OUR HISTORY

For a century Luther High School North has contributed to church and society. In the early 1900’s a group of first and second generation German Lutheran immigrants who had settled in various parts of the metropolitan area combined their resources to establish one of the first Lutheran high schools in the world (preceded only by the Milwaukee Lutheran High School, 1903.) The concept of a group of local congregations pooling their resources to provide an education beyond elementary school was unique and exciting.

Luther High School North originated as Luther Institute, located until the early 1950’s on Woods Street on the west side of Chicago’s Loop. The proud traditions held even today by the graduates of that school evidence the power of the Spirit as many laymen and women, clergy and commissioned teachers trace their roots to Luther Institute. So valued was that tradition, that when the building in which Luther Institute was housed was scheduled for an urban renewal project, the city of Chicago working with congregations wisely planned new locations to accommodate the burgeoning Lutheran community. Of the three emergent Lutheran high schools in the Chicago area, Luther North was the first and largest, opening its doors in 1953.

The present location (5700 West Berteau) of Luther North has served both the north and northwest sides of the Chicago community and also the north and northwest suburban community for over 50 years. Growing with the population, Luther North by the late 1960’s exceeded even the largest years of Luther Institute’s student enrollment. By 1971, Luther High School North (built for 1000 potential students) had grown to almost 1400 students and was the largest Lutheran high school in the world.

The almost 10,000 graduates of Luther North have built a legacy of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and athletic and fine arts achievements.

As Luther North journeys through the twenty-first century, its graduates will continue to serve church and society as productive and responsible Christian servant-leaders.