Welcome to
St Paul Lutheran School
St. Paul Lutheran School
in Royal Oak is just a short drive from Lathrup Village, MI. We have been providing faith-centered, academically rigorous education to Oakland County families for over 100 years.
If you have been looking for a school that pairs academic excellence with Christian values and a warm, close-knit community, St. Paul is worth a visit. The commute from Lathrup Village to St. Paul is straightforward, and many of the families who make that drive say it is one of the best decisions they have made for their children.
St. Paul Lutheran School has served church families and non-members alike since 1916. What has kept families coming back, generation after generation, is not just the academic quality of the program, though that is strong. It is the character of the community itself. This is a school where students are known, that invests in teachers, and where the Christian faith shapes the school day.
The school's mission says it clearly: St. Paul Lutheran School equips children for a life of service with a foundation of academic, physical, spiritual, and social maturity centered around Jesus Christ.
For families seeking faith-based education in Lathrup Village, this kind of deep, whole-child formation is exactly what distinguishes St. Paul from both the public school options and the private schools that treat faith as a supplementary feature rather than a core commitment.
There are several private school options in Oakland County, but St. Paul offers a combination of qualities that is uncommon. When families visit for the first time, they frequently comment on how different the experience feels from larger institutions.
Here is what stands out most:
St. Paul serves students from preschool through eighth grade, making it possible for a child to build their entire pre-high school foundation within one faith-centered community. The breadth and depth of the academic program is a frequent point of pride for St. Paul families.
The K-8 curriculum includes:
Each subject is taught within a Christian atmosphere where faith and learning are woven together rather than kept apart. Students at St. Paul grow not only as students but as people of faith and character. Meet our full faculty and staff to learn more about the people who make St. Paul's preschool program what it is.
The St. Paul Lutheran Preschool program serves three and four year olds in a nurturing, child-centered, play-based curriculum designed to develop the whole child. Low teacher-to-child ratios ensure that each young learner receives the individual attention that early childhood research consistently identifies as essential.
Preschool ratios at St. Paul are as follows:
The preschool curriculum concentrates on six areas of development: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and spiritual. Children learn through hands-on activities that engage all the senses, in an environment shaped by the Christian faith and by teachers who view their work as a calling. Learn more about our preschool program and what a typical day looks like for young learners at St. Paul.
St. Paul takes a purposeful, progressive approach to preparing students for a world where technology and critical thinking are equally important. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive dedicated instruction in how to use technological devices such as Chromebooks. From fifth grade onward, students apply those skills independently for research and document production.
Science instruction across all grade levels incorporates meaningful time in hands-on experimentation. Students do not simply read about how the natural world works. They investigate, observe, test, and draw conclusions for themselves. This experiential approach builds genuine curiosity alongside academic competence.
The arts are taken seriously at St. Paul. Under the direction of Minister of Music Mr. Greg Paul, students participate in a music program that grows with them across grade levels.
General music instruction is provided for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Beginning in fifth grade, students may join the Beginning Band, and from there the Advanced Band. Both ensembles participate in worship services and perform in a spring concert. Additional opportunities include a Handbell Choir and an auditioned Select Choir, both available as after-school activities. All students participate in the St. Paul School Choir, which rehearses twice weekly during the school day and performs for church services and community events throughout the year.
St. Paul partners with St. Mary in Royal Oak to provide after-school athletic opportunities for students. This partnership expands what is available to St. Paul families while maintaining the school's focused and values-centered approach to the school day itself.
Making a faith-based education accessible to families across Oakland County is a priority at St. Paul. Financial aid is available for qualifying families, with applications accepted in mid-spring and award decisions communicated in late May or early June. Sibling discounts apply for families with more than one child enrolled, and several tuition payment schedule options are available to match different financial situations.
Families are consistently surprised by how workable the tuition is, particularly given the quality and community St. Paul offers. We encourage any family with questions to reach out and have an honest conversation about what options may be available to them. Visit our tuition and fees page to request the current rate schedule.
The admissions process at St. Paul is personal and welcoming. Here is how it works:
St. Paul welcomes families from both within and outside the Lutheran church. Church membership is not required, and families of many Christian backgrounds and traditions have found a home here.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Royal Oak borders communities throughout southern Oakland County and is typically a short drive from the Lathrup Village area, making the commute comfortable for most families.
No. St. Paul has welcomed non-member families for its entire history. What matters most is a family's desire to raise their child in an environment where faith, character, and academic excellence are equally valued.
St. Paul serves students from preschool through eighth grade. The preschool program is designed for three and four year olds, and the K-8 program provides a complete elementary and middle school education in a Christian environment.
A Christian school integrates faith formation with every academic subject and relationship within the school community. At St. Paul, the Christian faith is not a class period or a chapel service added onto an otherwise standard school day. It is the foundation from which all learning, all relationships, and all goals flow. That integration is something public schools are not designed to provide.
Yes. St. Paul offers financial aid for qualifying families, sibling tuition discounts, and flexible payment schedule options. Families are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss their specific circumstances.
When you are looking for the right private school near Lathrup Village MI, nothing replaces actually visiting and experiencing the community in person. At St. Paul Lutheran School, you will find a school that takes your child's faith and academic formation equally seriously, in a warm, small community where every student is genuinely known and cared for.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask any questions about our programs. We would love to meet your family and show you what St. Paul has to offer.
St. Paul Lutheran School 508 Williams Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: 248-546-6555
Bloomfield Hills families have access to some of the most well-resourced public schools in Michigan. But few build academic excellence on a foundation of Christian faith. St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak has been doing this for over 100 years. For families in Bloomfield Hills and the surrounding Oakland County area seeking a private elementary school Bloomfield Hills families can trust, St. Paul offers a compelling and distinct alternative.
When parents begin searching for a Christian school Bloomfield Hills MI or a private school near Bloomfield Hills, they are usually looking for something specific. They want smaller classrooms. They want teachers who are invested in their child as an individual. They want the freedom to integrate faith and learning, so that what their child studies in school and what their family believes at home are not kept in separate boxes.
St. Paul Lutheran School was founded on Christian faith in accordance with the Holy Scriptures. The school's mission is to equip children for a life of service with a foundation of academic, physical, spiritual, and social maturity centered around Jesus Christ. Every subject, every classroom interaction, and every relationship at St. Paul is shaped by that purpose.
This is not something a public school, no matter how well funded, can offer. It is what makes a Christian private elementary school education genuinely different, and it is why families drive from across Oakland County to be part of this community.
One of the most significant differences between St. Paul and larger schools, public or private, is the size of the learning environment. Each combined class at St. Paul typically ranges from 10 to 12 students. That is not a marketing claim. It is a structural reality that changes the texture of every single school day.
When class sizes are small:
For Bloomfield Hills families accustomed to expecting a great deal from their child's school, small class sizes are not just a perk. They are the mechanism by which individualized instruction actually happens rather than just being promised. Learn more about the faculty and staff who make this level of personal attention possible every day.
St. Paul meets all Michigan State curriculum requirements across every subject area, so families do not have to choose between academic rigor and Christian values. The two are integrated throughout the school day, not separated into "faith time" and "learning time."
The K-8 curriculum covers:
This breadth of instruction ensures that students at St. Paul develop academically across every discipline, not just the tested ones. The Christian atmosphere in which all of this learning takes place means that students also grow in faith, character, and the values that will guide them long after they leave the classroom.
St. Paul takes a thoughtful, progressive approach to technology in the classroom. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive dedicated instruction in how to use technological devices such as Chromebooks. Students in fifth through eighth grades use those skills to apply technology as a genuine learning tool for research and document production.
This progression reflects how learning works: students first build competency, then apply it with increasing independence. It also reflects St. Paul's commitment to preparing students for a world where technological fluency is essential, while ensuring that screens serve learning rather than replace it.
Science classes across all grade levels incorporate significant time in hands-on learning and experimentation, giving students the experience of doing science rather than simply reading about it. This experiential approach strengthens both retention and genuine curiosity about how the world works.
St. Paul's music program, led by the school's Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, is a meaningful part of the student experience. General music instruction is offered for kindergarten through fourth grade once a week. Beginning in fifth grade, students may choose to join the Beginning Band, and from there the Advanced Band, with both groups participating in worship services and a spring concert.
Additional music opportunities include:
For families who value the arts as part of a complete education, St. Paul's music program offers genuine depth and a variety of ways for students to engage with music as both a skill and a form of worship.
St. Paul partners with St. Mary in Royal Oak to offer after-school athletic opportunities for students. This partnership gives St. Paul students access to organized sports while maintaining the school's commitment to a focused and values-centered learning environment during the school day.
St. Paul is committed to making a Christian private school education accessible to families for whom tuition is a real consideration. Financial aid is available, with applications accepted in mid-spring and allocations communicated to families in late May or early June. Families with more than one child enrolled receive sibling discounts, and several tuition payment schedules are available to fit different budgeting needs.
For Bloomfield Hills families exploring a private school near Bloomfield Hills, the actual cost of St. Paul is often more within reach than families expect. Visit our tuition and fees page to request the current rate schedule and learn more about your options.
Getting started at St. Paul is straightforward. Here is how the admissions process works:
The St. Paul community is warm and welcoming to families from both within and outside the Lutheran church. Church membership is not required for enrollment. What matters most is a family's desire to raise their child in an environment where faith and learning are taken equally seriously.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in Royal Oak, Michigan, which is approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Bloomfield Hills depending on your specific location and traffic. Many Oakland County families find the commute comfortable and well worth the drive for the quality and character of the school community.
No. St. Paul welcomes families from both within and outside the Lutheran church. The school has served church families and non-members for over 100 years. All students participate in religion instruction and the life of the Christian community at school, and families of many backgrounds have found that this is a meaningful and positive part of their child's experience.
St. Paul serves students from preschool through eighth grade. The preschool program is designed for three and four year olds with low teacher-to-child ratios, and the K-8 program provides a complete elementary and middle school education in a Christian environment.
Yes. St. Paul offers financial aid for qualifying families, sibling discounts, and multiple tuition payment schedule options. Families are encouraged to reach out to learn what options may be available to them.
A Christian private school is not simply a public school with a chapel. At St. Paul, the Christian faith is not an add-on to the academic program. It is the frame around which the entire educational experience is built. Students learn the same Michigan-required academic content, but they do so in an environment where their spiritual formation, character development, and relationship with God are nurtured alongside their academic growth. That integration is something a public school is not equipped or permitted to provide.
If you are a Bloomfield Hills family searching for a private elementary school Bloomfield Hills option rooted in Christian values, small class sizes, and genuine academic excellence, St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak is worth a visit. We would love to show you our school, introduce you to our teachers, and help you imagine what this community could mean for your child and your family.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask any questions about enrollment. You can also call our school office directly at 248-546-6555. We look forward to meeting you.
St. Paul Lutheran School 508 Williams Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: 248-546-6555
St. Paul Lutheran School
in Royal Oak offers a Christian preschool that combines faith-based learning with a nurturing, hands-on classroom experience. Located just a short drive from Hazel Park, our preschool has been serving families throughout southeast Oakland County for more than a century, and we welcome both church members and non-members into our school family.
At St. Paul, we believe that early childhood education should focus on the whole child. Our program is built on the conviction that when children grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, and cognitively in a loving environment, they develop the kind of foundation that supports them for a lifetime.
St. Paul Lutheran Preschool partners with parents in educating children by teaching the Christian faith in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church, while also teaching secular subjects that follow the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan. This means your child receives a well-rounded education that meets state benchmarks and is enriched by the values, stories, and principles of the Christian faith.
Our child-centered, play-based curriculum allows for many hands-on, memorable learning experiences. Rather than relying on worksheets and rote instruction, we believe young children learn best when they engage all of their senses: tasting, touching, smelling, listening, and seeing. Every lesson is designed to be developmentally appropriate, giving your child the freedom to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Our program is designed to concentrate on the whole child. We encourage learning across six essential developmental areas:
This whole-child approach means that when your child transitions from preschool into kindergarten and beyond, they are prepared not just academically but emotionally, socially, and spiritually. For families who value a Christian education that shapes both the heart and the mind, St. Paul's preschool provides that seamless integration from day one.
One of the most meaningful differences between a faith-based preschool like St. Paul and many larger early childhood programs is the level of individualized attention your child receives. Our staff-to-child ratios are intentionally kept low so that every child is truly seen, known, and supported:
These ratios allow our teachers to tailor instruction to each child's unique needs, strengths, and learning style. Whether your child is an eager early reader, a budding artist, or someone who needs a little more encouragement with group activities, our educators have the time and flexibility to meet them where they are. This individualized instruction is one of the reasons families from Royal Oak, Ferndale, Madison Heights, and the surrounding area — including families near Hazel Park — choose St. Paul for their child's first school experience.
In a smaller classroom setting, children also build stronger relationships with their teachers and classmates. These bonds create a sense of security and belonging that helps young learners feel confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and try new things. That kind of emotional safety is particularly important during the preschool years, when children are forming their earliest impressions of what school feels like.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, MI 48067 — just minutes from the Hazel Park border. For families in the area, this means you can provide your child with a Christian preschool education without a long commute or complicated logistics. Royal Oak's central location and easy accessibility via major roads make the daily drive quick and convenient.
Many of our families come from neighboring communities throughout Oakland County and appreciate that a short trip across the city line opens the door to a private, faith-based preschool experience that simply isn't available in every community. If you've been searching for a preschool near Hazel Park, MI that offers something more than what's available locally, St. Paul provides an exceptional option just around the corner.
We understand that tuition is a significant consideration for every family, and we're committed to making Christian education accessible. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage prospective families to download our current rate schedule and then reach out to discuss the options that work best for your budget.
Unlike many private preschool programs in Oakland County, St. Paul's tuition reflects our mission of serving families across a wide range of financial backgrounds. We have been welcoming church families and non-members alike for over 100 years, and we believe that a faith-based education should be within reach for any family who desires it for their child.
When comparing preschool costs, it's also worth considering the full value of what your tuition includes. At St. Paul, your child benefits from qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, a state-aligned curriculum, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a school community rooted in Christian love and service. Many families find that this combination of quality and affordability is difficult to match at other programs in the region.
The teachers who lead our preschool classrooms aren't just qualified — they're deeply committed to the children and families they serve. Our Preschool Director, Christie Sipila, lives in downtown Royal Oak and is currently pursuing a second bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She brings both professional expertise and a personal calling to her role, describing the most inspiring part of her job as the honor of teaching children about Jesus and his love and forgiveness.
Our preschool teacher, Mrs. Blythe MacKinder, is a St. Paul alumnus and church member who completed her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Wayne State University and has earned the educational credits to serve as lead teacher in the preschool program. She is also working toward a second bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for watching children grow — in vocabulary, in confidence, in their love of Jesus — is evident in everything she does in the classroom.
This level of dedication and ongoing professional development reflects St. Paul's broader commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development that has defined the school since it was founded in 1916.
One of the unique advantages of choosing St. Paul Lutheran Preschool is that it isn't a standalone program. It's part of a preschool through 8th grade school with a comprehensive curriculum that meets all requirements of the State of Michigan. When your child is ready for kindergarten and beyond, they can continue their education at St. Paul without the disruption of changing schools, leaving friends, or adjusting to an entirely new environment.
The K–8 curriculum includes religion, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, fine arts, and physical education, all taught in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. Students also have access to an exceptional music program that includes general music instruction, band, handbell choir, and a select auditioned choir, as well as athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak.
For families thinking about the long-term picture, this continuity means your child can build lasting relationships with teachers, classmates, and a school community that supports them from their very first day of preschool through their 8th grade graduation.
No. St. Paul Lutheran School has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who are seeking a faith-based preschool education built on Christian values and academic excellence are welcome to apply.
Our preschool program serves children ages 3 and 4. Three-year-olds benefit from a 1:8 teacher-to-child ratio, while four-year-olds are in classrooms with a 1:10 ratio, ensuring individualized attention and support at every stage.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, just a short drive from the Hazel Park area. Most families find the commute takes only a few minutes via local roads.
Our curriculum follows the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan while also integrating the Christian faith into daily learning. Children learn about God's Word alongside foundational academic and social skills, creating a balanced educational experience that develops the whole child — spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and linguistically.
St. Paul has many options available to make Christian education affordable. You can visit our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule, or contact us directly to discuss what works best for your family.
The best way to experience what St. Paul Lutheran Preschool has to offer is to see it for yourself. We welcome families from throughout the area to tour our campus, meet our teachers, and discover why so many parents trust us with their child's earliest educational experiences.
Contact us today to schedule a visit or to ask any questions about our preschool program. You can also call our school office directly at 248-546-6555. We look forward to getting to know you and your family, and we pray that you find everything you are looking for here at St. Paul.
Every child deserves an education that challenges them academically, supports them personally, and prepares them for the future. If you're exploring alternatives to public school near Hazel Park, MI, you may be surprised to learn that one of Oakland County's most established private schools is located just minutes away in downtown Royal Oak. St. Paul Lutheran School has been providing quality education to families throughout the region for over 100 years, serving students from preschool through 8th grade in a close-knit, faith-centered community where smaller class sizes and dedicated teachers make a lasting difference.
Parents explore private school options for many reasons. Some are looking for smaller classrooms where their child won't get lost in the crowd. Others want an academic environment that integrates character development and Christian values into daily learning. Many are simply searching for a school that feels like a genuine community, a place where teachers know every student by name and families feel like they belong.
Whatever is driving your search, private school offers several advantages that are difficult to replicate in larger public school settings:
At St. Paul Lutheran School, these are the everyday reality for our students and families. Our school is committed to academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit, creating a nurturing environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others.
The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan. Quality education is the standard in all subject areas, and every subject is taught in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. When families consider a private school near Hazel Park, academic quality is typically the first concern, and St. Paul's program is designed to deliver rigorous, well-rounded instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Our K–8 curriculum covers the following areas:
This breadth of curriculum means your child receives a complete education under one roof, with no gaps between subject areas and no need to supplement with outside programs. Students develop strong foundational skills in the elementary years and then build on that knowledge with increasing depth and complexity as they move into the middle school grades.
One of the distinguishing features of St. Paul is its music program, directed by our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, who holds a Master's in Organ Performance from Wayne State University. Kindergarten through 4th grade students study general music once a week. Beginning in 5th grade, students can choose to join the Beginning Band, and from there, advance to the Advanced Band. Both bands participate in worship services and a spring concert.
Beyond the band program, students can participate in a Handbell Choir, which plays for worship services and special occasions. An auditioned select choir emphasizes reading music, part singing, and participation in choral festivals. All students also participate in the St. Paul School Choir, which practices twice weekly during the school day and performs during church services and community events throughout the school year.
This is the kind of program that rarely exists in smaller private schools, and it gives students the opportunity to discover and develop musical talents that many families deeply value.
Physical activity is an important part of a well-rounded education, and St. Paul provides athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports. This collaboration gives students access to organized team sports and competitive play while maintaining the small-school community feel that families appreciate. Physical education is also part of the daily K–8 curriculum, helping students develop skills in individual and team sports, physical fitness, and recreation.
When parents look at alternatives to public school near Hazel Park, class size is often one of the deciding factors. In many public school districts, elementary classrooms can include 25 to 30 or more students, making it challenging for any teacher to give each child the personal attention they need.
At St. Paul, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. This isn't just a tagline; it's the daily experience of our students. In a smaller setting, teachers can adapt their instruction to meet each learner where they are, provide more immediate feedback, and catch potential challenges early before they become obstacles.
The benefits of small class sizes extend beyond academics. Students in smaller schools tend to develop stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, feel a greater sense of belonging, and participate more actively in classroom discussions and school activities. For children who may struggle with confidence, attention, or social skills, a smaller school environment can be transformative.
A school is only as strong as the people in its classrooms, and St. Paul's faculty and staff bring a remarkable depth of experience, education, and personal commitment to their work. Many of our teachers have served at the school for years or even decades, and several are alumni who returned to teach at the school that shaped their own lives.
Our principal, Mr. Chris Francik, holds master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and in Educational Administration, both from Concordia University. His approach to leadership centers on building long-term relationships with students and families. Teachers like Mrs. Dawn Heins, who brings 30 years of classroom experience and has taught nearly every grade level, and Mrs. Christina Eising, who holds a Master's in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University, ensure that students receive instruction from educators who are both highly qualified and deeply invested.
Location matters when you're choosing a school, especially when the daily commute is part of your family's routine for years to come. St. Paul Lutheran School sits at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak — directly bordering the Hazel Park area. For most families, the drive is just a few minutes via local roads, making it one of the most convenient private school options available to families in this part of Oakland County.
Royal Oak's central location also means that the commute fits naturally into many families' daily routines, whether you're heading to work, running errands, or picking up from after-school activities. Families from Ferndale, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, and surrounding communities also make the same short trip, contributing to a diverse and welcoming school community that extends well beyond Royal Oak itself.
One of the most common misconceptions about private school is that it's financially out of reach for most families. At St. Paul, we work hard to make that assumption untrue. The school has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage families to view our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule and learn about the options that may be available to you.
St. Paul has been serving both church families and non-members for over a century. Our mission has always been to make quality, faith-based education accessible to any family that values it, and our tuition structure reflects that commitment. We invite you to contact us directly to have an honest conversation about what Christian education at St. Paul would look like for your family's budget.
No. St. Paul has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over 100 years. Families from all backgrounds who are seeking academic excellence and a nurturing, values-based school environment are welcome.
St. Paul offers programs from preschool through 8th grade, providing continuity and stability throughout your child's formative school years. Students can enter at the preschool level and remain part of the same school community through their middle school graduation.
Admission to St. Paul begins with three straightforward steps: schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555, submit a New Student Application along with placement testing and your student's last two report cards, and finalize registration by completing enrollment forms and registration fees. You can learn more on our admissions page.
Yes. The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan across all subject areas, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical education.
Students have access to a robust music program that includes band, handbell choir, and select choir, as well as athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports.
Finding the right private school is about more than test scores and curriculum guides. It's about finding a community where your child will be known, challenged, and loved. For families near Hazel Park looking for an alternative to public school that offers academic excellence, small class sizes, and a faith-based foundation, St. Paul Lutheran School provides all of that and more, just a short drive away.
We invite you to come see our campus and meet the teachers who make this school special. Contact us today to schedule a tour, or call our office at 248-546-6555. We look forward to welcoming your family.
At St. Paul Lutheran School, we understand how significant finding a good kindergarten is for your family. Our kindergarten program is designed to give children a strong academic foundation while nurturing their spiritual, emotional, and social growth in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. With over 100 years of educational excellence in downtown Royal Oak, small class sizes that allow for truly individualized instruction, and a dedicated kindergarten teacher who is passionate about shaping young learners, St. Paul offers one of the best kindergarten experiences available to families in Oakland County.
Many parents begin their search for kindergarten programs by looking at curriculum checklists and comparing schedules. Those things matter, but they only tell part of the story. What truly distinguishes a private kindergarten from a public one is the environment in which that learning takes place.
At St. Paul, our kindergarten is part of a preschool through 8th grade school where every subject is taught in a Christian atmosphere. This means your kindergartener is learning in a community that reinforces kindness, respect, faith, and service every single day. These are the qualities that help children thrive not just academically, but as whole human beings.
The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan, and quality education is the standard in all subject areas. Your child will never fall behind their peers at other schools; in fact, the individualized attention and rigorous expectations at St. Paul often mean that students are ahead.
Our kindergarten curriculum covers the full range of subjects that build a strong academic foundation. Rather than focusing narrowly on a few skills, we believe kindergarteners benefit from a broad and balanced approach that engages their curiosity across multiple disciplines.
The kindergarten program includes instruction across the following areas:
This isn't a watered-down version of what older students learn. It's a developmentally appropriate, carefully sequenced introduction to each discipline, taught by an educator who understands how kindergarteners think, learn, and grow.
One of the unique advantages of kindergarten at St. Paul is that students begin participating in the school's exceptional music program right away. Under the direction of our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, kindergarteners study general music once a week. This early exposure to rhythm, melody, singing, and musical concepts has been shown to support language development, memory, and coordination.
As students grow, the music program expands to include band, handbell choir, and an auditioned select choir, but it all begins in kindergarten with a weekly class that builds a foundation of musical literacy and a joy for creative expression.
When parents evaluate the best kindergarten options, class size is often one of the most important factors. In a smaller classroom, your child is never just a face in the crowd. They receive the kind of individualized instruction that allows their teacher to understand their specific strengths, identify areas where they need support, and adjust lessons to meet them exactly where they are.
At St. Paul, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. This commitment to individualized attention means that:
This kind of environment is especially valuable during the kindergarten year, when children are forming their foundational beliefs about what school is and whether they belong there. A child who feels known, valued, and supported in kindergarten carries that confidence into every grade that follows.
The person leading your child's classroom matters enormously, and at St. Paul, our kindergarten teacher brings both professional qualifications and a deep personal commitment to her students. Mrs. Miranda Lorence earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Baker College and is currently working toward her graduate degree at Oakland University. Her ongoing investment in her own education reflects the same growth mindset she cultivates in her students.
When asked about the most inspiring part of her work, Mrs. Lorence describes the opportunity to impact the lives of children and mold the foundation of their education. That sense of purpose is evident in her classroom every day, where students are encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and discover what they're capable of in an environment that celebrates effort as much as achievement.
Behind Mrs. Lorence is a faculty and staff team with remarkable depth and experience. When your kindergartener moves into 1st grade, they'll transition to Mrs. Christina Eising, who holds a B.A. in Education from Concordia University, Ann Arbor and a Master's in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University. T
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a private kindergarten at St. Paul is the knowledge that your child can remain in this same nurturing, high-quality environment through 8th grade. There's no need to navigate a new school transition in 1st grade, or again in middle school.
The K–8 curriculum expands naturally from the kindergarten foundation, adding complexity and rigor in every subject area as students mature. By middle school, students have access to advanced coursework, athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports, and an expanded music program that includes beginning and advanced band, handbell choir, and select choir. All of this grows from the seeds planted in that very first kindergarten year.
St. Paul Lutheran School equips children for a life of service with a foundation of academic, physical, spiritual, and social maturity centered around Jesus Christ. That mission begins the moment your kindergartener walks through the door.
We believe that access to a high-quality, faith-based kindergarten education shouldn't be limited by finances alone. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage families to visit our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule. Our team is happy to walk you through the options and help you find the path that works for your family's budget.
The school has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over a century, and our commitment to accessibility is as strong today as it was when the school opened its doors in 1916 with just eleven students. Contact us to start a conversation about tuition and enrollment.
Children entering kindergarten should meet the age requirements established by the State of Michigan. If you have questions about whether your child is ready, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with our school office to discuss placement and readiness.
No. St. Paul has served both church families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who value academic excellence and Christian education are welcome to apply regardless of church affiliation.
Enrollment begins with three steps: schedule a meeting by calling 248-546-6555, submit a New Student Application along with placement testing, and finalize registration with completed enrollment forms and registration fees. You can find more details on our admissions page.
Absolutely. While many kindergarteners transition directly from our preschool program, we welcome new families at every grade level. New students are quickly integrated into the classroom and the broader school community.
Private kindergarten programs like ours offer smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, values-based learning, and a continuity of environment that large public schools often cannot provide. Your child receives more personal attention, a broader curriculum that includes faith education, and the benefit of being known and supported by every adult in the building.
The best way to understand what kindergarten at St. Paul looks like is to visit. We welcome you to tour our campus, meet Mrs. Lorence, see the classrooms, and experience the warmth of our school community firsthand. Contact us today to schedule your visit, or call our school office at 248-546-6555. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child take this exciting first step.