Making Disciples by linking lives to Jesus Christ

Studying His Word • Sharing His Story • Showing His Love • Serving His Community

We are located in a rural setting just outside of Elk River, Minnesota in Sherburne County. Our school engages learners in preschool to eight grade. All children are welcome at our school. To begin your student’s educational journey you do not need to be a member of St. John Lutheran Church or any other church. We welcome all children to join us for a Christ centered education.

At St. John Lutheran School we have been committed to providing a quality Christian education to children in the area since we started a one-room school house in 1888. We strive to provide a loving, Christ centered education with technology to prepare your child for an ever changing world.

We all want the best for our children – including the best education. That is why at St. John Lutheran School Elk River, your child will receive not only the best academics, but more importantly, training in Christian living. You can rest assured that if you invest in your child’s education at St. John, your child will be prepared both academically and spiritually for the challenges that await in the high school years and beyond.

St. John Lutheran Church is part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). The LCMS is a mission-oriented and Bible-based denomination that confesses the Christian faith in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The LCMS believes in the Triune God, who created all that exists; became man to suffer, die, and rise again for the world’s redemption; and brings people to faith and new life through His Word and Sacraments.

St. John Lutheran School is a ministry of St. John Lutheran Church which fosters faith and learning by linking lives to Jesus Christ. As a Christian school, we integrate our Christian beliefs into everything we teach, and our curriculum includes daily teachings from God’s Holy Word. St. John Lutheran School exists to help ground our students in living the Christian faith as taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We teach about the Bible, faith, and Salvation. We believe that:

  • The Bible is the source and basis for all our beliefs. (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
  • All people and all faiths are to be shown respect. (Matthew 22:39)
  • Only through faith in Jesus Christ can people be saved. (John 3:16)

We teach about God. We believe that:

  • God is the Almighty, loving creator of everything and everyone. (Genesis 1:1)
  • God is one God, but three equal persons (Triune). He is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit – not three Gods but one God. (Matthew 28:19)
  • God is the Judge before whom all people will give an account for the lives they lead. (2 Cor. 5:10)
  • God is a Savior (Jesus) who died for our sins and arose from the dead. (Acts 4:11-12)
  • God is the Author of the Bible who, through the Holy Spirit, inspired men to write what He wanted to communicate to humankind – especially who He is, His truths, and how He has come to the rescue of humankind through the work of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • God is Love. He loves all people perfectly and completely. (1 John 4:9-10)

We teach about people. We believe that:

  • People are created individually and specially by God, male and female. (Psalm 139:13-16 and Genesis 1:27)
  • People are loved always and completely by God. (John 3:16)
  • People are expected by God to live lives of holiness and perfection. (Matthew 5:48)
  • People are unable to obey God perfectly (everyone sins). (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
  • People are forgiven their sins and given the gift of everlasting life in heaven only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)
  • People are unable to earn God’s favor or forgiveness; rather we receive faith and forgiveness through the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  • People, sadly, will be condemned to eternal suffering if they do not have faith in Christ. (Matthew 13:49-50 and John 14:6)

We teach about relationships. We believe that:

  • People should submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)
  • People should tell their friends how much the Lord has done for them and how he has had mercy on them. (Mark 5:19)
  • Marriage is a holy union, created by God, and is intended to be between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31, Corinthians 7:2)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Our Staff

St. John employs Christian teachers who are licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Education. Several teachers have earned or are working toward graduate degrees. In addition to full-time teachers and administrative personnel, St. John support staff includes band and piano instructors, classroom aides, and school lunch personnel.

Administration

Pastor

Eric Voigt

Pastor Eric Voigt
Principal

Jennifer Hall

Jennifer Hall - Principal
Administrative

Michelle Gueldner

Michelle Gueldner - Admin Assistant
Cook

Dave Langhoff

Dave Langhoff - Cook

Early Childhood Education | Pre-K

Preschool

Gloria Tatkenhorst

Gloria Tatkenhorst - Preschool Aide
Preschool

Cali Hudson

Cali Hudson - Preschool Aide

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Kindergarten

Chrissy Sierra

Chrissy Sierra - Kindergarten Aide
1st Grade

Amy Lind

Amy Lind - Grade 1
2nd Grade

Liz Cerney

Liz Cerney - Grade 2
3rd Grade

Deana Ford

Deana Ford - Grade 3
Grade 4

Sheila Swan

Sheila Swan - Grade 4

Specialties

Science/Social Studies

Dave Inselmann

Dave Inselmann - Science/Social Studies
Math

Beth Goldenstein

Beth Goldenstein - Math
English Language Arts/Art

Kelli LaVoie

Kelli LaVoie - English Language Arts/Art