Welcome to
St Paul Lutheran School
Every child deserves an education that challenges them academically, supports them personally, and prepares them for the future. If you're exploring alternatives to public school near Hazel Park, MI, you may be surprised to learn that one of Oakland County's most established private schools is located just minutes away in downtown Royal Oak. St. Paul Lutheran School has been providing quality education to families throughout the region for over 100 years, serving students from preschool through 8th grade in a close-knit, faith-centered community where smaller class sizes and dedicated teachers make a lasting difference.
Parents explore private school options for many reasons. Some are looking for smaller classrooms where their child won't get lost in the crowd. Others want an academic environment that integrates character development and Christian values into daily learning. Many are simply searching for a school that feels like a genuine community, a place where teachers know every student by name and families feel like they belong.
Whatever is driving your search, private school offers several advantages that are difficult to replicate in larger public school settings:
At St. Paul Lutheran School, these are the everyday reality for our students and families. Our school is committed to academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit, creating a nurturing environment that promotes motivation, self-discipline, and respect for others.
The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan. Quality education is the standard in all subject areas, and every subject is taught in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. When families consider a private school near Hazel Park, academic quality is typically the first concern, and St. Paul's program is designed to deliver rigorous, well-rounded instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Our K–8 curriculum covers the following areas:
This breadth of curriculum means your child receives a complete education under one roof, with no gaps between subject areas and no need to supplement with outside programs. Students develop strong foundational skills in the elementary years and then build on that knowledge with increasing depth and complexity as they move into the middle school grades.
One of the distinguishing features of St. Paul is its music program, directed by our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, who holds a Master's in Organ Performance from Wayne State University. Kindergarten through 4th grade students study general music once a week. Beginning in 5th grade, students can choose to join the Beginning Band, and from there, advance to the Advanced Band. Both bands participate in worship services and a spring concert.
Beyond the band program, students can participate in a Handbell Choir, which plays for worship services and special occasions. An auditioned select choir emphasizes reading music, part singing, and participation in choral festivals. All students also 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 school year.
This is the kind of program that rarely exists in smaller private schools, and it gives students the opportunity to discover and develop musical talents that many families deeply value.
Physical activity is an important part of a well-rounded education, and St. Paul provides athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports. This collaboration gives students access to organized team sports and competitive play while maintaining the small-school community feel that families appreciate. Physical education is also part of the daily K–8 curriculum, helping students develop skills in individual and team sports, physical fitness, and recreation.
When parents look at alternatives to public school near Hazel Park, class size is often one of the deciding factors. In many public school districts, elementary classrooms can include 25 to 30 or more students, making it challenging for any teacher to give each child the personal attention they need.
At St. Paul, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. This isn't just a tagline; it's the daily experience of our students. In a smaller setting, teachers can adapt their instruction to meet each learner where they are, provide more immediate feedback, and catch potential challenges early before they become obstacles.
The benefits of small class sizes extend beyond academics. Students in smaller schools tend to develop stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, feel a greater sense of belonging, and participate more actively in classroom discussions and school activities. For children who may struggle with confidence, attention, or social skills, a smaller school environment can be transformative.
A school is only as strong as the people in its classrooms, and St. Paul's faculty and staff bring a remarkable depth of experience, education, and personal commitment to their work. Many of our teachers have served at the school for years or even decades, and several are alumni who returned to teach at the school that shaped their own lives.
Our principal, Mr. Chris Francik, holds master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and in Educational Administration, both from Concordia University. His approach to leadership centers on building long-term relationships with students and families. Teachers like Mrs. Dawn Heins, who brings 30 years of classroom experience and has taught nearly every grade level, and Mrs. Christina Eising, who holds a Master's in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University, ensure that students receive instruction from educators who are both highly qualified and deeply invested.
Location matters when you're choosing a school, especially when the daily commute is part of your family's routine for years to come. St. Paul Lutheran School sits at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak — directly bordering the Hazel Park area. For most families, the drive is just a few minutes via local roads, making it one of the most convenient private school options available to families in this part of Oakland County.
Royal Oak's central location also means that the commute fits naturally into many families' daily routines, whether you're heading to work, running errands, or picking up from after-school activities. Families from Ferndale, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, and surrounding communities also make the same short trip, contributing to a diverse and welcoming school community that extends well beyond Royal Oak itself.
One of the most common misconceptions about private school is that it's financially out of reach for most families. At St. Paul, we work hard to make that assumption untrue. The school has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage families to view our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule and learn about the options that may be available to you.
St. Paul has been serving both church families and non-members for over a century. Our mission has always been to make quality, faith-based education accessible to any family that values it, and our tuition structure reflects that commitment. We invite you to contact us directly to have an honest conversation about what Christian education at St. Paul would look like for your family's budget.
No. St. Paul has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over 100 years. Families from all backgrounds who are seeking academic excellence and a nurturing, values-based school environment are welcome.
St. Paul offers programs from preschool through 8th grade, providing continuity and stability throughout your child's formative school years. Students can enter at the preschool level and remain part of the same school community through their middle school graduation.
Admission to St. Paul begins with three straightforward steps: schedule a meeting by calling the school office at 248-546-6555, submit a New Student Application along with placement testing and your student's last two report cards, and finalize registration by completing enrollment forms and registration fees. You can learn more on our admissions page.
Yes. The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan across all subject areas, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical education.
Students have access to a robust music program that includes band, handbell choir, and select choir, as well as athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports.
Finding the right private school is about more than test scores and curriculum guides. It's about finding a community where your child will be known, challenged, and loved. For families near Hazel Park looking for an alternative to public school that offers academic excellence, small class sizes, and a faith-based foundation, St. Paul Lutheran School provides all of that and more, just a short drive away.
We invite you to come see our campus and meet the teachers who make this school special. Contact us today to schedule a tour, or call our office at 248-546-6555. We look forward to welcoming your family.
St. Paul Lutheran School
in Royal Oak offers a Christian preschool that combines faith-based learning with a nurturing, hands-on classroom experience. Located just a short drive from Hazel Park, our preschool has been serving families throughout southeast Oakland County for more than a century, and we welcome both church members and non-members into our school family.
At St. Paul, we believe that early childhood education should focus on the whole child. Our program is built on the conviction that when children grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, and cognitively in a loving environment, they develop the kind of foundation that supports them for a lifetime.
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, while also teaching secular subjects that follow the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan. This means your child receives a well-rounded education that meets state benchmarks and is enriched by the values, stories, and principles of the Christian faith.
Our child-centered, play-based curriculum allows for many hands-on, memorable learning experiences. Rather than relying on worksheets and rote instruction, we believe young children learn best when they engage all of their senses: tasting, touching, smelling, listening, and seeing. Every lesson is designed to be developmentally appropriate, giving your child the freedom to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Our program is designed to concentrate on the whole child. We encourage learning across six essential developmental areas:
This whole-child approach means that when your child transitions from preschool into kindergarten and beyond, they are prepared not just academically but emotionally, socially, and spiritually. For families who value a Christian education that shapes both the heart and the mind, St. Paul's preschool provides that seamless integration from day one.
One of the most meaningful differences between a faith-based preschool like St. Paul and many larger early childhood programs is the level of individualized attention your child receives. Our staff-to-child ratios are intentionally kept low so that every child is truly seen, known, and supported:
These ratios allow our teachers to tailor instruction to each child's unique needs, strengths, and learning style. Whether your child is an eager early reader, a budding artist, or someone who needs a little more encouragement with group activities, our educators have the time and flexibility to meet them where they are. This individualized instruction is one of the reasons families from Royal Oak, Ferndale, Madison Heights, and the surrounding area — including families near Hazel Park — choose St. Paul for their child's first school experience.
In a smaller classroom setting, children also build stronger relationships with their teachers and classmates. These bonds create a sense of security and belonging that helps young learners feel confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and try new things. That kind of emotional safety is particularly important during the preschool years, when children are forming their earliest impressions of what school feels like.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, MI 48067 — just minutes from the Hazel Park border. For families in the area, this means you can provide your child with a Christian preschool education without a long commute or complicated logistics. Royal Oak's central location and easy accessibility via major roads make the daily drive quick and convenient.
Many of our families come from neighboring communities throughout Oakland County and appreciate that a short trip across the city line opens the door to a private, faith-based preschool experience that simply isn't available in every community. If you've been searching for a preschool near Hazel Park, MI that offers something more than what's available locally, St. Paul provides an exceptional option just around the corner.
We understand that tuition is a significant consideration for every family, and we're committed to making Christian education accessible. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage prospective families to download our current rate schedule and then reach out to discuss the options that work best for your budget.
Unlike many private preschool programs in Oakland County, St. Paul's tuition reflects our mission of serving families across a wide range of financial backgrounds. We have been welcoming church families and non-members alike for over 100 years, and we believe that a faith-based education should be within reach for any family who desires it for their child.
When comparing preschool costs, it's also worth considering the full value of what your tuition includes. At St. Paul, your child benefits from qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, a state-aligned curriculum, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a school community rooted in Christian love and service. Many families find that this combination of quality and affordability is difficult to match at other programs in the region.
The teachers who lead our preschool classrooms aren't just qualified — they're deeply committed to the children and families they serve. Our Preschool Director, Christie Sipila, lives in downtown Royal Oak and is currently pursuing a second bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She brings both professional expertise and a personal calling to her role, describing the most inspiring part of her job as the honor of teaching children about Jesus and his love and forgiveness.
Our preschool teacher, Mrs. Blythe MacKinder, is a St. Paul alumnus and church member who completed her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Wayne State University and has earned the educational credits to serve as lead teacher in the preschool program. She is also working toward a second bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for watching children grow — in vocabulary, in confidence, in their love of Jesus — is evident in everything she does in the classroom.
This level of dedication and ongoing professional development reflects St. Paul's broader commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development that has defined the school since it was founded in 1916.
One of the unique advantages of choosing St. Paul Lutheran Preschool is that it isn't a standalone program. It's part of a preschool through 8th grade school with a comprehensive curriculum that meets all requirements of the State of Michigan. When your child is ready for kindergarten and beyond, they can continue their education at St. Paul without the disruption of changing schools, leaving friends, or adjusting to an entirely new environment.
The K–8 curriculum includes religion, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, fine arts, and physical education, all taught in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. Students also have access to an exceptional music program that includes general music instruction, band, handbell choir, and a select auditioned choir, as well as athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak.
For families thinking about the long-term picture, this continuity means your child can build lasting relationships with teachers, classmates, and a school community that supports them from their very first day of preschool through their 8th grade graduation.
No. St. Paul Lutheran School has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who are seeking a faith-based preschool education built on Christian values and academic excellence are welcome to apply.
Our preschool program serves children ages 3 and 4. Three-year-olds benefit from a 1:8 teacher-to-child ratio, while four-year-olds are in classrooms with a 1:10 ratio, ensuring individualized attention and support at every stage.
St. Paul Lutheran School is located at 508 Williams Street in downtown Royal Oak, just a short drive from the Hazel Park area. Most families find the commute takes only a few minutes via local roads.
Our curriculum follows the Early Childhood Standards of the State of Michigan while also integrating the Christian faith into daily learning. Children learn about God's Word alongside foundational academic and social skills, creating a balanced educational experience that develops the whole child — spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and linguistically.
St. Paul has many options available to make Christian education affordable. You can visit our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule, or contact us directly to discuss what works best for your family.
The best way to experience what St. Paul Lutheran Preschool has to offer is to see it for yourself. We welcome families from throughout the area to tour our campus, meet our teachers, and discover why so many parents trust us with their child's earliest educational experiences.
Contact us today to schedule a visit or to ask any questions about our preschool program. You can also call our school office directly at 248-546-6555. We look forward to getting to know you and your family, and we pray that you find everything you are looking for here at St. Paul.
Kindergarten shapes the way a child feels about learning, about themselves, and about the world around them. For families searching for a private kindergarten in Royal Oak, MI, this decision carries real weight. The right program sets a trajectory that influences your child's academic confidence, social development, and love of discovery for years to come.
St. Paul Lutheran School’s kindergarten program is designed to give children a strong academic foundation while nurturing their spiritual, emotional, and social growth in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. With over 100 years of educational excellence in downtown Royal Oak, small class sizes that allow for truly individualized instruction, and a dedicated kindergarten teacher who is passionate about shaping young learners, St. Paul offers one of the best kindergarten experiences available to families in Oakland County.
Many parents begin their search for kindergarten programs by looking at curriculum checklists and comparing schedules. Those things are inpurtant, but they only tell part of the story. What distinguishes a private kindergarten from a public one is the environment in which that learning takes place.
At St. Paul, our kindergarten is part of a preschool through 8th grade school where every subject is taught in a Christian atmosphere. This means your kindergartener learns in a community that reinforces kindness, respect, faith, and service every single day. These are the qualities that help children thrive not just academically, but as whole human beings.
The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan, and quality education is the standard in all subject areas. Your child will never fall behind their peers at other schools; in fact, the individualized attention and rigorous expectations at St. Paul often mean that students are ahead.
Our kindergarten curriculum covers the full range of subjects that build a solid academic foundation. We believe kindergarteners benefit from a broad and balanced approach that engages their curiosity across multiple disciplines.
The kindergarten program includes instruction across the following areas:
This isn't a watered-down version of what older students learn. It's a developmentally appropriate, carefully sequenced introduction to each discipline, taught by an educator who understands how kindergarteners think, learn, and grow.
One of the unique advantages of kindergarten at St. Paul is that students begin participating in the school's exceptional music program right away. Under the direction of our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, kindergarteners study general music once a week. This early exposure to rhythm, melody, singing, and musical concepts has been shown to support language development, memory, and coordination.
As students grow, the music program expands to include band, handbell choir, and an auditioned select choir, but it all begins in kindergarten with a weekly class that builds a foundation of musical literacy and a joy for creative expression.
When parents evaluate the best kindergarten options, class size is often one of the most important factors. In a smaller classroom, your child is never just a face in the crowd. They receive the kind of individualized instruction that allows their teacher to understand their specific strengths, identify areas where they need support, and adjust lessons to meet them exactly where they are.
At St. Paul, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. This commitment to individualized attention means that:
This kind of environment is especially valuable during the kindergarten year, when children are forming their foundational beliefs about what school is and whether they belong there. A child who feels known, valued, and supported in kindergarten carries that confidence into every grade that follows.
For families whose children are currently enrolled in the St. Paul preschool program, the transition into kindergarten is natural and reassuring. Your child already knows the building, the routines, and many of the faces they'll see each day. They've already begun developing the social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual skills that kindergarten will build upon, thanks to a preschool curriculum designed to concentrate on the whole child.
For families joining St. Paul at the kindergarten level, the school's welcoming community and small size make the adjustment smooth as well. New students are quickly embraced by classmates and teachers, and the intimate setting allows every child to find their footing quickly. Whether your child is continuing from our preschool or starting fresh, kindergarten at St. Paul is designed to be a warm, exciting beginning.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a private kindergarten at St. Paul is the knowledge that your child can remain in this same nurturing, high-quality environment through 8th grade. There's no need to navigate a new school transition in 1st grade, or again in middle school. The relationships your child builds in kindergarten deepen year after year.
The K–8 curriculum expands naturally from the kindergarten foundation, adding complexity and rigor in every subject area as students mature. By middle school, students have access to advanced coursework, athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports, and an expanded music program that includes beginning and advanced band, handbell choir, and select choir. All of this grows from the seeds planted in that very first kindergarten year.
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. That mission begins the moment your kindergartener walks through the door.
We believe that access to a high-quality, faith-based kindergarten education shouldn't be limited by finances alone. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage families to visit our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule. Our team is happy to walk you through the options and help you find the path that works for your family's budget.
The school has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over a century, and our commitment to accessibility is as strong today as it was when the school opened its doors in 1916 with just eleven students. Contact us to start a conversation about tuition and enrollment.
Children entering kindergarten should meet the age requirements established by the State of Michigan. If you have questions about whether your child is ready, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with our school office to discuss placement and readiness.
No. St. Paul has served both church families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who value academic excellence and Christian education are welcome to apply regardless of church affiliation.
Enrollment begins with three steps: schedule a meeting by calling 248-546-6555, submit a New Student Application along with placement testing, and finalize registration with completed enrollment forms and registration fees. You can find more details on our admissions page.
Absolutely. While many kindergarteners transition directly from our preschool program, we welcome new families at every grade level. New students are quickly integrated into the classroom and the broader school community.
Private kindergarten programs like ours offer smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, values-based learning, and a continuity of environment that large public schools often cannot provide. Your child receives more personal attention, a broader curriculum that includes faith education, and the benefit of being known and supported by every adult in the building.
The best way to understand what kindergarten at St. Paul looks like is to visit. We welcome you to tour our campus, meet Mrs. Lorence, see the classrooms, and experience the warmth of our school community firsthand. Contact us today to schedule your visit, or call our school office at 248-546-6555. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child take this exciting first step.
At St. Paul Lutheran School, we understand how significant finding a good kindergarten is for your family. Our kindergarten program is designed to give children a strong academic foundation while nurturing their spiritual, emotional, and social growth in a Christian atmosphere where love and joy are a genuine part of daily life. With over 100 years of educational excellence in downtown Royal Oak, small class sizes that allow for truly individualized instruction, and a dedicated kindergarten teacher who is passionate about shaping young learners, St. Paul offers one of the best kindergarten experiences available to families in Oakland County.
Many parents begin their search for kindergarten programs by looking at curriculum checklists and comparing schedules. Those things matter, but they only tell part of the story. What truly distinguishes a private kindergarten from a public one is the environment in which that learning takes place.
At St. Paul, our kindergarten is part of a preschool through 8th grade school where every subject is taught in a Christian atmosphere. This means your kindergartener is learning in a community that reinforces kindness, respect, faith, and service every single day. These are the qualities that help children thrive not just academically, but as whole human beings.
The curriculum and course of study at St. Paul meet the requirements of the State of Michigan, and quality education is the standard in all subject areas. Your child will never fall behind their peers at other schools; in fact, the individualized attention and rigorous expectations at St. Paul often mean that students are ahead.
Our kindergarten curriculum covers the full range of subjects that build a strong academic foundation. Rather than focusing narrowly on a few skills, we believe kindergarteners benefit from a broad and balanced approach that engages their curiosity across multiple disciplines.
The kindergarten program includes instruction across the following areas:
This isn't a watered-down version of what older students learn. It's a developmentally appropriate, carefully sequenced introduction to each discipline, taught by an educator who understands how kindergarteners think, learn, and grow.
One of the unique advantages of kindergarten at St. Paul is that students begin participating in the school's exceptional music program right away. Under the direction of our Minister of Music, Mr. Greg Paul, kindergarteners study general music once a week. This early exposure to rhythm, melody, singing, and musical concepts has been shown to support language development, memory, and coordination.
As students grow, the music program expands to include band, handbell choir, and an auditioned select choir, but it all begins in kindergarten with a weekly class that builds a foundation of musical literacy and a joy for creative expression.
When parents evaluate the best kindergarten options, class size is often one of the most important factors. In a smaller classroom, your child is never just a face in the crowd. They receive the kind of individualized instruction that allows their teacher to understand their specific strengths, identify areas where they need support, and adjust lessons to meet them exactly where they are.
At St. Paul, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. This commitment to individualized attention means that:
This kind of environment is especially valuable during the kindergarten year, when children are forming their foundational beliefs about what school is and whether they belong there. A child who feels known, valued, and supported in kindergarten carries that confidence into every grade that follows.
The person leading your child's classroom matters enormously, and at St. Paul, our kindergarten teacher brings both professional qualifications and a deep personal commitment to her students. Mrs. Miranda Lorence earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Baker College and is currently working toward her graduate degree at Oakland University. Her ongoing investment in her own education reflects the same growth mindset she cultivates in her students.
When asked about the most inspiring part of her work, Mrs. Lorence describes the opportunity to impact the lives of children and mold the foundation of their education. That sense of purpose is evident in her classroom every day, where students are encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and discover what they're capable of in an environment that celebrates effort as much as achievement.
Behind Mrs. Lorence is a faculty and staff team with remarkable depth and experience. When your kindergartener moves into 1st grade, they'll transition to Mrs. Christina Eising, who holds a B.A. in Education from Concordia University, Ann Arbor and a Master's in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University. T
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a private kindergarten at St. Paul is the knowledge that your child can remain in this same nurturing, high-quality environment through 8th grade. There's no need to navigate a new school transition in 1st grade, or again in middle school.
The K–8 curriculum expands naturally from the kindergarten foundation, adding complexity and rigor in every subject area as students mature. By middle school, students have access to advanced coursework, athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports, and an expanded music program that includes beginning and advanced band, handbell choir, and select choir. All of this grows from the seeds planted in that very first kindergarten year.
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. That mission begins the moment your kindergartener walks through the door.
We believe that access to a high-quality, faith-based kindergarten education shouldn't be limited by finances alone. St. Paul Lutheran School has many options available to make your child's Christian education affordable, and we encourage families to visit our tuition and fees page to download the current rate schedule. Our team is happy to walk you through the options and help you find the path that works for your family's budget.
The school has been welcoming both church families and non-members for over a century, and our commitment to accessibility is as strong today as it was when the school opened its doors in 1916 with just eleven students. Contact us to start a conversation about tuition and enrollment.
Children entering kindergarten should meet the age requirements established by the State of Michigan. If you have questions about whether your child is ready, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with our school office to discuss placement and readiness.
No. St. Paul has served both church families and non-members for over 100 years. All families who value academic excellence and Christian education are welcome to apply regardless of church affiliation.
Enrollment begins with three steps: schedule a meeting by calling 248-546-6555, submit a New Student Application along with placement testing, and finalize registration with completed enrollment forms and registration fees. You can find more details on our admissions page.
Absolutely. While many kindergarteners transition directly from our preschool program, we welcome new families at every grade level. New students are quickly integrated into the classroom and the broader school community.
Private kindergarten programs like ours offer smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, values-based learning, and a continuity of environment that large public schools often cannot provide. Your child receives more personal attention, a broader curriculum that includes faith education, and the benefit of being known and supported by every adult in the building.
The best way to understand what kindergarten at St. Paul looks like is to visit. We welcome you to tour our campus, meet Mrs. Lorence, see the classrooms, and experience the warmth of our school community firsthand. Contact us today to schedule your visit, or call our school office at 248-546-6555. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child take this exciting first step.
Every child deserves an education that recognizes their unique gifts, addresses their individual needs, and nurtures their faith. At St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, we believe that inclusive Christian education means welcoming all students into a community where they can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.
For over 100 years, St. Paul Lutheran School has been committed to academic excellence and the development of mind, body, and spirit. This commitment extends to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child receives the support and encouragement necessary to succeed in a nurturing Christian environment.
Inclusive Christian education at St. Paul Lutheran School actively creates an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success. We recognize that God creates each child with unique strengths, challenges, and purposes.
Our faith-based special education philosophy rests on several core beliefs:
This perspective shapes how our dedicated faculty approaches teaching and partners with families to support student success.
One of the most significant advantages St. Paul Lutheran School offers for students needing additional support is our smaller class sizes. Our intimate learning environments allow teachers to:
This individualized attention proves especially beneficial for students with learning differences, attention challenges, or those who need more time to master concepts.
St. Paul Lutheran School employs Mrs. Christina Eising as our Teacher Resource specialist. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Concordia, Ann Arbor, and a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University, Mrs. Eising brings specialized expertise to supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Her role includes:
This dedicated resource position demonstrates our commitment to private school learning support that truly meets individual student needs.
When students need additional support, our faculty develops personalized learning approaches. While we don't provide specialized special education services for all learning differences, we offer meaningful accommodations for students who benefit from:
Instructional Modifications
Environmental Accommodations
Assessment Adaptations
These accommodations happen naturally within our smaller class settings, where teachers know each student personally.
Inclusive Christian education requires partnership among teachers, parents, and students. At St. Paul Lutheran School, effective private school learning support happens through open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Our collaborative approach includes:
This partnership ensures students receive consistent support at school and home.
Faith-based special education at St. Paul Lutheran School recognizes that spiritual growth is just as important as academic progress. We ensure students with learning differences have full access to spiritual formation through:
Inclusive Worship and Chapel
Biblical Encouragement
This spiritual foundation provides students with identity and purpose beyond academic performance, building resilience and self-worth.
Students with learning differences sometimes face social and emotional challenges alongside academic struggles. Our inclusive Christian education approach addresses these holistic needs through:
Our curriculum integrates character development and social-emotional learning throughout the school day.
One of the most powerful aspects of our private school learning support is watching students gain confidence as they experience success. When students receive the right accommodations and support, they discover they can learn and grow.
This growing confidence impacts every area of life:
Our experienced faculty and staff demonstrate genuine commitment to helping every student succeed through:
Many of our teachers have decades of experience and deep understanding of how children learn differently, creating ideal conditions for students needing additional support.
St. Paul Lutheran School offers meaningful inclusive Christian education and private school learning support for many students with learning differences. Our strengths include:
These elements create an environment where many students with mild to moderate learning differences can thrive.
While we provide substantial support, St. Paul Lutheran School is not a specialized program for students with significant special education needs. Some students may require:
In these cases, we help families honestly assess whether St. Paul is the appropriate placement or whether a more specialized setting would better serve their child.
We welcome students with various learning differences and provide private school learning support through our Teacher Resource specialist, smaller class sizes, and individualized accommodations. However, we carefully assess each student's needs during admissions to ensure we can appropriately support them. We believe in honest conversations about fit, ensuring families understand what we can provide.
Our inclusive Christian education approach includes instructional modifications like adjusted pacing and multi-sensory teaching, environmental accommodations such as preferential seating and reduced distractions, and assessment adaptations including extended time when appropriate. Accommodations are implemented naturally within our smaller class settings based on individual needs.
St. Paul Lutheran School is a private school and does not implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as public schools do. However, we provide individualized support and accommodations based on learning profiles. Families may maintain IEPs through their local public school district while attending St. Paul, allowing students to access specialized services as needed.
Our Teacher Resource specialist, Mrs. Christina Eising, holds a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University and provides targeted support for students struggling in core subjects. Combined with smaller class sizes allowing for differentiated instruction, frequent progress monitoring, and collaboration between teachers and families, students receive individualized attention necessary to build skills and confidence.
Our faith-based special education approach emphasizes that everyone has different strengths and needs support in different areas. Teachers provide accommodations naturally without stigmatizing students. Our smaller class sizes mean individualized attention is normal for everyone, and our Christian community values supporting one another. Many students receive differentiated instruction, making extra help a regular part of our inclusive environment.
St. Paul Lutheran School offers a welcoming community where students with diverse learning needs can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Our commitment to inclusive Christian education, combined with smaller class sizes, experienced faculty, and genuine private school learning support, creates an environment where every child can discover their God-given potential.
If you're seeking faith-based special education that provides meaningful accommodations within a nurturing Christian community, we invite you to learn more about St. Paul Lutheran School. To discover whether St. Paul is the right fit for your child, please contact us to schedule a tour.