Families in Merriam, Kansas seeking a private school education rooted in Christian values have an exceptional option just minutes away. Hope Lutheran School offers Merriam residents a comprehensive educational experience that combines academic excellence with spiritual formation in a nurturing environment that encourages students to grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically.
A Premier Lutheran Education Just Minutes from Merriam
Located just a short drive from Merriam in neighboring Shawnee, Hope Lutheran School provides students from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation built upon Christian principles. Our convenient location makes us an ideal choice for Merriam families seeking a faith-based educational alternative that prepares students not just for academic success, but for lives of purpose and service.
About Hope Lutheran School
Hope Lutheran School has been providing quality Christ-centered education since 1983. With over 190 students in preschool through 8th grade, our school community offers a warm and supportive learning environment during children’s most formative years.
Our school’s mission is clear and purposeful: “Building lives of excellence upon the foundation of Christ.” This mission drives everything we do, from classroom instruction to extracurricular activities to our approach to discipline and character development.
With 24 faculty and staff members committed to providing quality Christian education, Hope Lutheran offers small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio that allows our teachers to form close, trusting relationships with both students and parents. This personalized approach to education ensures that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Academic Excellence for Merriam Students
Beyond the regular curricular areas, Hope Lutheran School students benefit from specialized instruction in STEM, Art, Spanish, Technology, Physical Education, Athletics, and Music – including band, music instruction, and choir. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that students develop their unique gifts and talents across multiple disciplines.
Our curriculum includes:
- Reading and Language Arts: Using contemporary, engaging materials from Savvas (2020) and Abeka programs
- Mathematics: Employing Progress of Mathematics (Sadlier, 2020) and advancing to Algebra/Geometry for middle school students
- Science: Interactive Science programs with hands-on learning opportunities
- Social Studies: Age-appropriate history and geography using BJU Press and McGraw Hill resources
- Religion: Enduring Faith curriculum (Concordia Publishing House, 2022)
- Foreign Language: Spanish instruction from kindergarten through 8th grade, using Descubre A-D (Santillana, 2018) for K-5 and advancing to high school level Spanish (Español Santillana) for grades 6-8
Our STEM program is particularly robust, with grade-appropriate technology integration beginning in kindergarten with touch typing and advancing through increasingly complex applications. First graders prepare Google slides presentations, second graders use Kibo Robots, third graders work with VexGo robots, fourth graders utilize Minecraft for educational simulations, fifth graders create with Microbits, and middle school students select appropriate technological tools for complex projects.
Hope Lutheran School also maintains both indoor and outdoor beehives, providing unique hands-on learning experiences in science and environmental stewardship. Students participate in honey harvesting, bottling, and sales, with half of the proceeds donated to charities chosen by the students.
Christian Foundation & Values for Merriam Families
At Hope Lutheran School, students hear about Jesus every day. We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all and that we are saved only by God’s grace, not through our own works. This foundation of faith shapes every aspect of our educational approach.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, students are transformed and empowered in the dynamic interactions within our community of grace. This creates an environment where academic excellence is pursued not merely for personal advancement but as a faithful response to God’s gifts.
Merriam families who choose Hope Lutheran School can expect their children to:
- Develop a strong foundation in the Christian faith
- Learn to integrate faith with academic knowledge
- Experience a community that practices forgiveness and grace
- Develop virtues like responsibility, honesty, and compassion
- Participate in regular chapel services and prayer
- Engage in service projects that put faith into action
This Christ-centered approach to education provides Merriam students with not just knowledge, but wisdom—the ability to apply knowledge within a framework of faith and values that will guide them throughout their lives.
Convenient Location for Merriam Families
Hope Lutheran School is ideally situated for families living in Merriam, with a commute of just minutes via I-35 or Shawnee Mission Parkway. This convenient proximity makes Hope Lutheran an accessible option for Merriam residents seeking a private, Christian education for their children.
Many families from Merriam already make Hope Lutheran their school of choice, joining our diverse community of students from throughout Johnson County. Our location provides Merriam families with a high-quality private school option without requiring a lengthy commute.
Extracurricular Activities & Programs
Beyond academics, Hope Lutheran School offers Merriam students a wide range of extracurricular activities that develop the whole child. These programs help students discover and develop their unique gifts while building meaningful relationships with peers who share their interests.
Athletic opportunities include:
- Boys Soccer (Fall)
- Girls Volleyball (Fall)
- Boys Basketball (Winter)
- Girls Basketball (Winter)
- Girls Cheerleading (Winter)
- Coed Track (Spring)
Students can also participate in clubs and organizations such as Chess Club, American Sign Language (ASL) Club, Rocket League (Esports), Lego Club, Student Council, Math Club, Band, Drama, and various scouting programs.
These extracurricular offerings provide Merriam students with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and specialized skills in areas of interest while reinforcing the values taught in the classroom.
Admissions Information & Tuition for Merriam Residents
Hope Lutheran School welcomes families from Merriam to explore our admissions process, which is designed to be straightforward and supportive. The process begins with learning about Hope Lutheran through conversations with our admissions team and exploring our website. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a tour to experience our school community firsthand. When ready to enroll, new students complete an enrollment form and release of academic records.
We strive to make high-quality Christian education accessible to families who support our values and seek partnership with our school. Families may qualify for needs-based scholarships as determined by FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Scholarship amounts are based on the number of applicants, the needs of the applicants, and the total funds available.
For current tuition rates or financial aid information, see our tuition and fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions from Merriam Families
What is the class size at Hope Lutheran School?
Generally, Kindergarten has no more than 20 students and Grades 1-8 have a maximum of 25 students per class, although typically the classes range between 15 and the low 20s. This allows for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
How do Hope Lutheran’s test scores compare with other schools?
Hope Lutheran administers the KS Assessments yearly to students in grades three through eight and the MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. These nationally-normed standardized tests compare our students to students across the nation and Kansas State. Our students score well above grade level on these tests, and a high proportion of our students score in the top 20 percentiles. As a school, we score in the top 20-25% of all schools nationwide.
Do I need to be Lutheran to attend Hope Lutheran School?
All are welcome at Hope Lutheran School. Typically about 25% of our students are members at Hope, about 18% are not affiliated with a church, and the rest are members of other Christian congregations in our community.
What resources are available for children with special needs?
We have a Title I teacher on staff that helps students who need accommodations or modifications to the regular curriculum. She tutors the students that need extra help. While we are unable to meet the needs of children with severe learning or behavioral disabilities, we can help those students who need a little extra individualized care.
What are the school hours?
School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. with additional extended school care hours from 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The school doors unlock at 8:15 a.m., and all students not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be checked into extended school care.
Experience the Hope Lutheran Difference
For Merriam families seeking a private school that combines academic excellence with Christian values, Hope Lutheran School offers an ideal solution just minutes from your home. Our commitment to developing the whole child—intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially—provides students with an educational foundation that will serve them throughout their lives.
We invite you to discover why so many Merriam families have chosen Hope Lutheran School for their children’s education. Schedule a tour today to experience our warm, supportive community firsthand and learn more about how Hope Lutheran can partner with your family to provide an exceptional educational experience for your child.
Ready to take the next step? Contact our admissions team today at (913) 631-6940 to learn more about enrollment opportunities or to schedule a personal tour of our campus. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Hope Lutheran School community!