School

WELCOME

Welcome to St. Paul Lutheran School, where we have provided McAllen area families with an exemplary Christian education for 80 years. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make, and we are honored that you are considering us! We invite you to browse our website and encourage you to schedule a visit so you can experience the family atmosphere for which St. Paul Lutheran School is known. St. Paul Lutheran School and Early Learning Center serve families with children from 6 weeks old to 8th grade.

What you will observe when you visit is an amazing group of educators who are dedicated to helping your child grow in literacy, math, science, technology, and the arts. You will see how social and emotional development is learned through opportunities for students to explore, play, and work together, You will witness how we love teaching each child about their amazing Savior and how as Christian leaders they can impact the world, both now and in the future.

St. Paul is about relationships. When you join us, you are warmly embraced as part of a big family. I look forward to meeting you when you come to visit and am praying God will direct your steps through the process.

Your Brother in Christ,

Mr. Marco Lopez

Principal

MLopez@stpaulmcallen.org

ADMISSIONS & APPLICATION

Click to Schedule a Tour

Admissions Process

Tour & Program Overview: We encourage families to visit St. Paul for a personalized tour. You may click the link above or call (956)682-2345 if you have any questions and/or to schedule a visit.
Student Shadow Day & In-House Assessment: Families may choose to have their student shadow for a half or full day. An in-house assessment is required for students looking to enter 1st - 8th grades. We offer the required in-house assessment on the day of shadowing or during a planned 60-min appointment. The results of the in-house assessment are considered during the application review.
Application Processing: Once parents have submitted the online application and any requested documents have been received, our principal will review the application. We will let you know when the application has been approved or if additional information is needed.
Admissions Acceptance Status: Once the application is accepted, parents pay the enrollment fees in order to secure their opportunity to enroll. Enrollment opens in February each year for the next school year.

ENROLLMENT FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE UNLESS ADMISSION IS DENIED BY ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL.

Tuition & Fees

ACADEMICS

St. Paul Lutheran School emphasizes nurturing the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Our teachers see their students and their student’s families as God’s children who are worthy of love and respect. We are dedicated to helping grow the gifts God gives each person as faith is woven throughout the curriculum. SPLS offers a traditional education that will equip your child to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

St. Paul students do not take the STAAR test. Instead, we administer Iowa Assessments once a year starting in 1st grade to track student progress, but it is not used for pass-fail purposes. Our students routinely test in the top 30% of the country and one to two levels above their current grade.

St. Paul can provide limited resource support for a few students in each class who need a 504 or IEP. We encourage you to inquire about what type of support your family needs and if St. Paul Lutheran School can assist your student.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

FACULTY AND STAFF

Marco Lopez was born in Brownsville, Texas, and was a member of El Calvario Lutheran Church, and is now a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UT Brownsville. His education continued at Lamar University where he earned a Master of Education in Administrative Leadership.

Marco served at St. Paul as a Youth Leader during the year 2023-2024. After twenty-seven years in public education, Marco joined St. Paul School and is dedicated to serving as the interim Principal at St. Paul where students get to KNOW God, GROW in Him, and SHOW His love.

He enjoys Friday Movie Nights with his three school aged children and his wife. He relaxes by playing board games and playing Sudoku.

Marco Lopez,

Interim Principal

Marco Lopez, Interim Principal

Reyna Willingham, Administrative Assistant

Accepting Student Applications for 2025-2026 School Year

6th, 7th & 8th Grade

Carolyn Sanchez, 5th Grade

Sherri St. Clair, 4th Grade

Laura Copeland, 3rd Grade

Joy Campoverde, 2nd Grade

Velma Ochoa, 1st Grade