Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions & Facilities

Does my child have to be Lutheran to attend St. John’s?

Not at all. We welcome children of all backgrounds. At St. John’s, our priority is to provide a safe and loving Christian environment for all of our students to learn and grow in. We are called to provide a Gospel-permeated learning environment whose purpose is empowering the leaders of tomorrow to be disciples of Christ today, firmly grounded in faith, and solidly equipped to live in service to God and others.

How much does it cost to attend St. John’s Lutheran School? What if it is too expensive?

St. John’s costs for Preschool-2nd grade are competitive with other private/parochial schools in the area. Please check our Tuition page for our current rates. Financial aid is available for qualifying families.

We have multiple payment plans available. Yearly tuition can be divided into monthly payments for parents enrolling in the tuition payment program or paid in one, two, or three installments.

Is St. John’s Lutheran School accredited?

SJLS is a school that is recognized by the State of Illinois, which means we are fully approved and regularly visited by the state. St. John’s also holds National Lutheran School Accreditation and is a part of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod system of schools, which is a national and international association of Lutheran schools across the United States and the world (see www.lcms.org/school-ministry).

How can I schedule a visit to St. John’s campus?

Scheduling a visit to the St. John’s campus is not only easy to do, it’s essential. Choosing a school for your child is a huge decision, and we welcome the opportunity to meet with you and guide you through this process. To schedule a visit click on the “Schedule a Tour” button and fill out the information. Or, call us directly at 847-741-7633

What technology is used in the school?

Chromebooks are available for students when the curriculum calls for them. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and other technology needed to support the curriculum and student needs.

What standardized testing do you use?

St. John’s partners with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), and administers the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests multiple times throughout the year.

Programming

Do you offer part-time or full-day programs in early childhood?

We offer both full-time and part-time programs for three and four-year-old preschool. We offer full-day, half-day, and a flexible schedule. You tell us what you need.

Half-day preschool is from 8:00-11:00 and full-day preschool is from 8:00-2:45 pm.

Extended care is available before and after school.

How long is the school day? Do you have before/after school care?

Our regular school day starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:45 pm.

Extended care is available from 7:00-7:45 am and from 2:45-6:00 pm.

Cost for extended care is $6.00/hour

Do you have programs for children with different learning needs?

St. John’s can serve some children with unique learning needs. Through the interview process we can better assess if St. John’s is a good fit for your child.

Does St. John's Lutheran School have a hot lunch program?

Students bring their own lunch with St. John’s supplementing their lunches with assorted sides. Special “hot” lunches are made available through local vendors on designated days.

Does St. John’s have a weekly chapel service?

Every student at St. John’s participates in a weekly chapel worship service. During chapel all students sing, pray, and listen to God’s Word. The chapel service is always open to any parent, family member, or friend who wishes to attend.

What are St. John’s plans moving forward in case of another COVID-19 type closure?

When schools open statewide we are uniquely positioned to accommodate social distancing due to our large classrooms and smaller class sizes. Should Illinois schools experience another temporary closure, St. John’s does have a distance learning program in place.

What educational qualifications are required of St. John’s teachers?

All teachers at St. John’s Lutheran School are experienced and qualified. They are Illinois State Certified and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Teachers are also required to attend professional development seminars, conferences, and classes throughout the year.

How long has St. John's Lutheran School Existed?

St. John’s Lutheran School was founded in 1866 and is the 2nd oldest school in the city of Elgin and one of the oldest private schools in the entire state of Illinois. Our rich history of more than 150 years stands as a firm foundation that supports our programs which are continually being evaluated and updated to provide the best learning experience possible for our students.

Have a question that we didn’t answer?

Please give us a call at 847-741-7633.