If you have been searching for a Christian school St. Paul Lutheran School and Preschool may be the option you have not yet discovered. For over 100 years, our school has provided quality education in downtown Royal Oak to church families and non-members alike.
We know the drive from western Oakland County is longer than a trip to the neighborhood school. For families who value small classes, caring teachers, and a Christ-centered foundation, the extra miles can be well worth it. Here is what your child can experience at St. Paul, from preschool through eighth grade.
Faith-Based Education for Farmington Hills Families
St. Paul Lutheran School began in 1916 with just eleven students, meeting in the original wooden chapel of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Since then, generations of students have grown in knowledge and faith within our walls.
As a school connected to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, we are part of a long tradition of Lutheran education. You do not need to be Lutheran, or a member of our congregation, to enroll. We welcome every family seeking a Christian education for their child.
Why Families Look for a Private School
Parents want their children to be known by name, supported in their learning, and grounded in faith. At St. Paul, those priorities shape every school day.
Small Classes and Personal Attention
Our smaller classes ensure every student receives the help and encouragement they need to reach their full potential. Classes after kindergarten are combined-grade classrooms, typically ranging from about 10 to 12 students. Teachers have time to notice when a child is struggling and when a child is ready for a new challenge.
In our preschool, the staff-to-child ratios are especially low:
- 3-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 8 children (1:8)
- 4-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 10 children (1:10)
A Christ-Centered School Day
All subjects at St. Paul are taught in a Christian atmosphere where Christian love and joy can become a genuine part of life. Religion is part of our core curriculum, including worship, Bible study, salvation history, catechism, and memory work.
A Nurturing and Safe Environment
Our dedicated teachers and staff create a nurturing environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others. Over the past two years, our entire school staff has completed two specific training sessions on best practices for student and staff safety in a variety of situations.
Programs From Preschool Through Eighth Grade
St. Paul serves children from age three through eighth grade. This continuity allows your family to build lasting relationships with teachers and classmates over many years.
Christian Preschool for Ages 3 and 4
St. Paul Lutheran Preschool partners with parents by teaching the Christian faith according to the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. Secular subjects follow the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan. Our child-centered, play-based curriculum focuses on the whole child through hands-on, memorable learning experiences.
Preschoolers grow in six key areas:
- Social: Working with others and participating in group activities
- Emotional: Expressing feelings and showing awareness of others' feelings
- Physical: Participating in fine and large motor activities
- Language: Expressing themselves through oral and written language
- Cognitive: Counting, naming, and thinking conceptually
- Spiritual: Developing faith and learning about God's Word
Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade
Our curriculum and course of study meet the requirements of the State of Michigan, and quality education is the standard in every subject area. You can explore the full program on our K-8 page. Core areas of study include:
- Religion: Worship, Bible study, salvation history, catechism, and memory work
- Language Arts: Reading, phonics, English, spelling, handwriting, writing, and literature
- Mathematics: Numbers, geometry, measurement, the metric system, and algebra
- Science: General science, health, family life education, and computer education
- Social Studies: Geography, history, current events, and Michigan history
- Fine Arts: Music, art, choirs, drama, and band
- Physical Education: Individual and team sports, skills, fitness testing, and recreation
Hands-On Science and Technology
Our science classes use instructional materials that devote significant time to hands-on learning and experimentation. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive specific instruction in using technology, such as Chromebooks. In fifth through eighth grades, students use their Chromebooks as tools for research and document production.
Enrichment Programs: Music, Clubs, and Athletics
While St. Paul is a small school, our enrichment opportunities give students meaningful ways to discover their God-given talents and build friendships.
An Exceptional Music Program
Music is a treasured part of life at St. Paul. Our program is directed by our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul. Kindergarten through fourth grade students study general music once a week, and every student sings in the St. Paul School Choir, which practices twice weekly during the school day.
Beginning in fifth grade, students may join the Beginning Band and later advance to the Advanced Band. Both bands take part in worship services and a spring concert. Interested students can also join the Handbell Choir or audition for the select choir, both offered after school.
After-School Clubs
Our clubs help students explore new interests in a supportive, Christ-centered setting. Current offerings include:
- Running Club (Cross Country): Led by our principal, Mr. Francik, with the chance for students in grades 5 and up to compete in the Michigan Lutheran State Cross Country Meet
- Girls' Volleyball Club: Fundamental skills, teamwork, and friendly scrimmages
- Drama Club: Acting, improvisation, and stage skills for grades 5 and up, with a school play that includes students across grade levels
- Coding Club: Students create their own games while building problem-solving skills
- Crochet Club: An intergenerational club where students in 4th grade and above learn from members of our church congregation
- Art Club: Creative exploration of different mediums and techniques, guided by a local artist
Athletics Through Our St. Mary Partnership
To expand athletic opportunities, St. Paul partners with St. Mary's Catholic School in Royal Oak. Through this partnership, students can take part in fall and spring sports such as basketball, volleyball, track, baseball, and softball.
Making Christian Education Affordable
We believe a Christian education should be within reach for more families. St. Paul offers several ways to manage the cost:
- Financial aid: Applications open in mid-spring, with aid allocations shared with families in late May or early June
- Multiple-child discounts: Tuition discounts are available for families enrolling more than one child
- Flexible payment timing: Families may choose from several different time periods for paying tuition
- Referral discount: A discount is available for a new family, with the same discount for the current family who referred them
To see current rates, visit our tuition and fees page, then reach out to talk through the options that fit your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to be Lutheran or church members to enroll?
No. St. Paul has served both church families and non-members for more than a century. We welcome all families who are seeking a Christian education for their children.
How large are the classes?
Combined-grade classrooms after kindergarten typically have about 10 to 12 students. Preschool ratios are 1:8 for 3-year-olds and 1:10 for 4-year-olds.
Does St. Paul offer sports?
Yes. Our Running Club and Girls' Volleyball Club offer on-campus options, and our partnership with St. Mary's Catholic School opens fall and spring sports such as basketball, track, baseball, and softball.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Families apply in mid-spring and receive allocations in late May or early June. Multiple-child discounts and flexible payment timing are also available.
What happens after eighth grade?
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.
Schedule Your Visit to St. Paul Lutheran School
The best way to know if St. Paul is the right fit is to see it for yourself. Walk our halls, meet our teachers, and picture your child learning and growing in a Christ-centered community. If you have been looking for faith-based education that feels personal, we would love to welcome your family.
Call us at 248-546-6555 or contact us today to schedule your tour. We pray that you find everything you are looking for here at St. Paul, and we look forward to getting to know your family.