Part of a 13-volume series designed to help Lutheran communities assess the feasibility of starting a Lutheran elementary school and to assist ongoing schools in current operation, this volume enumerates the steps involved in planning such a school. The first part of the publication focuses on the feasibility study necessary when exploring the idea of a Lutheran school. It gives detailed step-by-step instructions for such a study, beginning with convening the exploration group and ending with making recommendations. Part 2 deals with the survey and planning stage, specifically with the organization of the board and subcommittees that will gather information and make recommendations regarding the establishment and maintenance of a school program. Part 3 delineates the assignments of the board and subcommittee regarding organization planning, enrollment planning, financial planning, facility planning, and instruction planning. Part 4 explores the possibility of an interparish school either through sending children to an existing school or consolidating existing schools. Part 5 discusses budgeting and funding for the surveying and planning stages. A resource section contains a congregation profile sheet, an interest survey questionnaire, an agenda for a congregational exploration meeting, and a "go or no-go" check list. (JM)