Choosing St. Paul’s Lutheran School for your child’s education brings numerous benefits. Our school provides a Classical Lutheran Education that encompasses children from three years old through 8th grade. Students receive a strong faith foundation with daily chapel attendance and a curriculum emphasizing the study of Scriptures and Luther’s Small Catechism. Our twofold mission of cultivating the mind through the liberal arts and nourishing the soul through Lutheran teachings sets us apart, ensuring students develop character, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of their faith. This holistic approach defines the essence of a Classical Lutheran Education, combining the liberal arts with Lutheran catechesis to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School is a ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. St. Paul’s School finances its operation through the tuition & fees collected from families using the school ministry, contributions from church and school members, fundraisers, miscellaneous gifts & projects. We sincerely thank you for your interest in enrolling your child at St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
CHOOSE Act Information
The State of Alabama has introduced the CHOOSE Act program, which may provide Education Savings Account (ESA) funding for eligible families that can be applied toward tuition and certain approved educational expenses.
Eligibility determinations and award decisions are made entirely by the State of Alabama and are not administered by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or School. CHOOSE Act funding, when awarded, is applied toward tuition and applicable school fees according to State program guidelines.
During the first year of the program’s implementation, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has authorized congregational tuition support to assist families who do not receive CHOOSE funding this year.
Families who believe they may qualify for the CHOOSE Act program are encouraged to apply through the State of Alabama, as these funds help support both families and the ongoing mission of Christian education.
CHOOSE Act funds are administered by the State of Alabama and may only be used for approved educational expenses. Any remaining funds after tuition and required school fees are applied remain within the student’s Education Savings Account and may only be used for other qualified educational expenses permitted under the program.
CHOOSE Act and Tuition Discounts
Students receiving funding through the Alabama CHOOSE Act program apply those funds toward the standard published tuition.
Because CHOOSE Act funding is designed to offset tuition costs directly, CHOOSE funding may not be combined with member tuition rates or additional tuition discounts.
Because each family’s situation may differ based on CHOOSE Act eligibility, congregational support, or other scholarships, the tuition amount applied to a family’s account may vary from the published tuition schedule shown above.
In the event of student withdrawal, the application or return of CHOOSE Act funds will be handled in accordance with State program guidelines and the St. Paul’s Lutheran School CHOOSE Act Funds Policy.
CHOOSE Act Funds Policy
Families participating in the Alabama CHOOSE Act program should be aware that the use and refund of CHOOSE Act funds is governed by program guidelines. St. Paul’s Lutheran School has adopted a CHOOSE Act Funds Policy in accordance with State program requirements.
Questions regarding CHOOSE Act eligibility, funding determinations, or program rules should be directed to the State of Alabama or the program administrator.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Families may also apply for scholarships through Scholarships for Kids, a state-recognized scholarship-granting organization.
The 2026–2027 Scholarships for Kids application opened on March 16, 2026.
For more information and application details, please visit Scholarships for Kids.
PRESCHOOL TUITION SCHEDULE
The tuition for St. Paul’s Preschool programs is outlined below. Please note that multiple-child discounts do not apply to preschool tuition. Additionally, it is important to mention that St. Paul’s Church members are required to pay full tuition for children enrolled in the 3 and 4-year-old programs.
PK 3 & PK 4 part-time is 3 full days, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The rates listed below are for a 10 month period.
| COMMUNITY RATES | MONTHLY (x10) | ANNUAL PAYMENT |
| PK 3 & PK 4 (part-time) | $293 | $2,930 |
| PK 3 & PK 4 (full-time) | $438 | $4,380 |
K – 8th GRADE TUITION SCHEDULE
At St. Paul’s Lutheran School, tuition rates for church members are approximately 50% of the non-member rate. These payments are to be made at the church office. To facilitate this, the St. Paul’s Church budget covers the remaining 50% of member tuition through its regular ministry offering programs. To qualify for the church member discounted rate, families must make the Eligible Member Promise, which is included in the enrollment application.
Tuition is mandatory for all students enrolled at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. Families have two payment options: a discounted rate can be obtained by making a single payment by April 24, or payments can be made in ten equal installments due on the first day of each month, starting from August 1 and ending on May 1.
The rates listed below are for a 10-month period.
| NON-MEMBER RATES | MONTHLY (x10) | ANNUAL PAYMENT |
| K – 8 | $630 | $6,300 |
| Each Additional Student | $504 | $5,040 |
| MEMBER RATES | MONTHLY (x10) | ANNUAL PAYMENT |
| K – 8 | $315 | $3,150 |
| Each Additional Student | $286 | $2,860 |
ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTATION
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, it is essential to remember to provide the proper documentation. Once you have completed the application form, please provide our school office copies of the required documentation and pay your application fee at the church office.
Please call the school office (256-734-6580) if you need assistance with these steps or procedures. Applications cannot be considered until all requested forms have been submitted.
| REQUIRED | INSTRUCTIONS |
| Application Form | You can complete this form online by clicking the “Enroll Now” button on your screen. |
| Application Fee | The NON-REFUNDABLE application fee MUST be paid to the church office before the application will be considered. |
| Standardized Test Result | Copies of standardized test results (CTBS, ST, CAT, IOWA, ETC.) are requested for grades 1-8. Obtain a copy of the MOST RECENT testing results from the present school and submit them to St. Paul’s Lutheran School office. If no test results are available, please let us know. |
| Report Cards | Submit a copy of all report cards. This applies to grades 1 – 8. |
| Birth Certificate | Provide a copy to the school office. |
| Social Security Card | Provide a copy to the school office. |
| Immunization Forms | Original immunization forms are required by the state and must be provided. |
| Kindergarten | Provide the school with copies of any readiness testing results available. A readiness test will be given to any student new to St. Paul’s. The readiness test will be scheduled with the K teacher before the beginning of the school year. Kindergarten students must turn age 5 by September 1. |
| Student / Parent / Teacher Interview | Based on the information provided, the school will determine the need for an interview. |
REGISTRATION FEES
Enrolling at St. Paul’s Lutheran School is an investment in your child’s academic and spiritual growth. Our registration fees are a one-time payment that helps support the resources and programs we offer, ensuring a nurturing and exceptional educational experience for each student.
The registration fee must be paid BEFORE a student can be GUARANTEED A PLACE on the school’s roster. All registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Up-front fees are due by Aug. 1 of the school year.
| REGISTRATION FEES | AMOUNT | DUE DATE |
| PK3 & PK4 | $225 | August 1st |
| K – 8 | $550 | By April 24, 2026 |
| K – 8 | $600 | After April 24, 2026 |
| New Student Application | $100 | Upon Enrollment |
Extended Care Rates
Understanding the importance of flexibility and support for families, St. Paul’s School offers a comprehensive extended care program designed to accommodate the needs of both parents and students. Our program provides a safe and nurturing environment before and after school hours, ensuring peace of mind for parents while engaging children in a variety of activities.
| EXTENDED CARE RATES | TIME | RATE |
| Morning Care | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM | $6 PER DAY |
| Enrolled Afternoon Care | 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM | $8 PER DAY |
| Early Drop-in and Pick-up | No Later Than 4:30 PM | $6 PER DAY |
| Late Drop-in and Pick-up | No Later Than 5:30 PM | $10 PER DAY |
Extended Care Late Fees
| PICK-UP TIME | LATE FEE |
| 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | $10 |
| 5:46 PM – 6:00 PM | $20 |
LATE FEES
We kindly remind all prospective families that up-front fees for enrollment at St. Paul’s Lutheran School are due by August 1 of the school year. These fees encompass the application fee, registration fee, books/supply fees, classroom supply fee, and yearbook fee. It is important to note that a late fee will be assessed for payments made after the first of each month, starting August 2. We encourage prompt payment to avoid additional charges and ensure a smooth enrollment process.
| LATE FEES | AMOUNT | FREQUENCY |
| Tuition | $20 | Monthly |
| Lunch | $20 | Monthly |
| Up-Front Fees | $30 | Monthly After August 10th |
Continuous Enrollment
Beginning with registration for 2026-2027, all students (PK3 – 8th Grade) will be automatically re-enrolled at SPLS each year, unless families notify the school office, in writing, by the published annual deadline. More information will be available this summer!
Tuition Payments
The tuition balance is paid in ten equal installments by the 20th of each month from August through May.
Referral Credit: Families who refer a new student family to St. Paul’s Lutheran School may receive a one-time $500 tuition credit when the new student enrolls and begins attending school.
- Applies only to new families not previously enrolled at SPLS
- Not available for siblings of currently enrolled students
- Credit is applied to the referring family’s school account
- Not redeemable for cash
- A Tuition Credit Referral Application must be submitted
Incidental Billing
All fees, including lunch, extended care, and other incidentals will be payable by the 20th of each month.
Withdrawal Fees
There will be a $200 withdrawal fee charged for withdrawals after August 1. No partial month tuition reimbursements will be made by SPLS.
Late and Returned Payment Fees
A late fee of $20 will be charged on any incidental account balance after 15 calendar days of the due date without full payment.
A $30 returned payment fee will be assessed if any payment (tuition or incidental) attempt fails.
Late charges apply to extended care. Full rates and late fees are listed on the reverse side of this notice.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School reserves the right to engage a collection agency to assist in the collection of unpaid tuition or fees.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance may be available to qualifying families. Applications are reviewed by the SPLS Scholarship Committee.
Deadline: July 1
For assistance inquiries, contact:
Finance Office
juli@stpaulscullman.com
256-734-3575
* Tuition and Fees are subject to change.