About First Lutheran School
For generations, First Lutheran School has guided children to grow in wisdom, character, and faith alongside families who care deeply about their future.
For more than 150 years, First Lutheran School has partnered with families to provide Christ-centered education that stands the test of time.
Small classes mean every student is known, supported, and given the personal attention they need to grow with confidence.
Most middle school students participate in extracurriculars, exploring their interests, building friendships, and developing skills beyond the classroom.
Families stay because they feel known, supported, and confident their children are learning in a safe, faith-filled environment.
Our vision and mission
First Lutheran School nurtures lifelong learners grounded in faith, purpose, and wisdom. Guided by Christ and grounded in our Lutheran identity, students grow as critical thinkers, compassionate communicators, and resilient individuals who flourish academically, socially, and spiritually, living out their faith and impacting the world with God’s love.
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“Faithfully learning and serving since 1869, First Lutheran School partners with families and the community to educate and care for students.”
A Legacy of Faithful Education
What began in 1869 in a small church basement has grown into a thriving, Christ-centered school serving generations of Knoxville families. From one classroom and a handful of students to a growing campus on Armstrong Avenue, First Lutheran has faithfully expanded to meet the needs of children while staying rooted in its mission to nurture hearts, minds, and faith for life.
Explore AcademicsOur Values in Action
Education is about more than academics. It’s about partnering with families, nurturing each child’s God-given gifts, and creating a community where students feel known, supported, and inspired to grow. These values shape everything we do.
Christ Centered
Faith isn’t just a class we teach. It’s woven into every day, helping students grow with confidence, purpose, and a deep understanding of God’s love.
Family
Family shapes how teachers, students, staff, and parents relate with care and respect. We listen, communicate, and walk alongside one another.
Hardworking
Our teachers challenge and encourage each child to do their best, creating strong learners who are curious, capable, and prepared for what’s next.
Compassionate
We help students become kind, responsible, and resilient, learning how to make wise choices and lead with integrity.
Respectful
Here, every child is known by name, valued for who they are, and surrounded by friendships that help them feel safe and confident.
Meet the People Who Make the Difference
Jessie Irwin
Amanda Hillard
Pastor Ed Maanum
Shirley Eimmerman
Johnathan Eimmerman
Marion Samuel
Isabella Gregg
RaeLynn Mattas
Kristin Lintz
Marliegh Castleberry
Sally Osborn
Tina Pierce
Teresa Heidel
Erin Rodgers
Lori Wiberley
Christina McCloskey
Kara Eimmerman
Esther Heneise
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Drea Klein
Deysi Epley
Notty
Accreditation and Affiliations
First Lutheran School is accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) and licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education for preschool.
This means our faith is intentionally woven into learning, our academics meet strong national standards, and our teachers, leadership, and operations are regularly reviewed for quality and safety. We are committed not just to meeting expectations, but to continually improving so every student receives an excellent, Christ‑centered education.
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
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
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.
GermanFest
Visit Germany without a passport as part of our annual GermanFest.
Learn MoreA Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong
Our historic campus reflects generations of faithful education while continuing to serve today’s families with care and accessibility.
Come See First Lutheran for Yourself
Our campus offers a safe, welcoming environment where students learn, build friendships, and grow in faith every day.
Knoxville, TN
Conveniently located near downtown, our close-knit campus brings together families from across the community in one supportive place to learn and belong.
