For more than 100 years, St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak has offered families a Christ-centered education built on academic excellence and lasting relationships. Just a short drive from Southfield, our preschool through eighth grade programs combine small class sizes, a well-rounded curriculum, and a faith-based approach that shapes every part of the school day. The result is a tight-knit community where children are known by name and challenged to grow.
Over a Century of Christian Education in Oakland County
St. Paul Lutheran Church was established in a small wooden chapel in the heart of Royal Oak in 1873, and the school began in 1916 with just eleven students. What started as a small mission has grown into a thriving Christian school community that has served generations of families from across Oakland County.
Our mission today remains the same: to equip children for a life of service with a foundation of academic, physical, spiritual, and social maturity centered around Jesus Christ.
A Complete Academic Program from Preschool Through Eighth Grade
St. Paul serves families at every stage of their child's educational journey. Our preschool program is designed to nurture the whole child across six developmental areas: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and spiritual. The preschool follows the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan while also teaching the Christian faith in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church.
For preschool families, individualized attention is built into the program through small staff-to-child ratios:
- 3-year-olds: 1 teacher to every 8 children (1:8)
- 4-year-olds: 1 teacher to every 10 children (1:10)
Our K-8 program continues that commitment to quality. The curriculum meets the requirements of the State of Michigan, and all subjects are taught in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy can become a genuine part of daily life. Core areas of study include:
- Religion, including worship, Bible study, salvation history, catechism, and memory work
- Language Arts, covering reading, phonics, English, spelling, handwriting, creative writing, and literature
- Social Studies, including geography, history, current events, and Michigan history
- Science, with hands-on learning, experimentation, and technology integration
- Mathematics, from foundational number skills through geometry and algebra
- Fine Arts, including music, art, choirs, drama, and band
- Physical Education, with individual and team activities
The Power of Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention
One of the defining characteristics of St. Paul is the personal attention that every student receives. Our elementary and middle school classes are intentionally small, which means teachers are able to build genuine relationships with each child and tailor instruction to individual needs. In classrooms of this size, no student gets overlooked or falls through the cracks.
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.
Music, Clubs, and Enrichment Opportunities
At St. Paul, education extends well beyond the core academic subjects. Our school offers an exceptional music program that includes general music for kindergarten through fourth grade, a Beginning Band starting in fifth grade, an Advanced Band, a Handbell Choir, an auditioned select choir, and an all-school choir that practices twice weekly. Students have the chance to perform during worship services, spring concerts, and community events throughout the school year.
Beyond music, students can explore their interests through a variety of clubs and enrichment activities:
- Running Club (Cross Country), with opportunities for competition at the Michigan Lutheran State Cross Country Meet
- Girls' Volleyball Club, focusing on fundamental skills and friendly scrimmages
- Drama Club, including our annual school play that involves students across all grade levels
- Coding Club, where students learn to create their own games using basic coding skills
- Art Club, guided by a local artist
- Crochet Club, an intergenerational experience where students are mentored by members of the church congregation
- Floor Hockey Club, offering active fun and teamwork skills
Faith Woven Into Every Day
At St. Paul, faith is not a separate subject that gets taught once a week. It is the thread that runs through every classroom, every interaction, and every part of the school day. Students participate in daily prayer, worship, Bible study, and age-appropriate conversations about God's love and purpose for their lives. The Christian faith is taught in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church, giving students a strong spiritual foundation.
A Convenient Commute from Southfield
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, an easy drive for families in Southfield and the surrounding communities. Depending on your starting point, the commute is typically under 15 minutes, making it a practical option for daily drop-off and pick-up.
The school also offers extended care in the morning beginning at 7:00 AM and an after-school program that runs until 6:00 PM. This flexibility allows working families to manage their schedules with confidence, knowing their children are in a safe, supervised, and caring environment from early morning through the end of the workday.
Tuition and Financial Aid
St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make a Christian education affordable for your family. Financial aid is available, with an application process that takes place in mid-spring and allocations communicated to families by late May or early June. The school also offers tuition discounts for families enrolling more than one child, along with flexible payment plans that let you choose from several different payment periods.
To view the current tuition and fee schedule, visit our website. If you would like to have a personal conversation about how to make a St. Paul education work for your family's budget, we encourage you to reach out to us directly.
How to Get Started
The admissions process at St. Paul is designed to be straightforward and welcoming:
- Schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555.
- Submit a New Student Application and schedule any required placement assessments.
- Finalize registration by providing completed enrollment forms, registration fees, and enrolling in FACTS tuition management.
We welcome families from all backgrounds, including those who are not members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Our school has served both church families and non-members for over a century, and we are always glad to meet new families who share our commitment to Christian education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does St. Paul Lutheran School serve?
St. Paul serves students from preschool (ages 3 and 4) through eighth grade, providing a continuous Christian education experience in one school community.
How small are the class sizes?
Preschool ratios are 1:8 for three-year-olds and 1:10 for four-year-olds. Elementary and middle school classes are intentionally kept small, giving teachers the ability to know every student personally and provide individualized instruction.
Does St. Paul offer any extracurricular activities?
Yes. Students can participate in a variety of clubs including Running Club, Girls' Volleyball, Drama Club, Coding Club, Art Club, Crochet Club, and Floor Hockey. The school also offers a comprehensive music program with band, choir, and handbell options.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available for families, along with sibling discounts and flexible payment plans. The application process occurs in mid-spring with allocations provided by late May or early June.
Do families need to be members of St. Paul Lutheran Church to enroll?
No. The school has served both church member families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who value Christian education are welcome.
How far is the school from Southfield?
St. Paul is located in downtown Royal Oak, typically under 15 minutes from most areas of Southfield. Extended care hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM provide additional flexibility for commuting families.
Come See the Difference for Yourself
The best way to understand what makes St. Paul special is to visit in person. Walk through the hallways, meet the teachers, and experience the warmth of a school community that has been serving families in Oakland County for more than a century.
Contact us today to schedule a personal tour. We look forward to welcoming your family.