CULLMAN, Ala. – St. Paul’s Lutheran School is now enrolling students for the 2026-2027 school year, inviting families to learn more about its Christ-centered classical education, small class sizes and family-oriented school community.
The school, located at 510 Third Ave. SE in Cullman, serves children from 3 years old through eighth grade. Its mission, according to the school, is “cultivating the mind” and “nourishing the soul.”
Administrator Erin Smith said St. Paul’s offers families something she believes is becoming increasingly rare.
“St. Paul’s Lutheran School offers something increasingly rare in education today: a truly Christ-centered classical education,” Smith said. “Our mission is to cultivate both the mind and nourish the soul, helping students grow academically, spiritually and morally.”
Smith said St. Paul’s differs from schools that focus primarily on test scores or career preparation by intentionally forming students around what the school describes as “good, true and beautiful” through a rigorous curriculum grounded in scripture and faith.
Students also have access to opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, including piano and ballet through the school’s conservatory offerings.
“I would encourage any family considering St. Paul’s to come visit us in person,” Smith said. “Tour the classrooms, meet our teachers, talk with our students and families and experience the atmosphere for yourself. There is something truly special about St. Paul’s that is best understood when you walk through our doors and see it firsthand.”
According to Smith, the school’s Christ-centered approach shapes each part of the student experience.
“At St. Paul’s, faith shapes every part of the school day,” Smith said. “Christian truth is integrated across all subjects, helping students view learning through a biblical worldview.”
Students worship together in daily chapel and regularly interact with the Rev. John Bussman, senior pastor, through chapel and religion classes. Smith said those experiences help strengthen students’ understanding of Scripture and their relationship with Christ.
The school’s faith-centered environment also guides the way students and staff interact with one another.
“Our faith-centered environment also guides how we treat one another, emphasizing kindness, respect, forgiveness and service,” Smith said. “The goal for our school is not only academic excellence, but also developing students who are grounded in faith, strong in character and prepared to serve God and others.”
St. Paul’s classical curriculum is designed to build both academic knowledge and critical thinking skills.
“Our classical education teaches students how to think, not just what to think,” Smith said.
Students study language, literature, history, math, science and the arts while developing communication, problem-solving and analytical skills. Smith said the approach is intended to prepare students for long-term academic success while also helping them grow in wisdom and character.
“Through rich content, meaningful discussions and a Christ-centered perspective, students learn to analyze ideas, pursue truth and grow in wisdom and character,” Smith said. “This approach prepares them for academic success and equips them to become confident leaders, lifelong learners and faithful servants of Christ.”
She said small class sizes are another defining part of the school’s culture.
“One of the greatest benefits of small class sizes is that every student is truly known,” Smith said. “At St. Paul’s, students are known by name, valued as individuals and supported according to their unique strengths and needs.”
She said smaller classes allow teachers to build stronger relationships with students, offer more individualized instruction and tailor learning experiences to student interests. Students also have more opportunities to collaborate, learn and socialize with one another.
That same close-knit atmosphere extends to families.
“We view parents as partners in their child’s education and encourage families to be involved through chapel services, field trips, sporting events and other school activities,” Smith said. “These shared experiences build a close-knit community where students, families and staff support one another and help make St. Paul’s a special place to learn and grow.”
As families consider enrollment for the upcoming school year, Smith said she wants them to know St. Paul’s is focused on providing a safe and loving school environment rooted in Christian principles.
“As enrollment opens, I want families to know that St. Paul’s is a safe, loving community where students are known, valued and encouraged to grow academically and spiritually,” Smith said. “Rooted in Christian principles, our school has a rich history and strong traditions that have shaped generations of students, myself included.”
Smith’s connection to St. Paul’s is also personal. The school announced in May that Smith, a St. Paul’s graduate, had been named its new administrator. The school said she attended St. Paul’s from kindergarten through sixth grade and has a background in education, leadership and professional development.
“Our admissions process is designed to be simple for families,” Smith said. “Enrollment can be completed online at stpaulscullman.com or in person at our front office.”
St. Paul’s participates in the Alabama CHOOSE Act, which may provide Education Savings Account funding for eligible families. The school also lists scholarship opportunities through Scholarships for Kids, a state-recognized scholarship-granting organization.
“We encourage families to schedule a visit, tour the school and ask questions so they can determine if St. Paul’s is the right fit for their child,” Smith said. “There is something truly special here, and we would love the opportunity to welcome you.”
For more information, visit www.stpaulscullman.com or call 256-734-6580.
