If you are searching for a Lutheran school near Clawson MI, St. Paul Lutheran School and Preschool in downtown Royal Oak is a short drive away. For more than 100 years, our school has provided quality Christian education to church families and non-members alike, serving children from preschool through eighth grade.
St. Paul is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, so Clawson families looking for an LCMS school will find a Christ-centered learning community with deep roots in the area.
A Lutheran School Close to Home
Families often want a school that feels like an extension of their own neighborhood. St. Paul sits at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, just a few miles south along Main Street. That short commute makes daily drop-off and pickup manageable, even for working parents.
What It Means to Choose an LCMS School
Not every Christian school teaches from the same foundation. For families specifically seeking a Lutheran education, the distinction matters, and it shapes everything from daily devotions to how Scripture is taught in the classroom.
Teaching Rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions
At St. Paul, our preschool partners with parents by teaching the Christian faith in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. That same foundation continues through our kindergarten through eighth grade program, where religion is a core subject rather than an add-on.
Our religion curriculum includes:
- Worship: Students take part in worship life that connects the classroom to the church.
- Bible study: Children explore God's Word in age-appropriate ways at every grade level.
- Salvation history: Students learn the story of God's work from creation through Christ.
- Catechism: Lessons build a clear understanding of Lutheran teaching.
- Memory work: Children commit Scripture and key truths to heart.
Part of a Larger Lutheran Education Network
As an LCMS school, St. Paul belongs to one of the largest Protestant school systems in the United States. Our principal, Mr. Chris Francik, earned his bachelor's degree in education from Concordia University, Nebraska, along with master's degrees from Concordia University, Irvine and Concordia University, Nebraska. This connection to the wider Lutheran education community helps us bring proven practices and a shared vision into our classrooms.
Academic Programs From Preschool Through Eighth Grade
St. Paul is committed to academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit. Our curriculum meets the requirements of the State of Michigan, and all subjects are taught in a Christian atmosphere where Christian love and joy can become a genuine part of life.
Preschool for 3- and 4-Year-Olds
Our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Teachers follow the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan while encouraging growth in six key areas:
- Social: Working with others and participating in group activities.
- Emotional: Expressing feelings and showing awareness of others' feelings.
- Physical: Building fine and large motor skills.
- Language: Expressing oneself through oral and written language.
- Cognitive: Counting, naming, and thinking conceptually.
- Spiritual: Developing faith and learning about God's Word.
Our child-centered, play-based curriculum creates hands-on, memorable learning experiences. Staff-to-child ratios are 1:8 for 3-year-olds and 1:10 for 4-year-olds, so every child receives individualized attention.
Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade
Our K-8 program gives students a well-rounded education in a nurturing setting. Along with religion, the curriculum covers language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, fine arts, and physical education. Social studies includes geography, history, current events, and Michigan history, while mathematics progresses from number sense to geometry, measurement, and algebra.
Science classes use instructional materials that emphasize hands-on learning and experimentation. Technology is also part of the learning process. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive instruction in using devices such as Chromebooks, and students in grades five through eight use Chromebooks as tools for research and document production.
Small Classes, Personal Attention
Smaller classes are one of the defining features of St. Paul. Classes after kindergarten are combined grades, and each combined class typically has about 10 to 12 students. This setting allows teachers to know each child well and provide the help and encouragement students need to reach their full potential. Our dedicated teachers and staff create an environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others.
Faith and Music in Everyday School Life
Lutheran schools have a long tradition of music in worship, and St. Paul carries that tradition forward through an exceptional music program led by our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul. Music at St. Paul is more than a class period. It is one of the ways students serve the congregation and the wider community.
Here is how our music program grows with your child:
- Kindergarten through fourth grade: Students study general music once a week.
- School Choir: All students participate in the St. Paul School Choir, practicing twice weekly during the school day.
- Beginning Band: Starting in fifth grade, students may join the St. Paul Beginning Band.
- Advanced Band: Students can move on to the Advanced Band, which performs in worship services and at a spring concert.
- After-school ensembles: A Handbell Choir plays for worship services and special occasions, and an auditioned select choir focuses on reading music, part singing, and choral festivals.
Our choirs bless the congregation and community through performances at church services and community events throughout the school year.
Clubs, Athletics, and Enrichment
We believe every child is uniquely gifted by God. While St. Paul is a small Christian school, our clubs give students meaningful ways to discover new interests, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
Current club offerings include:
- Running Club (Cross Country): Offered each fall and led by Mr. Francik, this club builds endurance and discipline. Students in grades five and up can compete in the Michigan Lutheran State Cross Country Meet.
- Girls' Volleyball Club: Students learn fundamental skills, teamwork, and game rules through practices and friendly scrimmages.
- Drama Club: Open to students in grades five and up, this club focuses on acting, improvisation, and stage skills, with our annual school play as a highlight.
- Coding Club: Students learn basic coding skills and create their own games.
- Crochet Club: Students in fourth grade and above are mentored by members of our church congregation in a special intergenerational experience.
- Art Club: Led by a local artist, students explore a variety of mediums and techniques.
We also partner with St. Mary's Catholic School to offer additional athletic opportunities during the fall and spring seasons. Sports include basketball, volleyball, track, baseball, and softball, giving our students more ways to stay active.
Practical Support for Busy Families
A great school should support the whole family, not just the student. St. Paul offers several practical features that make daily life easier for parents who commute from nearby communities.
- Extended care: Morning care begins at 7:00 AM, and after-school extended care runs until 6:00 PM.
- Dress code: Our dress code helps students focus on learning.
- Safety preparation: Over the past two years, our entire staff has completed two specific training sessions on best practices for student and staff safety.
- High school pathway: Lutheran High Northwest is about a twenty-five-minute drive from St. Paul. St. Paul church member families are eligible to have a portion of their child's high school tuition paid by the congregation.
Making a Lutheran Education Affordable
We know that cost is an important factor for every family. St. Paul Lutheran School offers several options to make your child's Christian education affordable:
- Financial aid: Aid is available for qualifying families. Applications take place in mid-spring, and allocations are shared in late May or early June.
- Multi-child discounts: Families with more than one child enrolled receive tuition discounts.
- Flexible payment periods: Families can choose from several different time periods to pay tuition.
You can download our current rate schedule on our tuition and fees page, and our office is happy to talk through your options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Paul a Lutheran school near Clawson, MI?
Yes. St. Paul Lutheran School is located in downtown Royal Oak, a few miles south of Clawson. We are affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and serve students from preschool through eighth grade.
Do families need to be members of St. Paul Lutheran Church to enroll?
No. For more than 100 years, St. Paul has welcomed both church families and non-members. Every family is invited to learn more about our school and schedule a visit.
What grades does St. Paul serve?
We offer preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, followed by kindergarten through eighth grade.
How large are the classes?
Classes after kindergarten are combined grades, with about 10 to 12 students in each combined class. Our preschool maintains ratios of 1:8 for 3-year-olds and 1:10 for 4-year-olds.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available, along with tuition discounts for families with more than one child enrolled and several payment period options.
Does St. Paul offer before- and after-school care?
Yes. Extended care begins at 7:00 AM and runs after school until 6:00 PM.
Schedule Your Visit to St. Paul Lutheran School
For families seeking an LCMS education rooted in Scripture, St. Paul offers small classes, a strong academic foundation, a rich music tradition, and a caring school family, all just a short drive from home. The best way to see if St. Paul is the right fit is to walk our halls, meet our teachers, and experience our community firsthand.
We would love to meet your family. Contact us today to ask questions or schedule a personal tour, or call our school office at 248-546-6555.