The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the difference in "sense of community" at LCMS (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) elementary schools with growing, stable, or declining enrollment. LCMS elementary schools have experienced a decline in enrollment and closure of schools in recent years. This study was designed to inform practices for enrollment growth. Nine LCMS elementary schools in categories of growing, stable, and declining enrollment participated in the study. The households of each student in grades kindergarten through Grade 8 received via email the survey instrument designed to measure their sense of community at the school. School principals were also interviewed. The results showed a statistically significant difference in sense of community at schools declining in enrollment. Declining schools had a lower sense of community than growing and stable schools. Results indicated the importance for school leaders to develop community at their schools to support enrollment growth. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]