Finding the perfect preschool for your child is one of the most important educational decisions you'll make as a parent. These early years create the foundation for a lifetime of learning, character development, and faith formation. At St. Paul Lutheran Preschool, we provide a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where young children from South Lyon, Lyon Township, Northville, Farmington, Livonia, Oakland County, Novi, and beyond can flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.
Conveniently located in Northville, our preschool has been serving families throughout Oakland County and surrounding communities for decades, helping children develop a love for learning while building a strong foundation in faith. Our experienced teachers are dedicated to providing an enriching educational experience that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
Why Parents Choose St. Paul Lutheran Preschool
Christ-Centered Learning Environment
At St. Paul Lutheran Preschool, faith is woven into every aspect of our program. We believe that a child's spiritual development is just as important as their academic, social, and emotional growth. Our Christ-centered approach includes:
- Daily "Jesus Time" - Age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, and prayers that help children understand God's love for them
- Character development through biblical principles - Teaching kindness, honesty, responsibility, and respect as reflections of Christ's love
- Caring Christian teachers who model faith in action - Our staff demonstrates Christian values through their interactions with children and families
- Celebration of Christian holidays and traditions - Learning the true meaning behind special days like Christmas and Easter
Parents appreciate that their children learn about Jesus' love in a gentle, age-appropriate way that builds a foundation for lifelong faith. Our preschoolers discover that they are precious children of God, uniquely created and deeply loved.
Academic Excellence for Young Learners
While nurturing faith is essential, we also provide an exceptional academic foundation that prepares children for kindergarten success. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum focuses on:
- Emergent literacy skills - Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, storytelling, and early writing experiences
- Mathematical foundations - Number recognition, counting, sorting, patterning, and basic concepts
- Scientific exploration - Hands-on discovery, observation skills, and curiosity about God's world
- Social studies - Understanding community, family roles, and cultural awareness
- Fine and gross motor development - Activities that strengthen small and large muscle groups needed for writing, cutting, and physical education
Our play-based approach engages children's natural curiosity while building essential academic skills. We understand that young children learn best through active, meaningful experiences that capture their imagination and encourage exploration.
Our Comprehensive Preschool Programs
Programs for 3-Year-Olds
Our program for 3-year-olds focuses on building social skills, fostering independence, and introducing early academic concepts in a nurturing environment. Features include:
- Flexible scheduling options:
- 3-day program (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- 5-day program (Monday through Friday)
- Half-day (8:45am-12:00pm) or full-day (8:45am-3:30pm) options
- Developmental focus areas:
- Social interaction and cooperation
- Following directions and classroom routines
- Language development and communication
- Self-help skills and independence
- Introduction to letters, numbers, and shapes
- Fine motor development for pre-writing
- Creative expression through art, music, and dramatic play
- Faith integration:
- Daily prayer and Jesus Time
- Age-appropriate Bible stories
- Christian songs and fingerplays
- Learning to show God's love to others
Our 3-year-old program provides a gentle introduction to the school environment while respecting each child's developmental readiness. Children must be 3 years old before September 1 and fully potty-trained to enroll.
Programs for 4-Year-Olds
Our Pre-K program for 4-year-olds builds on the foundation established in our 3-year-old program, with increased focus on kindergarten readiness skills. Features include:
- Flexible scheduling options:
- 3-day program (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- 5-day program (Monday through Friday)
- Half-day (8:45am-12:00pm) or full-day (8:45am-3:30pm) options
- Pre-K curriculum highlights:
- Letter recognition and phonics foundations
- Number concepts and early math skills
- Pre-writing and early literacy experiences
- Science and nature exploration
- Music and movement
- Social studies and community awareness
- Art and creative expression
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- School readiness preparation:
- Listening and following multi-step directions
- Developing attention span and focus
- Transition management
- Working independently and in groups
- Self-regulation and emotional intelligence
- Confidence in school routines
- Faith development:
- Deeper understanding of Bible stories
- Application of Christian values in daily interactions
- Growth in prayer life
- Understanding of God's love and care
Children must be 4 years old before September 1 to enroll in our Pre-K program. We work closely with families to ensure children are prepared for a successful transition to kindergarten the following year.
What Sets St. Paul Lutheran Preschool Apart
Small Class Sizes and Individualized Attention
Unlike many area preschools, St. Paul Lutheran Preschool maintains small class sizes to ensure each child receives the attention they deserve:
- Maximum of 16 students per class - Our intentionally small class sizes allow teachers to know each child well and address individual needs
- Qualified teacher and aide in every classroom - This low student-to-teacher ratio ensures safety and allows for more personalized interaction
- Individualized progress monitoring - Regular assessments help teachers identify each child's strengths and areas for growth
- Differentiated learning experiences - Activities are adapted to meet various developmental levels within the classroom
Research consistently shows that young children thrive in smaller classroom environments where they can receive more individualized attention and form secure attachments with caregivers. Our small class sizes create a family-like atmosphere where every child is known and valued.
Experienced and Qualified Christian Teachers
The heart of our preschool program is our exceptional teaching staff:
- Lead teacher with over 15 years of experience - Our experienced educator brings a wealth of knowledge about early childhood development and best practices
- Certified and degreed professionals - Our teachers have the educational background to provide quality early childhood education
- Ongoing professional development - Staff regularly participate in continuing education to stay current with early childhood research and teaching strategies
- Passionate about young children - Our teachers genuinely love working with preschoolers and are dedicated to their growth and development
- Committed Christians who model faith - Teachers demonstrate Christian values through their interactions with children and families
Our teachers create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow. They understand the developmental needs of young children and provide the perfect balance of structure and freedom for optimal learning.
Locations We Serve
Preschool Education for Northville and Novi Families
Located at 201 Elm Street in Northville, St. Paul Lutheran Preschool is ideally situated to serve families in Northville and Novi:
- Convenient location near downtown Northville
- Easy access from major roads and neighborhoods
- Proximity to Novi border makes us accessible for Novi families
- Part of the Northville community since 1896
Many families from both Northville and Novi choose our preschool for its combination of convenient location and exceptional early childhood education. Our central location makes drop-off and pick-up convenient for parents commuting to work or managing busy family schedules.
Serving South Lyon, Lyon Township, Farmington, and Livonia
While we're located in Northville, many families from surrounding communities choose St. Paul Lutheran Preschool for their children:
- South Lyon and Lyon Township families appreciate our strong academic and faith foundation
- Farmington area parents find our location convenient for commuting to work
- Livonia families choose us for our exceptional Christian education
- Oakland County residents throughout the area select our preschool for its reputation for excellence
Families tell us they're willing to drive a few extra minutes for the quality education and Christian environment we provide. Many parents arrange carpools with other families from their neighborhoods, making transportation manageable even from surrounding communities.
Preschool Enrollment Information
How to Schedule a Tour
We invite you to see our preschool in action! Scheduling a tour is the best way to experience our learning environment and meet our dedicated staff:
- Contact our admissions office - Call or email to arrange a convenient time for your visit
- Bring your child along - We encourage you to bring your child to experience the classroom
- Ask questions - Come prepared with your questions about our program, philosophy, and approach
- Meet the teachers - When possible, we'll introduce you to the preschool teaching staff
- Observe a typical day - See how children engage with our curriculum and environment
During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to see our classrooms, learn about our daily routines, and gain a better understanding of how our program might be the perfect fit for your child. Tours are available by appointment throughout the year.
Enrollment Process and Timeline
Enrolling your child at St. Paul Lutheran Preschool involves several steps:
- Initial inquiry and tour - Contact our admissions office to learn more and visit our facility
- Application submission - Complete our application form with your child's information
- Registration fee payment - Submit the non-refundable registration fee to secure your child's place
- Required documentation - Provide birth certificate, immunization records, and health forms
- Parent orientation - Attend an orientation session to learn about policies and procedures
- Student visit day - Bring your child for a special visit before the school year begins
Our enrollment timeline typically follows this schedule:
- January/February - Registration opens for current families and church members
- March - Open enrollment begins for new families
- Spring/Summer - Completion of enrollment paperwork
- August - Parent orientation and student visit day
- September - First day of preschool
We encourage interested families to begin the enrollment process early, as classes often fill quickly. Contact our admissions office for current availability in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs.
FAQ About St. Paul Lutheran Preschool
What are your preschool hours and calendar?
Our preschool follows a traditional school-year calendar, beginning in September and ending in May/June. Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 12:00pm, and full-day options extend to 3:30pm. We generally follow the same holiday and break schedule as St. Paul Lutheran School, with occasional differences. A detailed calendar is provided to enrolled families before the school year begins.
Do you offer before and after care for preschoolers?
Yes, we understand the needs of working families! St. Paul offers Extended Care for preschool children enrolled in our program. Morning care is available beginning at 7:00am, and afternoon care extends until 6:00pm. Children in Extended Care participate in age-appropriate activities, rest time, and free play under the supervision of our caring staff. Additional fees apply for Extended Care services.
How do you incorporate faith into the preschool day?
Faith is integrated throughout our entire program, not just during designated "religion time." Each day includes Jesus Time with Bible stories, songs, and prayers. Christian values are reinforced through classroom management, conflict resolution, and social interactions. Seasonal celebrations focus on the Christian significance of holidays. Most importantly, our teachers model Christ's love in their interactions with children and families, helping young children understand God's love in concrete ways.
What is your approach to kindergarten readiness?
We believe kindergarten readiness encompasses the whole child—social, emotional, physical, academic, and spiritual development. Rather than focusing solely on academic skills, we prepare children by building confidence, independence, problem-solving abilities, and social skills alongside academic foundations. Our curriculum is designed to develop the skills kindergarten teachers identify as most important: listening, following directions, working independently and cooperatively, managing transitions, and developing fine motor skills for writing. Academic skills like letter recognition, phonological awareness, and number sense are taught through developmentally appropriate activities that engage children's natural curiosity.
How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
We take children's health concerns very seriously. Parents provide detailed information about allergies and dietary restrictions during enrollment. This information is posted in classrooms (while maintaining appropriate confidentiality) and included in substitute teacher information. Staff are trained on emergency procedures for allergic reactions, and we maintain a nut-aware environment when necessary. For snacks and special celebrations, we work with families to ensure all children can participate safely, and parents may be asked to provide alternative snacks for their children when needed.
Experience the Difference at St. Paul Lutheran Preschool
Choosing the right preschool is a significant decision that impacts your child's educational foundation and love for learning. At St. Paul Lutheran Preschool, we offer a unique combination of academic excellence and faith-based education that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
Our convenient location serves families from throughout the area, including South Lyon, Lyon Township, Northville, Farmington, Livonia, Oakland County, and Novi. We invite you to discover why generations of families have trusted St. Paul Lutheran Preschool for their children's early education.
Ready to learn more? Contact our admissions office to schedule a personal tour and see firsthand how St. Paul Lutheran Preschool could be the perfect fit for your child. We look forward to partnering with your family in this important stage of your child's development!