Immanuel St James Lutheran School offers an outstanding tradition of developing Christ-centered students for life and eternity while being a high quality, low-cost option in the West Michigan area.
Immanuel-St. James Lutheran School under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and the doctrinal confessions of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is dedicated to continuing the day school ministry sponsored by our two congregations.
Founded on the principle that all knowledge begins in reverence to the Lord, and in keeping with the realization that we are saved to serve in His Kingdom.
ISJ seeks to develop the talents and abilities of its students with a quality education while nurturing their faith and willingness to lead others into the family of Christ.
Our Preschool program and grades Kindergarten through 8th grade are taught at the St.
James building on Oakwood NE near Knapp St. in the Riverside neighborhood.
Our athletic program has been moved from the craziness of downtown construction to New Community Church on Dean Lake Road in Grand Rapids.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MI School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 81 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Isj Academy Pk-8 ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1859
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
81 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
14%
State avg.: 18%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Isj Academy Pk-8 often compared to?
Isj Academy Pk-8 is often viewed alongside schools like Our Savior Lutheran School by visitors of our site.
What is Isj Academy Pk-8's ranking?
Isj Academy Pk-8 ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Isj Academy Pk-8?
The application deadline for Isj Academy Pk-8 is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Isj Academy Pk-8 located?
Isj Academy Pk-8 is located in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 1 other private schools located in Creston.
School Reviews
5 9/3/2014
We have been an ISJ family for 10 years. The staff and families are like our own family. The small class sizes allow for my children to have personal attention both academically and spiritually. And thanks to the two sponsoring churches, the tuition is so affordable when compared to any other area private school.
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