St. Paul Lutheran Preschool in Royal Oak has been delivering Lutheran education near Troy MI for over a century. Founded in 1916 with just eleven students, St. Paul Lutheran School has grown into a thriving preschool through eighth grade community that welcomes both church families and non-members. 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 in the Troy area who value a distinctly Lutheran approach to education, our school offers something you will not find at a generic private school.
What Makes Lutheran Education Different
Lutheran education is built on a specific theological tradition that emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of the Lutheran Confessions in shaping how children learn about God and the world around them.
At St. Paul, this Lutheran identity is foundational. Our 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. From preschool through eighth grade, all subjects are taught in a Christian atmosphere where Christian love and joy can become a genuine part of life. Faith is not confined to a single religion class; it is woven into math, science, language arts, and every interaction throughout the school day.
For families who have been part of a Lutheran congregation, this approach feels like a natural extension of what is taught at home and in worship. For families new to the Lutheran tradition, it provides a welcoming introduction to a rich theological heritage.
A Complete Academic Program: Preschool Through Eighth Grade
St. Paul offers a full educational pathway that allows children to grow within a single, consistent school community from their earliest years through middle school. The curriculum and course of study meet the requirements of the State of Michigan while maintaining quality education as the standard in all subject areas.
Preschool
Our preschool program concentrates on the whole child, encouraging development across six key areas:
- Social: Working with others and participating in group activities
- Emotional: Expressing feelings and demonstrating awareness of others' feelings
- Physical: Participating in fine and large motor activities
- Language: Expressing oneself through oral and written language
- Cognitive: Counting, naming, and thinking conceptually
- Spiritual: Developing faith and learning about God's Word
The preschool follows the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan and uses a child-centered, play-based curriculum with many hands-on, memorable learning experiences. Class sizes are intentionally small, with a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:8 for three-year-olds and 1:10 for four-year-olds.
Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade
The K-8 program provides a comprehensive curriculum that 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, and computer education
- Mathematics: use of numbers, geometry, measurement, metric system, and algebra
- Fine Arts: music, art, choirs, drama, and band
- Physical Education: individual and team sports, skills, fitness testing, and recreation
Science classes use instructional materials that spend significant time in hands-on learning and experimentation. Kindergarten through fourth grade students receive specific instruction in how to use technological devices such as Chromebooks, and fifth through eighth grade students use their Chromebooks as tools for research and document production.
An Exceptional Music Program
One of the distinctive strengths of St. Paul is its music program, led by Minister of Music Mr. Greg Paul. Music education begins early and grows with each student:
- Kindergarten through 4th grade students study general music once a week
- Students in grades 5 and up may join the Beginning Band, with the opportunity to advance to the Advanced Band
- Bands participate in worship services and a spring concert
- A Handbell Choir is available as an after-school activity
- An auditioned select choir emphasizes reading music, part singing, and participation in choral festivals
- All students participate in the St. Paul School Choir, practicing twice weekly
The congregation and surrounding community benefit from choir performances during church services and community events throughout the school year.
Clubs and Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
St. Paul believes every child is uniquely gifted by God and deserves opportunities to grow and explore outside the classroom. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and enrichment activities:
- Running Club (Cross Country): Students build endurance and discipline each fall, with opportunities for grades 5 and up to participate in the Michigan Lutheran State Cross Country Meet
- Girls' Volleyball Club: A fun introduction to the sport with practices and friendly scrimmages
- Drama Club: Open to grades 5 and up, with a school play each year that includes students across all grade levels
- Coding Club: Students learn to create their own games using basic coding skills
- Crochet Club: An intergenerational experience where students in 4th grade and above are mentored by members of the church congregation
- Art Club: Students explore creativity through various mediums guided by a local artist
- Hockey Club (Floor Hockey Fridays): A fun, active way to build teamwork and end the week
For team sports, St. Paul partners with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school athletics.
Small Classes, Individualized Attention
Smaller classes are one of the most valued aspects of the St. Paul experience. Our dedicated teachers and staff create a nurturing environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others. The smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential.
Principal Mr. Chris Francik describes the most inspiring part of his work as building relationships with students and their families, relationships that often span many years and allow him to see the work of Jesus in their lives. That relational approach sets St. Paul apart from larger schools where students can easily be overlooked.
Safety and Security
The safety of students and staff is a top priority. During the past two years, the entire school staff has received two specific training sessions on best practices regarding student and staff safety in a variety of situations. Parents can feel confident that St. Paul takes a proactive and thorough approach to maintaining a secure learning environment.
Extended Care for Working Families
St. Paul understands that families have busy schedules. Extended care is available in the morning beginning at 7:00 AM and after school until 6:00 PM, making it practical for families near Troy to choose a school that aligns with their values.
A Pathway to Lutheran High School
For families thinking long-term, St. Paul offers a connection beyond eighth grade. Lutheran High Northwest is located about a twenty-five-minute drive from the school, and St. Paul church member families are eligible to have a portion of their child's high school tuition paid by the congregation.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Affordability
St. Paul Lutheran School is committed to making Christian education accessible. Financial aid is available for families, with applications processed in mid-spring and allocations provided in late May or early June. Sibling discounts are offered for families enrolling more than one child, and families may choose from several different payment schedules. Visit our tuition and fees page for more details on current rates.
Conveniently Located for Families Near Troy
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak. Families coming from Troy enjoy a straightforward commute along major local routes, making it easy to fit drop-off and pickup into a daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Paul Lutheran School affiliated with the LCMS?
Yes. St. Paul Lutheran School teaches the Christian faith in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. The school was founded alongside St. Paul Lutheran Church, which was established in Royal Oak in 1873.
Does St. Paul accept non-Lutheran families?
Absolutely. St. Paul has welcomed both church families and non-members for over 100 years. Families from all backgrounds are invited to explore and benefit from the school's Lutheran educational tradition.
What grades does St. Paul serve?
St. Paul offers programs for preschool (ages 3 and 4) through eighth grade, providing a continuous educational pathway within a single school community.
How far is the school from Troy?
St. Paul is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, a short and convenient drive from Troy. The commute is straightforward along major local routes.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available with applications processed in mid-spring. Sibling discounts and flexible payment plans are also offered to help make Lutheran education affordable for families.
Does the school offer before- and after-school care?
Yes. Morning extended care begins at 7:00 AM and after-school extended care is available until 6:00 PM.
How to Get Started
Enrolling at St. Paul is a simple, personal process:
- Schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555
- Submit a New Student Application, schedule new student placement testing, and submit the student's last two report cards
- Finalize registration by providing completed enrollment forms, registration fees, and enrolling in FACTS tuition management
We encourage every prospective family to schedule a personal tour so you can see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience what makes this school community special. Contact us today to set up your visit and learn more about our faculty and staff.