Beginning as a boarding school with students from remote regional areas of Victoria making up a large percentage of its enrolment, the school grew to become popular with International students.

However, after a decline in International enrolments and worries about the growth of the student body in relation to the school's facilities, the boarding program ended at the end of 2002, with the boarding house facilities being demolished or adapted into classrooms.

As a school of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Luther College students participate in mandatory religious education classes in all years.

All students from all year levels attend a chapel service in the school's chapel three days out of the week, with one year level assembly and one day being an extended homegroup.

As many as 80% of Good Shepherd students attend Luther College after the completion of year 6, due to the school's close proximity and affordable fees.