Zion-st John Lutheran School

103 W Bertha St Paullina, IA 51046
zsjpaullina.org

Quick Facts (2026)

  • 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

Quick Facts (2026)

  • 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

School Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Students By Grade
Year Founded
1879
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
81 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
2%
State avg.: 16%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 11:1
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$1000 for members of the Zion or St. John Churches or $1600 for non-members.
Acceptance Rate
99%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Daniel Hoey
Application URL

School Notes

  • 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.
  • 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.
Source: Verified school update

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 87%.
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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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Iowa is $9,021 for elementary schools and $11,342 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Iowa is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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