About Us

The Rosa J. Young School exists to carry forward a sacred mission: to educate, nurture, and empower young people through faith-centered learning, strong character formation, and purposeful service to community.

Founded in the spirit of Dr. Rosa J. Young—educator, missionary, and trailblazer known as the Mother of Black Lutheranism—our school stands as a living continuation of her life’s work. Rosa Young believed that education was never meant to be isolated from faith, nor faith separated from service. She understood that when children are taught with truth, dignity, and purpose, they become agents of light in places that need it most.

Today, the Rosa J. Young School serves diverse communities, welcoming students from all backgrounds while remaining firmly grounded in Lutheran Christian theology. Our commitment is not simply to academic success, but to the formation of young people who understand who they are, whose they are, and how they are called to serve.

Our Mission Today

Our mission is to nurture youth in Godly character, academic excellence, and community responsibility—preparing students to live lives of faith, leadership, and service.

We believe education must shape the whole child. At Rosa J. Young School, learning is intentionally designed to develop the head, hand, and heart:

The head, through rigorous academics and critical thinking
The hand, through practical skills, service, and stewardship
The heart, through spiritual formation, moral development, and Christian identity

This holistic approach reflects Rosa Young’s conviction that every vocation implies service and that education is a calling, not merely a career path.

Faith at the Center

Faith is not an add-on at Rosa J. Young School—it is the foundation.

Students are nurtured in a Christ-centered environment where daily prayer, Scripture, and worship are woven into the rhythm of school life. Instruction follows Lutheran Christian teachings, helping students grow in biblical understanding, moral clarity, and spiritual confidence.

We seek to cultivate:

Respect for God’s Word
Integrity in thought and action
Compassion for others
Courage to stand for what is right

Our goal is to help students develop a faith that is lived out—not only spoken—so they are prepared to navigate the world with wisdom & grace.

Character Development & Leadership

Dr. Rosa J. Young believed deeply in the power of disciplined character. She understood that education without moral grounding leaves young people unprepared to lead with purpose.

At Rosa J. Young School, character development is embedded in daily life. Students are taught responsibility, accountability, humility, and perseverance. They learn to value honesty, respect authority, care for others, and recognize their role in the broader community.

As students mature, they are encouraged to see themselves as leaders—not for status, but for service. Leadership at our school is defined by example, integrity, and commitment to the common good.

Community Empowerment

The Rosa J. Young School was born out of community need, and community empowerment remains central to our mission today.

We intentionally teach students that education is meant to bless others. Through service projects, partnerships, and real-world engagement, students learn to identify needs, apply their learning, and respond with compassion and action.

Our school honors the legacy of communities like the Alabama Black Belt—places shaped by hardship, resilience, faith, and hope. We seek to empower today’s communities by equipping young people to be thoughtful citizens, faithful servants, and responsible stewards of the gifts God has given them.

A Living Legacy

Rosa J. Young’s story did not end with history books. Her vision lives on in every classroom, every prayer, and every act of service carried out by our students.