Zion-st John Lutheran School

103 W Bertha St
Paullina, IA 51046

Lutheran Family Service began in 1901 when Lutheran churches and schools were being established all over the State of Iowa and the population was growing rapidly.

Iowa Lutheran lay leaders and pastors recognized the pressing need to find Christian homes for the many orphaned children who were not able to live with their own families because of the death of a parent, illness or harsh financial times.

The Lutheranish Kinderfreundgesellschaft was established. Children were provided with love and care until a permanent home with a Christian family could be located.

The mission of Iowa District West is Connecting, Resourcing and Partnering with our member congregations for the extension of the Gospel within our communities, throughout the District and into all the world.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked IA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 81 students
Yearly Tuition: $1,000
Acceptance rate: 99%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Zion-st John Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)

Religious Affiliation

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Year Founded

1879

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

81 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 16%

Students by Grade

Zion-st John Lutheran School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

7 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

National avg.: 13:1

Average Class Size

8 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$1,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$1000 for members of the Zion or St. John Churches or $1600 for non-members.

Acceptance Rate

99%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Daniel Hoey

Application URL

Online Application

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Zion-st John Lutheran School cost?

Zion-st John Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $1,000 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Zion-st John Lutheran School?

The acceptance rate of Zion-st John Lutheran School is 99%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.

What is Zion-st John Lutheran School's ranking?

Zion-st John Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for: Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Zion-st John Lutheran School?

The application deadline for Zion-st John Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked IA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 81 students
Yearly Tuition: $1,000
Acceptance rate: 99%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Iowa is $9,547 for elementary schools and $11,290 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Iowa is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).