Parents in Madison Heights often assume they have to choose between academic strength, and a school where faith is part of the ordinary school day. At St. Paul Lutheran School, those two things are the same commitment. Our K-8 curriculum meets the State of Michigan's academic standards across every subject area, and students study Scripture, catechism, and memory work with the same seriousness they bring to reading, math, and science.
Small Classes Where Every Elementary Student Is Known
We are a small school, and we are honest about that. After kindergarten, our grades are combined, and each combined class typically runs between 10 and 12 students. Our largest single grade level is around seven or eight children.
For some families, that is exactly what they have been looking for. Smaller classes mean:
- Teachers who recognize a struggling reader within days, not months
- Individual help built into the regular school day
- Older and younger students learning to work together and mentor one another
- Fewer social cliques and less anonymity for quiet children
- Real relationships between teachers and parents
Our teachers create a nurturing environment that encourages motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others. Smaller classes make it possible for every student to receive the encouragement they need to reach their potential.You can learn more about our approach in our post on what a biblical worldview means for a growing child.
What Elementary Students Learn at St. Paul
Core Academic Subjects
Our kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum covers the following areas:
- Religion, including worship, Bible study, salvation history, catechism, and memory work
- Language arts, including reading, phonics, English, spelling, handwriting, practical and creative writing, and literature
- Social studies, including geography, history, current events, and Michigan history
- Science, including general science, health, family life education, and computer education
- Mathematics, moving from number sense and measurement through geometry and algebra
- Fine arts, including music, art, choirs, drama, and band
- Physical education, including individual and team sports, skills work, and physical fitness testing
Hands-On Science and Technology Skills
Elementary students learn best by doing. Our science classes use instructional materials that devote significant time to hands-on learning and experimentation rather than reading about experiments someone else performed.
Technology instruction is deliberately sequenced. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive specific instruction in how to use devices such as a Chromebook. By fifth through eighth grade, students use their Chromebooks as a working tool for research and document production, which means they arrive in high school already comfortable with the skills their coursework will demand.
Music for Every Elementary Student
Music is one of the strongest threads running through our school. Our program is directed by our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul.
Kindergarten through fourth grade students study general music once a week. All students participate in the St. Paul School Choir, which practices twice weekly during the school day and performs during church services and community events throughout the year. Beginning in grade 5, students can explore their talents further by joining the St. Paul Beginning Band, then the Advanced Band, both of which participate in worship services and a spring concert. A handbell choir and an auditioned select choir are also available as after-school activities.
Growing Beyond the Classroom
Clubs and Enrichment
Every child is gifted differently, and our club offerings give students a way to discover interests they might not find in a textbook. Current clubs include:
- Running Club, our cross country program, where students in grades 5 and up can compete in the Michigan Lutheran State Cross Country Meet
- Girls' Volleyball Club, which teaches fundamentals, teamwork, and game rules through practices and friendly scrimmages
- Drama Club for students in grades 5 and up, focused on acting, improvisation, and stage skills, with students across all grade levels included in our school play on stage, behind the scenes, and in set design
- Coding Club, where students learn basic coding skills and build their own games
- Crochet Club for students in fourth grade and above, taught by members of our church congregation
- Art Club, guided by a local artist and St. Paul parent
The crochet club deserves a special mention. It pairs students with older members of our congregation, and that intergenerational connection reflects something true about how our whole school community works.
Athletics Through Our St. Mary's Partnership
We also partner with St. Mary's Catholic School to offer additional athletic opportunities during the fall and spring seasons. Sports available through that partnership include basketball, volleyball, track, baseball, and softball, giving our students access to competitive team play alongside the benefits of a small school.
Practical Support for Commuting Families
Families driving in from surrounding communities need a schedule that works with real jobs. Extended care is available in the morning beginning at 7:00 AM and after school until 6:00 PM, which gives parents room to handle a commute on either end of the day without rushing.
Our building includes classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria, all on one campus. We also maintain a dress code, which helps students focus on learning rather than on what everyone else is wearing.
Making Christian Elementary Education Affordable
We know tuition is a real consideration, and we work with families to make it manageable. Available options include:
- Need-based financial aid, with applications accepted in mid-spring and allocations given to families in late May or early June
- Tuition discounts for families with more than one child enrolled
- A choice of several different payment schedules
- A $500 referral discount for a new family, plus a matching $500 discount for the family who referred them
For current rates, visit our tuition and fees page to request the schedule, then reach out and we will talk through which options apply to your family.
Families who are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church should also know that the congregation covers a portion of high school tuition for member families whose children attend Lutheran High Northwest, roughly a twenty-five minute drive from our campus.
A Safe, Familiar Place to Learn
Safety is not an afterthought at a school this size, partly because everyone genuinely knows everyone. Over the past two years, our entire school staff has completed two dedicated training sessions on best practices for student and staff safety across a range of situations. We also conduct regular emergency drills and post the documentation for our families.
How to Enroll
Our admission process is straightforward:
- Schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555.
- Submit a New Student Application, schedule new student placement testing, and provide your child's last two report cards.
- Finalize registration by submitting completed enrollment forms and registration fees, and enrolling in FACTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the school from Madison Heights?
We are located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak. Many of our families commute from cities surrounding Royal Oak, generally within about a ten mile radius, so the drive is manageable for most households in the area.
What grades does St. Paul serve?
We serve preschool through eighth grade. Our preschool operates with a 1:8 teacher-to-child ratio for three-year-olds and 1:10 for four-year-olds, and our kindergarten through eighth grade program continues that emphasis on individual attention.
Do you accept students who are not Lutheran?
Yes. We have served both church member families and non-member families throughout our history, and families from a variety of backgrounds are welcome.
Is before and after school care available?
Yes. Extended care runs from 7:00 AM in the morning and until 6:00 PM after school.
Are there sports for elementary students?
Yes. Physical education is part of the regular curriculum, our Running Club and Girls' Volleyball Club are open to students, and our partnership with St. Mary's Catholic School provides additional fall and spring sports options.
How do I know if my child will fit in?
The best way to find out is to visit. Come see a combined classroom during a normal school day, watch how our teachers work, and talk with our principal about your child specifically.
Come See the School for Yourself
Reading about a school only takes you so far. If you are weighing your options for an elementary school near Madison Heights, we would be glad to walk you through the building, introduce you to the teachers who would work with your child, and answer the questions that matter most to your family.
Call us at 248-546-6555, reach out through our contact page, or learn more about admissions to get started. We would be happy to set up a tour.