History
In 1949, visionary leaders from twelve churches established the Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH) to meet the demand for students in Lutheran elementary schools to continue their education in a Lutheran high school.
Early 1950s
Lutheran High School Opens
In the early 50s, they purchased land at the end of what was at the time an incomplete Gulf Freeway and built the first Lutheran high school in Houston with a 12-member board of directors. It was named Lutheran High School.
1979
Lutheran High North opens on north side of town a year later
As Houston grew, it was determined that another location would someday be needed. Six acres of land was sold to fund the building of a new school, and on December 2, 1979, Reverend Hobart Meyer conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for Lutheran High North (LHN). It was not long after this ceremony that school began on October 1, 1980 with freshmen and sophomore classes, and LHN began to develop Christian leaders for tomorrow's world. Staffed with eleven individuals dedicated to Lutheran education at the secondary level, the school grew. Many have served on the staff of LHN, and two of the original eleven remain and continue to guide LHN toward the future. In the spring of 1983, the first graduating class of Lutheran High North embarked on its future.
1994
Lutheran High School moves to present location; Renamed Lutheran South Academy
One year after the opening of Lutheran High North, the original campus for Lutheran High School was moved to South Loop 610 and named Lutheran High South. The South campus served the Lutheran congregations on the south side of Houston and in 1989 added a middle school to the existing high school program.
In 1994 it was determined that the South campus could no longer sustain itself in its present location and land was purchased at the Gulf Freeway and Dixie Farm Road. Classes were moved to that new location in 1998 with the completion of the new buildings. One year later an elementary school was added making it a complete PreK – 12 school which generated another name change to Lutheran South Academy.Many of our students on both campuses are involved in sports, musicals, bands and choirs. Three and four letter athletes who sing in choir are not hard to find. Opportunities to lead can be found in many areas and are encouraged. Many graduates of LSA and LHN have achieved high levels of success attending colleges like MIT, Columbia University, Texas A&M, The University of Texas, Rice University, and the Air Force, Naval and West Point Academies. Some have become engineers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, pastors and business owners. Throughout their existence LHN and LSA have continued to stand firm in the school's commitment to God's Word.
2002
More land purchased in far west Houston; Six years later, third LEAH School opens, Westlake Prep
In 2002 the Lutheran Education Association of Houston expanded its reach by purchasing land in the Katy area in far west Houston. This land became the third campus of LEAH in 2008 with the establishment of Westlake Preparatory Academy (WPA). Westlake is currently an elementary and middle school serving students in Pre-K 3 through Grade 8.
2021
Early Childhood Education Opens in Downtown Houston
In 2021 LEAH expanded its reach once again by opening LEAH Schools Downtown Academy (LDA) in Downtown Houston. Formerly known as Upbring School of Discovery and Leadership, LDA is a licensed, early childhood education program that provides a safe, faith-based learning environment for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Located in the Downtown Houston area, LDA serves families working or living in the downtown area and in neighboring communities who desire a Christian foundational education experience for their preschoolers.
2022
Middle School added to Lutheran High North, Renamed Lutheran North Academy
Lutheran North Academy is a fully accredited college-preparatory school presenting a newly developed seven-year sequence of quality academics that provide a strong foundation on literacy and Christian education for grades 6-12.
After 44 years of ministry, Lutheran North Academy (formally Lutheran High North) closed its doors on 34th St. We are so thankful and appreciative of the many teachers, administrators, and families that sacrificed greatly to make LNA such a wonderful place for students. We celebrate the vital role that LHN and LNA played in expanding Christ’s kingdom and supporting Lutheran schools in the Houston area.
2024
Westlake Preparatory Academy rebranded itself to Westlake Lutheran Academy (WLA) to communicate its passionately Christian nature.
WLA announces the launching of a new high school for the 2025-2026 school year.
