History
Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.
Deuteronomy 32:7
In 1944, the vision of a Lutheran high school in Racine became a reality when First Evangelical Lutheran Church offered its facilities at 738 Villa St. rent-free. That September, Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS) opened with 58 ninth graders and two instructors. By 1948, it had grown into a full four-year high school with 212 students and nine teachers, despite operating on a split schedule due to limited space.
Faced with the need for more room, the Lutheran High School Association launched a $250,000 fundraising campaign in 1947, exceeding their goal with $270,000 in cash and pledges. Ground was broken for a new building on Reformation Sunday in 1948, and by January 7, 1951, students and faculty moved into the new facility on Luedtke Avenue.
Over the next 70 years, RLHS continued to invest in its campus, updating and expanding facilities to enhance education and student life. The most recent Building Renovation and Expansion project began in 2022, welcoming students back in fall 2023 to an upgraded campus featuring a larger cafeteria, eight new classrooms, new locker rooms, a fitness facility, and a gymnasium.
Today, RLHS stands as a beacon of high expectations and achievement, serving the academic and spiritual needs of students from all faiths. For 80 years, our students have excelled academically and contributed to the community. Facilities and course offerings have expanded to meet the needs of current students, but RLHS has always, and will always, center around our mission of guiding our youth in faith, learning, character, and leadership by nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ and education them for a life of service to God and man.
Faced with the need for more room, the Lutheran High School Association launched a $250,000 fundraising campaign in 1947, exceeding their goal with $270,000 in cash and pledges. Ground was broken for a new building on Reformation Sunday in 1948, and by January 7, 1951, students and faculty moved into the new facility on Luedtke Avenue.
Over the next 70 years, RLHS continued to invest in its campus, updating and expanding facilities to enhance education and student life. The most recent Building Renovation and Expansion project began in 2022, welcoming students back in fall 2023 to an upgraded campus featuring a larger cafeteria, eight new classrooms, new locker rooms, a fitness facility, and a gymnasium.
Today, RLHS stands as a beacon of high expectations and achievement, serving the academic and spiritual needs of students from all faiths. For 80 years, our students have excelled academically and contributed to the community. Facilities and course offerings have expanded to meet the needs of current students, but RLHS has always, and will always, center around our mission of guiding our youth in faith, learning, character, and leadership by nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ and education them for a life of service to God and man.
RLHS Historical Timeline
1940's
1944 – RLHS founded (738 Villa St.) 58 students enrolled with a staff of 2.
1947 – Fund drive started for new building. Land (251 Luedtke Ave.)donated by Otto Liebenow.
1948 – Groundbreaking of new building and enrollment grows to 225 students. Ladies Guild and alumni association is formed.
1950's
1951 – Moved into new building on Luedtke Ave. on Jan. 7.
1955 – RLHS welcomed its first AFS (Foreign Exchange) student.
1956 – The first Science Fair was introduced to students.
1960's
1960 – LHS Foundation was established.
1961 – On June 6, Paul Harvey spoke at the Foundation dinner.
1964 – RLHS 20th Anniversary observed with a banquet. Dr. Paul Maier (Lutheran Hour speaker) was the banquet presenters.
1970's
1973 – A fund drive and construction program began, followed by a groundbreaking event, open house & dedication service. A new kitchen, cafeteria, remodeled science areas and locker rooms were added.
1978 – Long-range planning committee was appointed with Marge Demuth serving as chairman.
1980's
1980 – Expansion and fund drive plans were developed.
1981 – New fine arts center, industrial arts and physical fitness areas completed.
1982 – The Margaret Sawinski Fine Arts Center and Ernie Mross Fitness Center were dedicated.
1984 – RLHS community celebrates its 40th anniversary with Dr. Walter F. Stuenkel as speaker.
1990's
1995 – 50th Anniversary celebration, alumni directory completed, and Grand Alumni Picnic held.
2000's
2002 – Supporters organized major capital campaign. New entrance, additional classrooms, additional administrative offices, and Trinklein Learning Center were added.
2010's
2013 – Kitchen and Dining Hall renovated.
2016 – Fine arts facilities and Music room received significant enhancements.
2017 – Major Science Lab renovation.
2018 – 75th Anniversary Celebration Event.
2020's
2022 – Building renovation and expansion project broke ground.
2023 – 347 students enrolled and welcomed back to a new and improved campus (expanded cafeteria, 8 new classrooms, new locker rooms, new fitness facility and gymnasium).
