The decision to pursue private parochial education involves honest assessment of both educational priorities and financial capacity. At St. Paul Lutheran School and Preschool, we recognize that tuition represents a significant commitment — which is why transparency about costs, available support, and what families receive in return matters.
The Real Numbers
For the 2026-27 school year, elementary tuition (K-6) is $8,465 annually. Families can choose between 10-month payments ($846.50/month) or 12-month payments ($705.42/month). Paying in full by August 14 provides a 3% discount, reducing tuition to $8,212.
Additional annual costs include registration fees ($350 by March 1, $400 by June 1), a $100 Visual and Performing Arts fee, and a $55 FACTS processing fee per student.
Families with multiple school-age children receive 10% off for each additional enrolled child after the first ($7,619 per child). Active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church receive 25% off ($6,348.75), while the children of full-time pastors receive 50% off ($4,232.50).
Each year, St. Paul sets aside financial aid funds for K-6 families. Applications open in March through TADS (Tuition Aid Data Services), which reviews family financial information confidentially. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Our Lion Care Program, which provides care before school starting at 7 a.m. and afterschool enrichment until 5:30 p.m., is an option for families who choose. Unlimited extended care is $175 monthly, afternoon-only is $150 monthly, and morning-only care is $85 monthly. Drop-in care is available at $15 per hour.
What the Investment Provides
St. Paul’s tuition delivers measurable academic outcomes and comprehensive programming that extends far beyond basic instruction.
Documented Academic Achievement
In 2024-25, St. Paul students posted extraordinary academic gains on the Iowa Assessments, with five of six grade levels improving by double digits:
- First-graders jumped 49 percentile points in mathematics (19th to 68th percentile)
- Second-graders gained 55 points in computation (25th to 80th percentile)
- Third-graders improved 57 points in writing (24th to 81st percentile)
These results placed St. Paul students consistently in the 50th to 80th percentile nationally.
Small Class Sizes That Actually Impact Learning
Research consistently demonstrates that smaller classes produce measurable academic and social-emotional benefits. California’s Class-Size Reduction program showed mathematics gains of 0.2 to 0.3 standard deviations. Recent studies of California fourth- through sixth-graders found that smaller classes increased cognitive ability at age 13, with effects persisting into adulthood through higher educational attainment and better earnings.
St. Paul caps elementary classes at 24 students maximum. This allows teachers to differentiate instruction, identify learning needs early, and provide individualized support impossible in larger settings. Merced City Schools’ student-to-teacher ratio exceeds the state average, making St. Paul’s class sizes a significant differentiator.
Comprehensive Visual and Performing Arts Education
Every St. Paul student participates in sequential arts education from kindergarten through sixth grade. The VAPA program meets California Visual and Performing Arts Standards and develops creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness through:
- Visual Arts — Students progress through elements and principles of design while studying diverse artists from Picasso and Kahlo to Monet and Banksy.
- Music and Theater — Beginning with foundational music theory and appreciation, students advance through the “Excellence in Music” curriculum. By sixth grade, students perform in theatrical productions, demonstrating vocal techniques, character analysis, and stage presence.
Faith Integration That Strengthens Academic Excellence
Lutheran education offers 500 years of refined educational philosophy viewing faith and learning as inseparable partners. At St. Paul, systematic Scripture-based faith formation through the Enduring Faith curriculum builds biblical literacy, theological understanding, and practical faith skills appropriate to each developmental stage.
Lutheran theology’s emphasis that God created an orderly, knowable universe creates students who approach every subject — mathematics, science, literature — with curiosity and confidence. They’re not afraid of difficult questions because they understand that truth ultimately comes from God, whether discovered in a laboratory or revealed in Scripture.
Curriculum Exceeding State Standards
St. Paul’s curriculum exceeds Common Core requirements through multiple enrichment activities, hands-on inquiry-based learning, and integrated visual and performing arts. The school selected Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for both language arts and mathematics specifically because it offers enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students rather than focusing solely on remediation.
Weekly chapel services, dedicated art and music instruction, physical education, STEM Fridays, choir elective, and the Lion Care after-school program round out the comprehensive educational experience.
St. Paul maintains accreditation through both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). This ensures educational quality, validates program integrity, and guarantees coursework transfers seamlessly to other institutions.
Preschool Options
Preschool tuition varies by schedule and potty-training status. Full-day programs (5 days) range from $880 to $1,200 monthly. Three-day programs run $765 to $1,085 monthly. Half-day programs range from $540 to $965 monthly. We accept ACCESS subsidies.
What Families Experience
“Our children not only excel academically, but they have a love for Christ that is a direct result of their school environment,” says parent Kassie Mua. “They are humble, kind, thoughtful, and have a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls.”
Christina Trigg notes that “the teachers here are outstanding in the love, time, and attention that they pour into each student in their class. They recognize and understand that each child is a unique individual and cultivate a way to connect with and teach each student to the best of their ability.”
Long-Term Outcomes
St. Paul graduates consistently demonstrate academic, athletic, spiritual, and civic leadership at local high schools. They maintain their values while contributing positively in any environment — standing out for their character, work ethic, and ability to engage respectfully with diverse viewpoints.
This is by design. Lutheran education deliberately develops both intellectual capabilities and character formation, preparing students who can thrive academically while maintaining strong Biblically-based moral foundations.
Is This Right for Your Family?
Private education works best when families can afford tuition without creating financial hardship. If you’re considering St. Paul, schedule a campus tour to discuss your specific situation: call 209-383-3302 or email school@stpaulmerced.com.
Our admissions team can walk you through application, payment plans, and financial aid eligibility. The online application process allows you to work at your own pace and track admission status.
For some families, the combination of documented academic achievement, comprehensive arts education, faith integration, small class sizes, and close community justifies significant financial investment. For others, public school options in Merced County provide quality education without tuition burden. Only you can determine which path serves your family best.
St. Paul’s goal is simple: provide transparent information about costs, support systems, and educational outcomes so families can make informed decisions aligned with both their values and their financial reality.
St. Paul School and Preschool is located at 2916 McKee Road in Merced and has been serving Central Valley families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).
