From the moment you step foot onto the sprawling Orange County campus, it’s clear that St. Paul’s Lutheran School is someplace special.
Much more than just a place to learn, St. Paul’s students from transitional-kindergarten through eighth grade thrive academically, spiritually, socially, athletically, and artistically.
Shaping the whole child, while nurturing their faith and equipping them to share the Gospel of Jesus, is at the heart of St. Paul’s mission.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School first opened their doors in 1908, marking the start of a successful, storied legacy that continues to flourish to this day.
The beautiful, expansive campus offers an enriching experience for all who join this welcoming Christian community.
Not surprisingly, St. Paul’s has earned an array of prestigious accolades and achievements over the years.
St. Paul’s is one of only two Lutheran schools in Orange County to be awarded Blue Ribbon Honors by the U.S. Department of Education.
They are also fully accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran Schools (NLSA).
What sets St. Paul’s apart from other educational institutions in the area? SPLS principal Robin Gomes believes it’s due to a well-balanced blend of academic, religious, and character-building experiences and exercises.
“St. Paul’s is distinctive because of our focus on discipleship, character, and engagement. The St. Paul’s student grows into a citizen who has a personal relationship with Jesus and is motivated to participate in community service to others. We focus on character development in the areas of empathy, honesty, integrity, and respect. Students can engage in the world by collaborating with others, thinking critically, and taking an innovative approach to problem-solving,” she says.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School’s upbeat, unpretentious atmosphere promotes nurturing every child to reach their full potential. This includes offering a wide variety of opportunities for students to pursue their unique talents and passions.
According to Principal Gomes, St. Paul’s hit the ground running this school year, after the global pandemic stopped virtually everyone—and everything—in its tracks.
“We offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including visual and performing arts (instrumental and vocal music, dance, theater), athletics, STEM, leadership and service opportunities. All programs are resuming on campus after a ‘pause’ due to COVID restrictions. Updates for the 2021-2022 school year also include the adoption of new ELA and religion curriculum,” she says.
St. Paul’s prides themselves on staying at the forefront of cutting-edge educational endeavors, with regular technology and curriculum updates.
The exuberant passion and commitment of St. Paul’s teaching staff are not lost on the parents of St. Paul’s students. As one parent recently praised the educators by noting, “the teachers are pouring everything into the children that they possibly can. Truly, you all are heroes and she-roes, excellent in what you do.”
In addition to educating TK through eighth-grade students, St. Paul’s also offers childcare, preschool, and before/after school care for infants and young children, beginning at six weeks old.
In keeping with the seasonal spirit of gratitude, the St. Paul’s family is full of thanks for their consistently uplifting community.
“In 2021, we are thankful for our community,” says Gomes. “Throughout the pandemic, we learned important lessons about the value of relationships, and we are responding with gratitude for teachers, staff, students, families, and the entire community of learners at St. Paul’s. We depend on each other for strength and encouragement. Every member of our community is loved, valued, and necessary for us to carry out our mission.”
That sense of gratitude extends to the selfless, giving spirit exhibited by so many in St. Paul’s wide-reaching support system.
“We are grateful for the sacrificial giving of all those who believe in our mission and program, and generously give so that we can continue to grow,” says Gomes. “Our teachers and staff give of their time and talents sacrificially by providing a distinctive educational, extracurricular, and faith-based experience to their students. [They] work tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences. [Our parent community] willingly and enthusiastically volunteers to make sure that St. Paul’s has everything needed to create a wonderful environment for students.” https://www.splsorange.org/