St. Stephens Lutheran School adheres to the standards set forth by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, diverting only in relation to its religious instruction component.  Its curriculum is supported by defined goals and objectives and learner achievement is measured by a variety of methods including objective and subjective testing, written and oral reports, along with formal and informal assignments utilized both in class and through homework.  Additionally, instructional materials, such as textbooks, are selected to assure cultural diversity. 

Concepts are taught and constantly reviewed throughout the year.  Different types of learning experiences are presented to enable a child to be successful in life.  Students are taught to accept responsibility through accountability, expectations, and understanding of God’s gifts to the individual.

Textbooks and other learning materials are evaluated according to the school’s philosophy, curriculum, and state recommended learner outcomes.  They are chosen to challenge the students in preparing them with the necessary information and incentive to achieve.   Basic textbooks are supplemented with workbooks, black line masters, and other materials.

The school follows a schedule for curriculum review which parallels the schedule followed by the State’s system.  Teachers and administrators attend workshops to enable them to conduct an in depth study of different textbooks and materials.  Textbook replacement is on a five-year replacement schedule.

Students in grades seven and eight are involved in the study of Spanish.  Through the use of various textbooks, tapes and supplementary materials, the students are taught vocabulary, verb usage, grammar and cultures.   The school, as a part of its strategic plan, provides Spanish instruction in all grades.

Students at St. Stephens Lutheran School are tested in accordance with the State’s standards.  All nonpublic schools are required to administer a nationally standardized test for students in grades three, five, and eight.   In order to meet the needs of the students, St. Stephens has chosen to exceed this mandate and begin testing with grade one.  Students in grades one through eight are tested in the spring using the Stanford 10 Achievement Test.  In addition, eighth grade students take the state mandated Computer Literacy Test.  Eighth grade students, wishing to be exempt from Algebra 1 in high school, are given the State’s End of Course Exam.