More About Trinity Lutheran School of Freistadt
Dr. Sam Seefeld, Ph.D. | Principal talks about the school’s accomplishments and challenges going forward.
As we witness the rapid decline of culture, values, and excellence in education, Trinity Lutheran School is elevating a Gospel-first approach in our community. Trinity is committed to excellence, providing families with hope through an unwavering hold on traditional, Biblical values. We are shaping students (and their families) to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world; and we will never stray from our commitment to our faith, our values, and our families.
In 1839, immigrants seeking the free practice of their religion, founded Freistadt (“free city”), Wis., beginning with a school first. In 2012, Trinity’s legacy commitment to underserved populations led the church to welcome refugee Karenni who were immigrating from Myanmar (Burma); this ministry ushered Trinity into the state's parental state choice programs. While this move bolstered ministry opportunities, some families fled. The 2017-2018 school year marked the lowest enrollment in school history: 121 students.
Following a radical change in culture, vision, and standards, Trinity opened the 2022-2023 school year up over 150% with 310 students. In just the past four years
Trinity has...
-
Invested nearly $500,000 into leading math, literacy, and STEM curriculum resources;
-
Kickstarted fine arts with the addition of a theater program (2 productions each year), a strings/orchestra program, a state-of-the-art piano lab for all students grades 3 and up, and most recently committed $30,000 to instrument acquisition and a music rental scholarship/assistance program to ensure all students have access to music;
-
Created a new special education program offering in-house services including support for autism, vision, occupational therapy, and speech/language services; and
-
Created the Stronger Families initiative by bringing our community together through social activities, parenting workshops, and Bible studies focused on the challenges of our ever-changing world.
To accommodate the increase in the number of children and added services, our 5-year strategic plan includes the Trinity Forward capital campaign that will significantly increase the square footage of the campus, allowing the school to double in size over the next 5 years and account for additional programming, extra-curricular activities, etc.
EXPANSION UPDATE - 11.20.24
BACKGROUND
From 2018 to 2024, Trinity Lutheran School (Trinity Freistadt) underwent unprecedented change, an improvement in culture, and a focus on the joy and love of Jesus. In that time, the school added top-rated math, STEM, and literacy resources, a theatre program, and invested over $150,000 towards the growth of instrumental programs. The school also added a special education program, and in just 3 years, became a top-10 program in the state. Since 2018, the school has grown 217%.
In August of 2024, Trinity opened the first of a planned three-phase expansion project, a $7 million, 14-classroom addition. This addition allowed the school to more than double in size, hosting two sections per grade. This growth has paved the way for the planned next step, a new gym capable of housing our many athletics teams, freeing up space in our old gym to serve as an auxiliary space for theatre, fine arts, and other programming.
PRESENT
2025 represents the final year of our Trinity Forward capital campaign. The phase 1 campaign registered nearly $3 million in commitments; this represents less than half of the total cost of the first project. Pro forma analysis is on track for the school to absorb debt service into our operating budget, beginning next year. At present, the school is on track, at a near 90% rate, to meet our pledged contributions.
This year was also the 4th year of our annual school benefit Gala. Funds exceeded $200,000 and are allocated, exclusively, to the architectural costs associated with our phase 2 gym. Increasing each year in net profit, the Gala is Trinity’s premier event, focused almost entirely on capital projects and growth. In 2021, the first Gala funded classroom expansions (internally), office renovations, and the addition of an 18-keyboard digital piano lab (part of our increased fine arts offerings strategic target). Future Galas will go, in portion, to expansion phases, but will also go to improved curriculum resources for students and teachers.
FUTURE
Trinity is in desperate need for additional play space. Combined with our childcare program we currently serve ~450 children. Our current gym (1957) features a truncated basketball court, obstructed view bleachers, and is adjacent - and open - to our cafeteria. It is not suitable or sustainable for our growing athletics and fine arts programming.
Initial discussions and limited conceptual designs look like an 11,000 square foot gymnasium and additional 4,000 square foot lobby. An addition of this size would more than provide for the needs of our school, it would also allow us to generate cash flow and rental fees from community groups and regional sports programming. There is also discussion around additional classrooms being a part of this phase.
Trinity is currently seeking partners, investors, and stakeholders to get behind this project, support the mission and vision of Trinity, and to help us see this project through to reality.
Celebrating Trinity Lutheran’s Executive Director, Sam Seefeld!
We are thrilled to congratulate Sam Seefeld, Executive Director of Trinity Lutheran, on receiving the Lutheran Educators Association’s Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator of 2025 Award! This prestigious honor is given to a select few who exemplify outstanding dedication to Christian education and service.
Educators from across the United States are nominated every year, but only a few are awarded, meeting the following criteria:
-
Active both in the local as well as the Lutheran community
-
A strong, demonstrated commitment to serve Jesus
-
A commitment to excellence in meeting the social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive needs of children, youth, adults, and/or families
This well-deserved recognition reflects Sam’s excellence in leadership, compassion in service, and steadfast faith. We celebrate this incredible achievement alongside Trinity Lutheran and the many lives blessed by his work! Congrats Sam!
Trinity Lutheran School of Freistadt.
A Passion for Learning. A Heart for Christ.
At ShareTheGospel.News, we invite you to support Trinity Lutheran School Friestadt, a thriving institution dedicated to sharing the joy and love of Jesus Christ. Through academic excellence and spiritual guidance, Trinity equips students to grow in faith and knowledge.
The school stands out with its top-rated programs in math, STEM, literacy, arts and special education program, now ranked among the top 10 in the state. Since 2018, the school has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting its profound impact on students and the community.
Your generous gift will help Trinity Lutheran School continue its mission of innovation, faith-based education, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Together, we can ensure that more children experience the life-changing message of Jesus.