The instructional program of St. Paul Lutheran School follows the established guidelines of the state of Michigan and is enriched by daily instruction in God's Word. We teach the curriculum as Christ-centered that God is the source of all true and useful knowledge. Education in the classroom, play, and extra-curricular activities is consistently Christian in character. We encourage each child to gain respect for self and others. We strive to help each child develop their natural skills and talents and to realize the pleasures and rewards of scholarship.
Our performing arts curriculum offers a variety of musical opportunities to students as well. Students in the 5th through 8th grades are eligible to participate in the school band. Middle school choir is available for students in grades 6–8. Recorder instruction in conjunction with classroom music in grades 3 and 4 prepares a student for instrumental instruction and band experience. Performance opportunities for all children include fall and spring concerts, a spring musical, and an annual 8th grade play.
Spanish is offered in grades 7 and 8.
The Iowa Achievement Tests are administered each spring in grades 1-8. Our school consistently ranks above the national average. Results of all testing are available to parents and students. Regularly scheduled teacher conferences keep the parents informed of the progress of their child. We encourage frequent communications between parents and teachers.
The Iowa Achievement Tests are administered each spring in grades 1-8. Our school consistently ranks above the national average. Results of all testing are available to parents and students. Regularly scheduled teacher conferences keep the parents informed of the progress of their child. We encourage frequent communications between parents and teachers.
Our Heavenly Father has created us in His own image and has gifted us with a three-part being - a physical being, an intellectual being, and a spiritual being. The physical education program at St. Paul School encourages students to gain new skills, use their bodies to the fullest potential, and feel positive about the physical abilities God has given them.
Our gymnasium provides for a wide variety of athletic activities. The facility contains full high school level basketball and volleyball courts in addition to side basketball courts.
St. Paul offers a range of intramural and extracurricular sports to all students in grades 4-8. Sports offered include: cross country, girls basketball, boys basketball, soccer, girls volleyball, track, and cheerleading. We encourage all students to participate in athletics. We emphasize skill development, teamwork, and Christian sports conduct. All programs require after school practices and participation in games and tournaments.
Our performing arts curriculum offers a variety of musical opportunities to students. Students in the 5th through 8th grades are eligible to participate in the school band and students in grades 6–8 may partcipate in the middle school choir. Recorder instruction in conjunction with classroom music in grades 3 and 4 prepares a student for instrumental instruction and band experience. Performance opportunities for all children include fall and spring concerts, a spring musical, and an annual 8th grade play.
Kindergarten Through 2nd Grade
Music at St. Paul Lutheran School is divided into a lower grade and upper grade experience. The lower grade children receive general music instruction at their particular level. Kindergarteners focus on Bible songs and game songs, learning to sing together as a group, singing high and low, keeping a steady beat, etc. As the children grow new concepts are added to the foundation that has already been laid. First and Second Graders begin using movement to help them keep a steady beat. They begin to clap rhythms and identify musical phrases by rhythm and listening skills.
3rd Through 4th Grade
Third and Fourth Grades use a method of hand signals to help them sing different musical pitches. As the year progresses they learn to play the recorder. This experience brings together their rhythm and note reading skills. It also teaches them about the dedication that is needed to learn a musical instrument.
5th Grade
The Fifth Grade year is a transition year. The students are still experiencing the basic rhythm and note reading skills. A music appreciation unit is also added. This unit culminates with a trip to an orchestra concert.
An overlap in the Fifth Grade year is an opportunity to play an instrument in the Beginning Band. If the student so chooses he may continue the band experience in his Sixth - Eighth Grade years at St. Paul.
6th Through 8th Grade
Students in Sixth - Eighth Grades begin an ensemble experience. They are able to participate in Advanced Band and/or Choir. Each group rehearses during the school day. The groups perform a fall and spring concert and participate in the Lutheran Schools Music Festival in March. Choir members also sing at St. Paul Lutheran Church worship services throughout the school year.
Additional Musical Opportunities
All Children in Kindergarten though 5th Grade are given opportunities to sing at St. Paul Lutheran Church (and sister congregations) during their worship services. This is to provide the children with experience in assisting as a leader in a worship service. The children of the school (K-8) also offer a Christmas worship service to family and friends every year.
Other musical opportunities for St. Paul students include Recital Day, Lower Grade Musical (every other year), and Solo and Ensemble Festivals.
Kindergarten Through 2nd Grade
Introducing an artist and his or her work each month sets up art at St. Paul Lutheran School in the lower grades. The students learn art concepts such as color, line, shape, texture and subject matter. The students then create their own artwork incorporating the concept learned and in the style of the artist of the month.
3rd Through 4th Grade
The Third and Fourth Grade art program builds on concepts learned in lower grades and expands knowledge with contour drawing, mood, action and introduction to fiber art. There is more emphasis on vocabulary and verbalizing of terminology. The students then complete artwork that utilizes the art concepts taught in the lesson and previous lessons, incorporating their original creativity.
5th Grade
In Fifth Grade the art program builds on previous knowledge learned. The class is introduced to selected historical art movements along with space, shading and perspective. The students then complete artwork that utilizes the style of the art movement and incorporates their unique creative style.
6th Through 8th Grade
In Sixth through Eighth Grade the students are able to participate in an upper level art program. They are introduced to more artists, movements, styles and vocabulary. They then complete artwork that utilizes the concepts taught and the students' unique creative style.
Additional Art Opportunities
Throughout the year, different art opportunities will be presented to the students in the form of regional or national contests, classes and art shows. The students will also be involved in a school wide art show in the spring.
Our Student Care program was established to supervise all of our students ages 5 through 14, before and after school. Our goal is to provide each child with a Christ–centered program and also offer a structured before and after school care environment. Our program is fully licensed through the Michigan Department of Human Services. The MDHS fully reviews our policy and procedures, staffing and physical plant to help assure the safety of each child.
Hours of operation are 7:20–8:00 a.m. each school day and 3:15–6:00 p.m. each full day of school.