5th thru 8th Grade at St. John Lutheran School

At St. John students grades 5-8 begin a departmentalized schedule. This means students will have a different teacher for each of the core subject areas. Students rotate to different classes throughout the day.

faith spelt with abc blocks

Our middle school program is focused on the development of the whole child through a faith-based curriculum. Our classes are taught by caring, loving staff that offer decades of experience in Christian education. We believe all students can and will learn when given the best tools and practices a school has to offer. Students are encouraged to use fully the individual gifts and talents with which God has blessed them. They are also strongly encouraged to take on the responsibility for their education and to seek out assistance when each one feels it is needed.

Academically, St. John offers a rigorous curriculum with high expectations while it offers the academic and personal support students need to meet those expectations. Our middle school program offers students daily instruction in each of our core subject areas: Religion, reading, language arts, math, science, and history. Instruction is provided from a Biblical perspective, drawing meaning for each area of study from the context of God’s Word.

The Christian Educator

The Christian Educator:

  • sees the whole person as God’s foremost creation, given a rational mind and impressionable personality.
  • views the alienated human as one who is sinful and mortal, in need of repentance and the Gospel.
  • focuses upon the redeemed child through God’s love and forgiveness.
  • envisions the person as a responsible being, who has an obligation toward our Lord, fellow creatures, and himself.
  • believes that all children and families are capable of growth.

Education must cultivate in each student a life-long intellectual pursuit of curiosity. We strive to perfect the learning tools and techniques with the individual so that he/she can design a personal habit of self-education to continue throughout life as an ongoing activity.

Christian educators guide, comfort, and show possibilities, and they do so using best practices of teaching and learning.

Objectives at St. John Lutheran

We hope to achieve the following objectives through our Christian education:

  • Teach the Word of God so students can more completely understand and apply its teaching to their own lives.
  • Lead students to a stronger faith in Christ and to guide them so they will walk more closely with Jesus.
  • Teach students thoroughly the fundamentals of Christianity through daily instruction in Biblical truth and in training for Christian living.
  • Encourage personal experience in prayer life, devotions, and worship.
  • Assist and encourage students to serve as witnesses in order to win more souls for Jesus.
  • Prepare students for communicant membership in the church and to assume Christian leadership in home, church, and community.
  • Develop an attitude of love and respect for one’s fellow man that will result in Christian action and service.
  • Teach students to recognize and accept in a Christian manner their responsibilities, duties, and privileges in an organized society.
  • Foster growth of a Christian personality by providing for the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical welfare of students through an integrated program of Christian education.
  • Assist parents in training their children for Christ-centered living by providing instruction and fellowship in a Christian environment.
  • Acquire an adequate knowledge of the environment in which they live.
  • To be prepared for the next steps in their educational journey.
  • Help students grow in practical skills required in everyday living.
  • Develop an appreciation of the arts.

Curriculum & Instruction at St. John

 

Learning is a process that takes place over time and requires active participation by all those associated with that process – teacher (providing feedback), student (opportunities to practice and present knowledge/skills), and parent (supporting the process). Our grading and assessment practices should create a scenario in which all parties are able to engage in pointed and meaningful conversations about that learning process. As learning is reflected, instruction adapts to support continued growth.

We believe that grades should accurately represent learning and that a growth mindset is necessary for learning. As a result of this, only assignments and assessments used to gather evidence of learning will be graded. Additionally, students will be allowed to make mistakes because that enables them to determine how and where improvement can take place.

  • The teacher will provide appropriate instruction based on the objectives.
  • The teacher will provide multiple practice opportunities prior to an assessment.
  • Teachers will provide feedback to students based on practice in the classroom.
  • Assessments will be based on objectives.
  • Relearning and retesting will be provided for students, multiple times if needed, as long as students are making efforts to learn the material or complete assigned work.

  • Successfully complete the practice work (assignments, quizzes) before the assessment.
  • Focus on what opportunities there are to improve (growth mindset) and monitor grades and feedback from the teacher.
  • Make adjustments based on teacher feedback: review previous material, revise assignments, resubmit if required.
  • Ask for clarification if there are questions on practice work.
  • The first attempt at assessment is important. Failure to prepare adequately is a violation of the learning agreement between teacher and student, and you may be denied the opportunity for a reassessment.

  • Support the process.
  • Provide opportunities for the student to talk about learning.
  • Allow the student to demonstrate learning on his/her own.
  • Communicate with the teacher.

GROWTH MINDSET

Mindset #1
We believe that intelligence and abilities are changeable, therefore the teachers will have relearning and interventions in place for when students have not yet developed a skill or understanding.
Mindset #2
Learning is an ongoing process so there will be more than one opportunity to demonstrate learning.
Mindset #3
We believe the act of learning is more important than when it was learned, therefore teachers will offer flexibility in allowing students time to demonstrate learning.
Mindset #4
We value mistakes as part of the learning process, our goal is that students use those as an opportunity to further learning and growth.

Kindergarten-Grade 8 Yearly Tuition for 2025-2026

Student 1

$6,300
  • $6,300
  • Family Total (with discount)

Student 2

$5,670
  • $11,970
  • Family Total (with discount)

Student 3

$5,130
  • $16,500
  • Family Total (with discount)

Student 4

$000
  • $16,500
  • Family Total (with discount)

Student 5

$000
  • $16,500
  • Family Total (with discount)

Enrollment Fee – $175

Preschool Yearly Tuition for 2025-2026

5 days

$4590

3 days

$2646

2 days

$1944

Enrollment Fee – $150

Crusader Care (Before and After School Care) 2025-2026

Before School (7:00-8:00) – $5
After School (2:40-5:30) – $15

Admission and Enrollment Information

We have adopted an admissions policy that opens the school to families who are like-minded spiritually, who are supportive of our philosophy, objectives, and standards of education, and whose children meet our enrollment standards. Our purpose is to serve families who desire not simply a private education, but a distinctively Christian education for their children.

Before applying for admission to our school, please read our Statement of Faith and our Student and Parent Handbook linked below. The Student and Parent Handbook will introduce you to many of the school’s policies, procedures, and expectations for both parents and students.

Teaching His Word

This school believes, teaches, and practices the lordship of Jesus Christ and acknowledges the authority of God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, without reservation. Our faculty integrate biblical teachings and answer questions from a biblical viewpoint consistent with our mission and statement of faith.

Biblical principles are integrated into every subject taught at our school. Our staff is committed not only to academic excellence, but also to teach students how to apply the truths of God’s Word to every aspect of life. If you agree with the teachings of God’s Word, this school will complement the beliefs and ideals your child is taught at home. We look forward to partnering with you to educate your child in God’s truth.

5th – 8th Grade Staff

Science/Social Studies

Dave Inselmann

David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.

David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.

Dave Inselmann - Science/Social Studies
Math

Beth Goldenstein

Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.

Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.

Beth Goldenstein - Math
English Language Arts/Art

Kelli LaVoie

Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.

Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.

Kelli LaVoie - English Language Arts/Art

5th – 8th Grade Staff

Science/Social Studies

Dave Inselmann

David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.

David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.

Dave Inselmann - Science/Social Studies
Math

Beth Goldenstein

Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.

Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.

Beth Goldenstein - Math
English Language Arts/Art

Kelli LaVoie

Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.

Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.

Kelli LaVoie - English Language Arts/Art

5th – 8th Grade Staff

Science/Social Studies

Dave Inselmann

David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.

David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.

Dave Inselmann - Science/Social Studies
Math

Beth Goldenstein

Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.

Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.

Beth Goldenstein - Math
English Language Arts/Art

Kelli LaVoie

Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.

Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.

Kelli LaVoie - English Language Arts/Art