St. Paul Lutheran School, located in nearby downtown Royal Oak, Michigan has served Oakland County children and families for more than 100 years. Our program brings together caring teachers, small class sizes, and a Christian approach to early childhood education that helps each child flourish, all just a short drive from home.
If you have been looking for a private preschool that treats your child as a whole person, you will find a welcoming school family at St. Paul. We partner with parents to teach the Christian faith alongside the academic and developmental skills that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
A Christian Preschool That Nurtures the Whole Child
St. Paul Lutheran 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. We also teach secular subjects following the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan, so your child receives a well-rounded start that honors both faith and learning.
Play is at the center of how young children learn, and our classrooms are designed to make the most of it. Through guided activities, group time, and plenty of room for exploration, children develop the early literacy, numeracy, and social skills that set them up for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Just as importantly, they hear about God's love woven naturally into their day, helping faith become a real and joyful part of their lives.
Six Areas of Growth
Our teachers encourage development across six connected 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
By weaving these areas into everyday play and discovery, our staff helps children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning that carries forward into elementary school.
Small Class Sizes and Individual Attention
One of the biggest advantages families discover is the personal attention each child receives. Our child-centered, play-based curriculum allows for many hands-on, memorable learning experiences, and our staff-to-child ratios keep classrooms small and supportive.
Our ratios are:
- Three-year-olds: one teacher for every eight children (1:8)
- Four-year-olds: one teacher for every ten children (1:10)
Smaller classes mean teachers can know your child better, recognize how they learn best, and provide the encouragement they need to reach their full potential. This individualized instruction is a hallmark of the St. Paul experience and a reason many families choose us over larger programs.
Why Families Near Hazel Park Choose St. Paul
Choosing the right early learning program is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. Families across southern Oakland County appreciate what sets our school apart. A few highlights families tell us matter most include:
- A faith-based foundation where children learn about God's love every day
- Caring, credentialed teachers led by our Preschool Director
- A play-based curriculum aligned with Michigan Early Childhood Standards
- Small classes and low staff-to-child ratios for individualized attention
- A long-standing, trusted school community in the heart of downtown Royal Oak
- A clear pathway from preschool into our Kindergarten through Grade 8 program
You can explore the full details of our early childhood program on our preschool page, which includes additional photos and frequently asked questions for prospective families.
Extended Care for Busy Families
We understand that family schedules do not always match a traditional school day. To support working parents and caregivers, St. Paul offers extended care before and after the regular program. Morning extended care begins at 7:00 AM, and after-school extended care runs until 6:00 PM.
This flexibility allows your child to remain in a safe, familiar, and nurturing setting throughout the day. For commuting families in the surrounding communities, extended care makes our private preschool a practical choice that fits real life.
Affordable Christian Education and Financial Support
Quality early childhood education should be within reach for families who want it. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to help make a Christian education affordable, and our team is happy to walk you through what is possible for your family.
Financial support and flexibility include:
- Financial aid for qualifying families, with applications accepted in mid-spring and allocations provided in late May or early June
- Tuition discounts for families enrolling more than one child
- A choice of several payment periods so you can select the schedule that works best for your household
- A referral discount of $500 for a new family, plus a matching $500 discount for the family who refers them
To learn more about current rates and the options that may apply to you, visit our tuition and fees page and reach out to discuss your family's needs.
A Trusted Foundation in the Community
St. Paul has deep roots in the area. St. Paul Lutheran Church was established in a small wooden chapel in the heart of Royal Oak in 1873, and the school opened its doors in 1916 with just eleven students. For more than a century, we have provided quality education to church families and non-members alike, building a reputation for academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit.
Safety is a priority as well. 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 variety of situations. Parents can feel confident that their children are cared for in a secure and attentive environment every day.
This long history and steady commitment to families make St. Paul a dependable choice for parents seeking early childhood education near their neighborhood.
How to Enroll Your Child
Getting started is straightforward, and our office is ready to help at every step. Here is our admission process:
- Schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555
- Submit a New Student Application, schedule new student placement testing, and provide the student's last two report cards where applicable
- Finalize registration by providing completed enrollment forms, registration fees, and enrolling in tuition management
We would be happy to set up a tour so you can see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and picture your child as part of our school family. You can begin a conversation any time through our contact page or by calling the office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does the preschool serve?
Our preschool welcomes three-year-olds and four-year-olds, with classrooms organized by age to keep ratios low and instruction developmentally appropriate. The three-year-old classroom maintains a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio, and the four-year-old classroom maintains a 1:10 ratio.
Do you offer care outside of regular preschool hours?
Yes. St. Paul provides extended care beginning at 7:00 AM in the morning and continuing until 6:00 PM after school, giving families added flexibility throughout the day.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Financial aid is available for qualifying families through an application process in mid-spring, with allocations provided in late May or early June. We also offer tuition discounts for more than one child and several payment period options. You can review more on our admissions information page.
Can my child continue at St. Paul after preschool?
Absolutely. Our preschool flows naturally into our Kindergarten through Grade 8 program, allowing children to grow within the same supportive, Christian community as they advance through their elementary and middle school years.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Choosing a private preschool is the beginning of your child's educational journey, and we would be honored to be part of it. At St. Paul Lutheran School and Preschool, your child will receive individualized attention, a faith-filled foundation, and a developmentally rich start to learning, all within a community that has supported local families for over a century.
If you are exploring early childhood education options in the area, we invite you to see our school for yourself. Call us at 248-546-6555 or reach out through our contact page to schedule a tour and discover why families trust St. Paul. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our school family.