Boarding & Dorm Life

Student relaxing in his MLS dorm room
MLS students gathered outdoors by a painted mural on a fall day
Students hanging out together in a dorm room
Students in MLS gear sharing a meal together
Students with arms around each other
Dorm students relaxing together in the evening
Students laughing together around a table
Girls hanging out together in an MLS dorm room
Dorm students standing together arm in arm

Since many of our students come from areas where a daily commute is difficult or impossible, about two-thirds of the student body lives in the dormitory. The dorms are more than a place to sleep: MLS dorms offer unique and fun living experiences as students live together with friends and learn how to take responsibility for their daily routines. Rooms include a bed, dresser, desk and closet for each roommate, as well as a shared mini-fridge. Mattresses are extra-long (requiring extra-long twin sheets). Students are welcome to rearrange and decorate their rooms to make them their own space. Each student has either one, two, or three roommates.

Dorm Staff

The MLS Dormitory is served full-time by recent graduates of Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. These pastors and teachers have apartments located at the end of each hall in the dormitories from where they supervise the dorm students, monitor their coming and going, and build strong mentorship connections. They also serve as the first line of communication from dorm parents to the school and vice-versa.

The Inter-Dorm Office (IDO) is the hub between the girls’ and boys’ dormitories and is staffed by a member of the Dorm Staff between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., but our dorm staff is available for parents to contact at any time by email and phone.

After-School Schedule

We recognize that it is a noteworthy and even unusual leap for most high school students to live away from home for schooling. To help dorm students gain independence and foster personal responsibility, after-school hours have a level of structure and schedule. Study halls, 75-minute homework periods in the afternoon or evening, are required of underclassmen and juniors. Students are to schedule their own study halls to avoid conflict with extracurriculars and other evening activities. Study halls are not scheduled over the dinner hour. After our nightly Evening Chapel service, lights-out time is 10:15 for underclassmen and 11:15 for upperclassmen.

Parent Perspective

I knew early on that I wanted Jasper to attend MLS. We first visited when he was just eight years old. At the heart of that decision was my desire for him to receive a strong Christian education. But I also hoped for so much more – a place that would give him structure, challenge him academically, and surround him with strong Christian role models. Now, as his freshman year comes to a close, I can honestly say those hopes for him have been met.

My concern was how he would adjust to being so far from home, in a completely new environment. I wondered whether he was ready to take care of himself, to manage the day-to-day responsibilities independently, and whether he would be lonely. One thing I would encourage parents to do is have their child participate in a fall sport. Attending football camp two weeks before school started helped a great deal in my son’s acclimation to dorm life and navigating the campus. When school began, he already had a schedule and knew where he was going.

The academics are demanding, and the expectations are much higher than what he was used to. I have watched him grow in so many ways. He’s learning responsibility, accountability, and time management. He is building new friendships and finding his place. Being away from home has made him stronger and more independent. He’s navigating travel, handling difficult situations, and moving forward, even when it’s hard.

I believe this experience has brought us closer, even though we are so far apart geographically. We talk more and work through issues and challenges together, reminding each other that God is always with us, guiding us and working for our good, even when things feel uncertain and, frankly, difficult at times.

I appreciate the opportunities to experience high school with him from a distance through event streams and social media. Jasper and I talk about what he has done and what I have seen. These are my favorite conversations with him.

One of the greatest blessings has been the support we’ve received from the staff, faculty, and pastors. Every time I’ve reached out, I’ve been met with kindness, understanding, and encouragement. And in every interaction, we have been pointed to Jesus. Who can ask for more than that?

– Monica Assaker,
Alumni and Parent of Current MLS Student

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Start Your MLS Journey

An MLS education encourages students to actively explore ministry, grow in faith, and prepare for life wherever God leads. The first step is simple: Request information and start a conversation with our admissions team. We would love to get to know you and your family.