FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Do you have to be Lutheran to attend?
No, children of any faith are welcome to attend. St. Paul's desires to offer a quality Christian education to any family who would like to have that experience for their child. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and structured environment for students to learn, make friends and live as disciples of Jesus Christ in this life and the next.
What are the qualifications of the teaching staff?
St. Paul's holds a Certificate with the Maryland State Department of Education. The State requires that all teachers of the basic core subjects hold a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent. The staff of St. Paul's meets and exceeds this requirement. One third of our teachers have Masters Degrees and all teachers are expected to be certified by the State of Maryland or working towards that goal.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
The maximum class size for the three year old program and the four year old program is 20 students. The three year old and four year old programs each have one assistant. The maximum number for each Kindergarten class is 20 and each have their own full time assistant. The average class size for grades 1-3 is 17, 4-5 is 21, 6-8, and middle school is 15.
Does St. Paul's offer a foreign language?
We offer Spanish classes for all grades K-8.
Do Kindergartners learn to read?
Children develop in specific ways, but not all at the same time. Learning to read includes being able to follow directions, complete a task, the ability to focus and a certain amount of eye-hand coordination. Foundational reading is developmentally appropriate in either Kindergarten or First Grade.
How can the curriculum of St. Paul's be described?
St. Pauls offers a rigorous curriculum that is aligned to the Maryland State Standards. The curriculum is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as needed. The Middle School Health and Religion curricula are unique, being designed in-house by St. Paul’s staff. Other subjects also supplement any curriculum resources in areas where it is necessary.
Does St. Paul's offer gifted and talented programs?
St. Paul’s differentiates our curriculum in the classroom based upon student ability. In grades 7 and 8, we allow qualified students to take pre-algebra and algebra. In other subjects, each teacher works to provide differentiated instruction that will meet the needs of the various students.
Does St. Paul's offer support for students who require it?
Yes, St. Paul's has a Student Support program that enables students who need additional individual help to receive it. In most cases, these students work individually with the Student Support teacher or in a small group. Student needs are reviewed on an individual basis to determine the student’s ability to succeed with the resources offered by St. Paul’s. In addition to academic support, St. Paul's has a wellness coordinator for the elementary grades and the middle school grades.
What types of electives are offered for Middle School students?
Middle School students are all enrolled in a fine arts class and also choose from a variety of electives such as soccer, art, culture club, life skills, culinary delights, D.A.R.E., public speaking, and more.
Do students have access to computers and the Internet?
For Preschool and Kindergarten, children do not have computers in the classroom. Chromebooks are used beginning in First Grade. For First and Second grades, students are not issued their own computer, but one is used periodically in small groups under the teacher’s supervision. In Third through Fifth Grades, students are issued a Chromebook, but it is used as a tool to supplement the lessons and not as the primary educational device. Middle School students are issued their own laptop which accompanies them to all classes. Internet access is permitted only at approved sites.
What kind of extra-curricula activities does St. Paul's have?
Band lessons are given during the day, but the total band rehearsal is after school. St. Paul’s also offers an after school Athletic Program with cross country, volleyball, and soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and flag rugby and bowling in the spring. Fall and winter sports are for 5th - 8th grade. Rugby is available to 3rd through 8th grades. Bowling is open to Kindergarten through 8th grades.
Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer?
Yes, teachers invite parents to help out in the classroom as needed. In most cases, it works best if a parent can come at a regular time and on a regular day. Classes also have room parents who assist with parties and a variety of other activities. There are also special events throughout the year when parents are asked to volunteer and parents may be asked to chaperone on field trips.
Where do students attend after they graduate from St. Paul's?
Graduating students attend Annapolis Area Christian School, Archbishop Spalding, Mount St. Joseph, Mount De Sales Academy, or other neighboring Christian high schools. Some of our students enroll in Anne Arundel County public high schools.
What security measures does St. Paul's have in place?
All visitors are required to provide their drivers' license. St. Paul’s takes the safety of our students and staff seriously and employs a robust security system including automated door locks, live monitored video surveillance and more.
Does St. Paul's have uniforms?
Yes, students in grades K through 8th are required to wear a specified uniform. All uniforms must be purchased from Flynn O'Hara in Glen Burnie. St. Paul's also has a uniform exchange where parents can turn in uniforms in good condition and other parents are welcome to re-use them.
Is there a Before and After School Care Program?
Yes, St. Paul's offers a Before and After Care program that is in compliance with all Maryland State requirements. Before School Care is available at 7 AM and After School Care is available until 5:30 PM. Students must be pre-registered for Before and After Care sat the time of their school registration.
How can I keep up with the assignments and the progress of my child?
St. Paul's has a web based school information system. Parents receive a screen name and password to access grades and other information about their child(ren). A variety of information is placed on this system including class assignments.