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. 

A Play-Based Curriculum Rooted in Faith

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.

Six Areas of Whole-Child Development

Our program is designed to concentrate on the whole child. We encourage learning across six essential developmental areas:

• Social: Working with others and participating in group activities, learning cooperation and kindness through daily interaction with peers.
• Emotional: Expressing feelings and demonstrating awareness of others' feelings, building the self-regulation skills that serve children well into elementary school and beyond.
• Physical: Participating in fine and large motor activities that develop coordination, strength, and body awareness through active play.
• Language: Expressing oneself through oral and written language, building vocabulary and communication skills through storytelling, conversation, and creative projects.
• Cognitive: Counting, naming, and thinking conceptually, developing early math and reasoning skills in a way that feels natural and engaging.
• Spiritual: Developing faith and learning about God's Word, experiencing the love of Jesus through daily classroom life.

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.

Small Class Sizes and Individualized Instruction

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:

1. Three-year-olds: 1 teacher to every 8 children (1:8)
2. Four-year-olds: 1 teacher to every 10 children (1:10)

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.

Just a Short Drive from Hazel Park

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.

An Affordable Christian Education

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.

Experienced, Dedicated Preschool Staff

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.

A Foundation That Grows with Your Family

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do families need to be church members to enroll in the preschool?

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.

What ages does the preschool serve?

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.

How far is St. Paul from Hazel Park?

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.

What makes the curriculum different from a non-faith-based preschool?

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.

How can I learn more about tuition and financial options?

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.

Schedule a Visit Today

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.