History

FVL was founded in 1953 by an association of Wisconsin Synod members in the Fox River Valley area. In 1958, 16 congregations joined together in a federation for support of FVL. Currently, 39 WELS congregations within a thirty mile radius of the school comprise the Fox Valley Lutheran High School Federation.

1946

Discussions for a "Valley Lutheran High School" begin view photo.

1947

Valley Lutheran High School Rally at Goodland Field.

1948

Fox Valley Lutheran High School Association organized. Greiner Farm purchased as future site. view photo.

1953

Opening of Fox Valley Lutheran High School, eight students, one full-time teacher. view photo #1, view photo #2.

1954

Rev. Harold Warnke becomes principal. view photo.

1955

School song written; Maroon & Gray chosen as school colors; Carrousel - student newspaper - begins publication; first "varsity" basketball game.

1957

First graduation held in June at St. Paul, Appleton. Opening of new building at 2626 North Oneida with 278 students and nine full-time and two part-time teachers. view photo.

1958

Federation of area WELS churches formed to assist with school's financial needs.

1965

Dedication of first addition, bringing total worth of school to over $1,000,000 with facilities for 500 students; enrollment at 392.

1967

FVL Foundation established with $100,000 bequest to provide grants to assist families to afford tuition costs.

1970

First foreign exchange students hosted. view photo.

1972

Twentieth school year begins with over 500 students and a budget of over $300,000. FVL has 25 Federation congregations and 27 teachers. view photo.

1974

Rev. Wayne Borgwardt becomes principal. view photo First girls' basketball season. view photo.

1975

Girls' interscholastic sports program begins. Rise Up and Build expansion programseeks to provide needed improvements.

1977

Twenty-fifth anniversary observed with over 650 students and 34 teachers. Rise Up and Build construction completed, dedicated, and occupied. view photo.

1979

Rev. James Plitzuweit becomes principal. view photo.

1980

First computers installed in school. Woodshop program added to manual arts curriculum. view photo.

1982

Thirty years of Christian training with 630 students and 36 teachers. Thirty-two Federation congregations operate FVL with a budget of over $1,000,000.

1983

Winterfest inaugurated to assist funding the school music program.

1990

God Bless Our Families family ministry program begun as education component of FVL's Fresh Start effort. Funding A Fresh Start financial goal set at $1.5 million to retire debt and refurbish school.

1991

Mr. Paul Hartwig becomes principal. FVL Foundation exceeds $1 million in assets. view photo.

1993

Fortieth anniversary marked with open house and Federation-wide art showing. 560 students and 37 teachers.

1996

Long Range Planning Committee established to consider future plans, including possible relocation of the school.

1997

FVL Foundation exceeds $2 million in assets.

1998

Purchase of Rahmlow farm. Negotiations with Appleton Catholic Education System (ACES) finalized. FVL General Board approves construction of new campus. view photo.

1999

Groundbreaking for new campus takes place in March. Building construction begins in April. "Topping Out" ceremony is celebrated in November. view photo.

2000

Cornerstone Laying marked on May 21. Handing over the keys of Oneida Street campus to ACES occurs June 14. The new school opens to 605 students with 38 faculty on August 25. The dedication of new campus takes place September 10. view photo.