, followed by their graduation ceremony celebrating their accomplishments over the past school year.

Kindergarten and 8th Grade Graduation
May 19, 2026
6:30 PM

Kindergarten and 8th Grade Graduation

One of our favorite First Lutheran School traditions: kindergarten students graduate alongside their 8th grade buddies as they prepare to enter high school.

Start of Summer Camp
May 27, 2026

Start of Summer Camp

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with games, crafts, and activities all summer long at First Lutheran Summer Day Camp.

GermanFest
August 22, 2026
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

GermanFest

Visit Germany without a passport as part of our annual GermanFest.

Learn More
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We'd Love for You to Visit our Campus

Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience our community firsthand.

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