Welcome to St. Paul
We're excited to begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year and look forward to continuing our partnership with your family in your child's education and faith development.
Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register early to secure your child's spot. To help us plan for staffing, classrooms, and supplies, please complete registration by Monday, June 1, 2026. Registrations received after this date will incur a $75 late fee and are subject to space availability.
Active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church receive reduced tuition rates in recognition of their support through worship attendance, time, talents, and offerings. Member tuition eligibility is based on church attendance of 60% or greater, evaluated every six months.
How to Register
Whether you are returning to St. Paul or joining us for the first time, registration is handled through our Gradelink platform.
Re-Enrollment
- Locate the recent email from information@gradelink.com containing your family login credentials.
- Go to gradelink.com and click "Login."
- Enter your family credentials from the Gradelink email.
- Select "Re-Enroll" from the left-hand menu.
- Follow the prompts to complete registration.
New Student Enrollment
- Visit our online enrollment form on the Gradelink platform.
- Create a family account and complete an application for each child.
- Upload required documentation as the form prompts you.
- Submit your application — invoices follow 3 to 5 days after approval.
- Schedule a school tour anytime by calling our office.
Preschool: Pre-K 3 & Pre-K 4
Our preschool offers half-day sessions in a Christ-centered environment with class sizes limited to 12 per class. Choose from morning or afternoon programs that fit your family's schedule.
Preschool Fee Structure
- $175 registration fee
- Paid on the 1st of each month — amounts vary by program below
Registration fees are non-refundable. Invoices for fees are sent after your application has been approved (approximately 3–5 days).
Pre-K 3
3-Day Program
2-Day Program
Pre-K 4
5-Day Program
3-Day Program
Kindergarten – 8th Grade Tuition
Tuition for 2026–2027 remains the same as the prior year. Multi-child discounts apply, and active St. Paul Church members receive a reduced rate.
| Program | Yearly Tuition | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul Church Members | ||
| First child | $4,400 | $440 / mo. |
| Second child | $3,700 | $370 / mo. |
| Each additional child | $3,000 | $300 / mo. |
| Community Families (Non-Members) | ||
| First child | $5,400 | $540 / mo. |
| Second child | $4,700 | $470 / mo. |
| Each additional child | $4,000 | $400 / mo. |
K–8 Registration Fee Breakdown
- $175 deposit per student
- $100 — remainder of registration fee
- $250 — technology fee
- $125 — textbook fee
- Plus first month's tuition
Monthly tuition may be paid in full or through monthly payments due on the 1st of each month. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Required Health Records
Illinois requires specific health records for certain grades. All documentation must be received before the first day of school on August 13, 2026.
Kindergarten
- Immunization records
- Physical examination
- Dental examination
- Eye examination
2nd Grade
- Dental examination
6th Grade
- Immunization records
- Recent physical examination
- Dental examination
Financial Assistance
The Frieda Pickreign & Jane Reineck Financial Aid Fund
Tuition should not be the reason a family cannot say yes to St. Paul. Our financial aid fund is available to families who may need tuition assistance for the 2026–2027 school year.
How to apply: Indicate that you would like to be considered for financial aid during the registration process. A separate email with application information will be sent to those who express a need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does St. Paul offer?
We offer Preschool (Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4) and Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Do I need to be a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church to enroll?
No. We welcome families of all faith backgrounds. Our school is a ministry of St. Paul Lutheran Church and we provide a Christ-centered education, but families do not need to be church members to enroll. Member rates apply to families who are members of the congregation, with eligibility based on church attendance of 60% or greater, evaluated every six months.
What is the priority registration deadline?
Monday, June 1, 2026. Registering by this date helps us plan staffing, classrooms, and supplies, and avoids the $75 late fee. Registrations received after June 1 are subject to space availability.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. The Frieda Pickreign / Jane Reineck Financial Aid Fund is available for qualifying families. Indicate that you would like to apply during the registration process, and the school office will follow up with application materials.
What documents will I need to register?
You will need a current physical exam, immunization records, dental and vision records (per Illinois requirements for K, 2nd, and 6th grade), birth certificate, baptism record (if applicable), emergency contacts, and a signed handbook acknowledgment. The registration form will guide you through what is needed and when. All documentation must be received before the first day of school on August 13, 2026.
Can I tour the school before registering?
Yes, absolutely. Contact the school office at (815) 562-6323 to schedule a visit. We would love to show you our classrooms, introduce you to teachers, and answer any questions you have.
How are tuition payments made?
Monthly tuition may be paid in full or through monthly payments due on the 1st of each month. For K–8, the first month's tuition is due in August along with the technology and textbook fees. For preschool, May tuition is due at registration, and monthly tuition runs September through April.
What time is the preschool day?
Preschool is a half-day program. Pre-K 3 meets 8:30–11:00 a.m. on either Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday. Pre-K 4 offers a 5-day morning program (M–F, 8:30–11:00 a.m.) and a 3-day afternoon program (M-W-F, 12:15–2:45 p.m.).
Register Today — Classes Fill on a First-Come Basis
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family in your child's learning and faith journey. Secure your child's spot for the 2026–2027 school year today.
Begin Registration →