ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL
Martin Luther School is a mission ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Joplin, Missouri. We are a fully accredited Christian day school, serving families with children in preschool through 8th grade.
For this reason I remind you to FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, which is in you.
2 Timothy 1:6
Our Mission
Founded in 1953, Martin Luther School is a Christ-centered Lutheran school for early childhood through eighth grade that kindles character, sparks joy, and ignites learner curiosity in every child through the light of Christ.
Our Vision
Martin Luther School endeavors to nurture a community of life-long learners who thrive as unique children of God, fanning into flame a passion for Christ that will impact their school and community through their faith, knowledge, character, and resilience.
We invite you to get to know our school, our teachers and our families. Schedule a tour to learn more about Martin Luther School in Joplin.
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Our History
Martin Luther School was founded in 1953 as a ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church to serve families in the Joplin, Missouri area with Christ-centered education. Our first teacher, the beloved Miss Estella Fritz, established Joplin’s very first kindergarten program right here at Martin Luther School — a legacy of educational excellence that continues to this day. For over 70 years, generations of Joplin families have trusted Martin Luther School to educate their children in faith, academics, and character.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to kindle character, spark joy, and ignite curiosity in every child through the light of Christ. Our vision, drawn from 2 Timothy 1:6, is to fan into flame a passion for Christ that will shine through knowledge, character, and servant-leadership. These words guide every decision we make — from curriculum choices to campus improvements to the way we welcome families into our community.
Our Five Core Values
Adopted by our school board as part of our Strategic Plan 2025–2029, these five core values define who we are and who we are forming our students to become: Compassionate Leaders, Christ-Centered Servants, Innovative Thinkers, Resilient Learners, and God’s Unique Creations. Every program, every lesson, and every interaction at Martin Luther School is shaped by these values.
Our Community
Martin Luther School is a place where families from all backgrounds are welcome. While we are rooted in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod tradition, our school community includes families from many denominations and faith backgrounds. As our leadership often says, “We are not here to make little Lutherans — we are here to encourage little Christians.” What unites us is a shared commitment to raising children who know Jesus, love others, and are prepared to make a difference in the world.
Our school is led by Principal Mollie Ramstad, Pastor Christopher Ramstad, and DCE Jason Glaskey, who together form the Ministry Leadership Team for Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School. This team ensures that the school and church work hand in hand to serve students, families, and the broader Joplin community.
We invite you to learn more about what makes Martin Luther School special. Schedule a tour, attend an event, or contact our school office at (417) 624-1403. We would love to welcome your family.
Discover our 70+ year history, learn about our accreditation standards, or read what families say about the MLS experience.