Families in the Beverly Hills area are fortunate to have access to strong public schools through the Birmingham school district. But for parents who want something that pairs academics with a Christian foundation and the kind of personal attention that only a small school community can provide, St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak is an accessible and compelling choice.

Located just a short drive away, St. Paul has been serving Oakland County families for over 100 years. 

Why Families Choose a Private Christian School

The public schools in the Birmingham district are well regarded, and many families in the area are satisfied with what they offer. But satisfied and fully served are not always the same thing. Some families want their child's school day to include more than academic content. They want faith formation, character development, and a community where Christian values are central.

Others are drawn to the specific qualities that a small private school makes possible: teachers who know each student well, class sizes where no child can go unnoticed, and an environment where motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others are cultivated daily alongside reading, math, and science.

St. Paul Lutheran School offers all of this within a 100-year tradition of academic excellence and Christian community. For families seeking a private school near Beverly Hills, the drive to Royal Oak is short, and what they find when they arrive is genuinely distinct from what any public school can offer.

A School Built on a Clear Mission

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. The school's mission is an organizing principle that determines curriculum decisions, teacher hires, and every interaction between staff and students.

The school traces its roots to 1873, when St. Paul Lutheran Church was established in the heart of Royal Oak. The school itself opened in 1916 with just eleven students. More than a century later, it continues to serve church families and non-members alike, welcoming families from across Oakland County who are looking for an education with both depth and purpose.

Small Classes, Real Relationships

One of the most significant differences between St. Paul and larger institutions is the size of the learning environment. Combined classes at St. Paul typically serve between 10 and 12 students. Within each grade level, the largest single grade has approximately seven to eight children. These numbers are not a limitation. They are an intentional part of how the school is designed.

When classes are this small, several things become possible that simply cannot happen at scale:

• Teachers learn each student's learning style, strengths, and challenges within the first weeks of school
• Struggling students receive support before small gaps become significant ones
• Advanced learners are challenged and engaged rather than waiting for the group to catch up
• Every student has a genuine voice in classroom conversations
• Relationships between teachers and families develop over years, not just a single school year

St. Paul principal Mr. Chris Francik has noted that building relationships with students and their families is the most inspiring part of his work, and that these connections, which often span many years, allow him to witness the work of Jesus in the lives of individuals over time. That long-view investment in students and families is a hallmark of what St. Paul offers. Meet the full faculty and staff who make this community what it is.

A Full Curriculum Taught in a Christian Atmosphere

St. Paul's course of study meets all Michigan State curriculum requirements, so families do not have to trade academic rigor for values. Quality education is the standard across every subject area. All subjects are taught in a Christian atmosphere where Christian love and joy are understood as a genuine part of life, not as a separate program added onto an otherwise standard school day.

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 meaningful 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

This breadth ensures that students at St. Paul receive a complete, well-rounded education in which faith and learning are integrated from the very first day.

Preschool: A Gentle, Intentional Beginning

St. Paul serves children beginning in preschool, with a program designed for three and four year olds that is as intentional about faith formation as it is about school readiness. The preschool curriculum concentrates on developing the whole child across six interconnected areas: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and spiritual.

The program is child-centered and play-based, with learning designed to involve all the senses. Low teacher-to-child ratios ensure that each young learner receives the individual attention they need during these foundational early years:

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

For families searching for christian education Beverly Hills Michigan area children can grow into from the very beginning, the preschool at St. Paul provides a warm, faith-centered entry point into the full K-8 program. Learn more about our preschool and what early learning looks like at St. Paul.

Technology and Hands-On Science

St. Paul takes a thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approach to technology instruction. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive dedicated instruction in how to use devices such as Chromebooks. From fifth grade onward, students apply those skills as independent tools for research and document production, preparing them for the academic demands of high school and beyond.

Science instruction across all grade levels incorporates significant time in hands-on learning and experimentation. Students do not simply read about the natural world. They observe, test, record, and draw conclusions from their own investigations. This experiential approach builds both content knowledge and the kind of curious, careful thinking that carries across every subject.

An Exceptional Music Program

The arts are a meaningful part of daily life at St. Paul. Under the direction of Minister of Music Mr. Greg Paul, the school's music program offers students a range of opportunities to develop their musical abilities across grade levels.

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive general music instruction once a week. Beginning in fifth grade, students may choose to join the Beginning Band, and from there the Advanced Band, both of which participate in worship services and perform at a spring concert. Additional music offerings include a Handbell Choir and an auditioned Select Choir, each available as after-school activities. Every student participates in the St. Paul School Choir, which rehearses twice weekly during the school day and performs at church services and community events throughout the year.

Athletic Opportunities Through Partnership

St. Paul partners with St. Mary in Royal Oak to provide after-school athletic opportunities for students. This partnership extends what the school is able to offer to its families while preserving the focused, values-centered character of the school day itself.

Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid

St. Paul is committed to making a private Christian education genuinely accessible to families across the Oakland County area. Financial aid is available for qualifying families, with applications accepted in mid-spring and award notifications sent in late May or early June. Families with more than one child enrolled receive sibling tuition discounts, and several payment schedule options are available to fit different budgeting situations.

Many families are pleasantly surprised to discover that the cost of attending St. Paul is more manageable than they initially assumed. We encourage families to reach out directly to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them.

How the Admissions Process Works

Getting started at St. Paul is a personal, welcoming process. Here is what to expect:

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

Church membership is not required for enrollment. St. Paul has always welcomed families from both within and outside the Lutheran tradition, and families of many Christian backgrounds have found a genuine home in this community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is St. Paul Lutheran School from Beverly Hills, MI?

St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Royal Oak is the neighboring community to the south and east of Beverly Hills, making the drive typically brief and straightforward for most families in the area.

Do we need to be Lutheran to enroll?

No. St. Paul welcomes families from both within and outside the Lutheran church. Non-member families have been part of the St. Paul community throughout its history. All students participate in religion instruction and the Christian community life of the school.

What grade levels are available?

St. Paul serves students from preschool through eighth grade. The preschool program serves three and four year olds, and the K-8 program provides a complete elementary and middle school education within a Christian environment.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. St. Paul offers financial aid for qualifying families, sibling discounts for multiple enrolled children, and flexible tuition payment schedules. Families are encouraged to contact the school to learn more about their specific options.

What makes a private Christian school different from a public school?

A private Christian school integrates faith, character, and academic learning into a single coherent experience. At St. Paul, the Christian faith is not an elective or a chapel period set apart from the main curriculum. It is the foundation from which all teaching and all relationships flow. That integration is something public schools are not designed and not permitted to provide.

Visit St. Paul Lutheran School

For families in the greater Beverly Hills area exploring a private school near Beverly Hills, nothing replaces seeing the school in person and meeting the people who make it what it is. St. Paul is a community that takes your child's whole formation seriously, academically, spiritually, and personally, and we would love to show you what that looks like on a typical school day.

Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask any questions about our programs and admissions process. 

St. Paul Lutheran School 508 Williams Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: 248-546-6555