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.

Faith-Based Education With a 100-Year Track Record

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.

What Sets St. Paul Apart

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:

• Small class sizes – Combined classes at St. Paul typically serve 10 to 12 students. Every child receives attention, and no one falls through the cracks.
• Over a century of community – The school has been part of Royal Oak since 1916, with roots in the St. Paul Lutheran Church congregation that was established in 1873. That kind of longevity reflects sustained trust across generations of families.
• A Christian atmosphere in every subject – Religion is not treated as a standalone class while everything else proceeds without reference to faith. At St. Paul, Christian love and joy are understood as a genuine part of all learning and all relationships.
• A curriculum that meets Michigan standards – St. Paul's course of study meets all Michigan State requirements, so families do not have to trade academic rigor for values.
• A nurturing environment – Dedicated teachers and staff create an environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others.

A Complete Curriculum From Preschool Through Eighth Grade

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:

• Religion – worship, Bible study, salvation history, catechism, and memory work
• Language Arts – reading, phonics, English, spelling, handwriting, practical and creative writing, and literature
• Social Studies – geography, history, current events, and Michigan history
• Science – general science, health, family life, and computer education, with significant hands-on learning and experimentation
• Mathematics – numbers, geometry, measurement, the metric system, and algebra
• Fine Arts – music, art, choirs, drama, and band
• Physical Education – individual and team sports, fitness skills, and physical fitness testing

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.

Preschool: The Foundation Your Child Deserves

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:

• 3-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 8 children (1:8)
• 4-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 10 children (1:10)

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.

Technology and Hands-On Learning

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.

An Exceptional Music Program

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.

Athletics Through Community Partnership

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.

Financial Aid and Tuition Flexibility

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.

How to Enroll at St. Paul Lutheran School

The admissions process at St. Paul is personal and welcoming. Here is how it works:

1. Call the school office at 248-546-6555 to schedule an initial meeting and tour
2. Submit a New Student Application, complete new student placement testing, and provide your child's last two report cards
3. Finalize enrollment by submitting completed enrollment forms, paying registration fees, and setting up your tuition account through FACTS

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is St. Paul Lutheran School from Lathrup Village?

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.

Do I need to be Lutheran or a church member to enroll?

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.

What grade levels does St. Paul serve?

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.

What makes Christian private school education different from public school?

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.

Is financial assistance available?

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.

Come See St. Paul for Yourself

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