Our History: A Legacy of Faith and Education
Since its founding in 1964, St. Paul Lutheran School has been committed to providing a high-quality, Christ-centered education to the families of Lakeland and Polk County. What began as a small school with a single kindergarten class has grown into a thriving educational community, serving students from Early Childhood through 8th grade. Over the decades, our school has expanded its programs, enriched its curriculum, and continuously upheld its dedication to nurturing students in faith, academics, and character.
A Vision Rooted in Faith
When the people of St. Paul Lutheran Church made the decision to start a school in 1964, they did so with the intent of providing a quality education grounded in the teachings of the Bible and Lutheran Christian values. From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to integrate faith into every aspect of learning, helping students grow spiritually while preparing them for academic success.
Though our culture and the needs of families have changed over the years, our foundational commitment to Christian education has never wavered. Today, as in 1964, St. Paul Lutheran School stands apart through its blend of traditional Christian principles and innovative educational methods.
A Proud Legacy of Lutheran Education
St. Paul Lutheran School is part of a broader network of over 900 Lutheran schools across the United States, connected through the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Our connection to the LCMS provides us with a rich tradition of Christian education that spans centuries. This nationwide system of Lutheran schools is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a strong reliance on biblical truth, from early childhood through university levels. Our school proudly upholds this legacy, offering families in our community an education that is deeply rooted in faith and focused on preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
Key Milestones in Our Journey
- 1964: St. Paul Lutheran School opens its doors with its first kindergarten class at the original South Florida Avenue campus.
- 1972: The Eagles’ Club, our before and after school care program, begins to serve the growing needs of families.
- 1974: SPLS expands its offerings to include preschool, first grade, and a child care program, extending our mission to younger learners.
- 1979: We celebrate our first graduating class of sixth graders.
- 1984: The Middle School program is introduced, adding seventh and eighth grades to our growing school community.
- 1995: Our school relocates to its current campus on Harden Boulevard, providing larger, more modern facilities for our students.
- 2003: The Early Childhood Enrichment Center (ECEC) and Pre-Kindergarten programs move to the Harden Boulevard campus, uniting all of our school programs in one location.
- 2009: The St. Paul Lutheran School Athletic Center opens, enhancing our commitment to physical education and extracurricular activities.
A Growing Community of Learners
From our humble beginnings, St. Paul Lutheran School has continued to grow, not only in student enrollment but also in the diversity of programs we offer. We now serve students from 15 months through 8th grade, providing a comprehensive education that nurtures the whole child—spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically. Over the years, we have integrated advanced technology into our classrooms, developed new extracurricular opportunities, and maintained a rigorous academic curriculum, all while keeping Christ at the center of our teaching
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the milestones that have shaped St. Paul Lutheran School, we look forward to the future with gratitude and excitement. Our mission remains as vital today as it was in 1964: to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares students to serve their community and live out their faith in all aspects of life. With God’s guidance, we will continue to grow and evolve, ensuring that future generations of students are equipped to transform their world for Christ.