Programs

Programs

Programs at Martin Luther School

A Christian school in Joplin, MO — preschool through 8th grade

Martin Luther School is a Christian school Joplin MO families choose — every program kindles character, sparks joy, and ignites curiosity through the light of Christ. is built around our mission to develop the whole child: academically, spiritually, and personally.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Our Academic Approach

Academics at Martin Luther School are rigorous, intentional, and faith-integrated. We use NWEA MAP Growth assessments three times per year to track each student’s progress and guide instruction. Our Power Hour program groups students by skill level across grades — ensuring every child is challenged and supported. Faith is woven into every subject, every day.

Programs by Grade Level

Early Childhood (Age 3–Pre-K)

Our Early Childhood program sparks joy in learning from the very beginning. Through play-based discovery, Bible stories, and daily chapel, our youngest students build a foundation of faith, curiosity, and social skills. Tornado-safe classrooms, heated floors, and Brightwheel family communication make MLS Joplin’s finest preschool choice.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten at MLS ignites curiosity through hands-on learning, phonics-based reading, and daily devotions. Students build strong foundations in reading, writing, and math while growing in faith through Scripture memory and Christ-centered classroom routines.

Elementary (Grades 1–4)

Our elementary classrooms kindle character and build strong academic skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Reading and Math Power Hours provide targeted, data-driven instruction. The 7 Mindsets social-emotional curriculum helps students grow as resilient learners and innovative thinkers.

Upper Grades (Grades 5–8)

In the upper grades, students are prepared to be compassionate leaders and Christ-centered servants. Departmentalized instruction, challenging coursework, Student Council, service learning, and academic competitions prepare students for high school with a strong foundation in academics, character, and faith.

  • Grades 5–6 — Critical thinking and deeper faith exploration
  • Grades 7–8 — Advanced academics and high school preparation

Enrichment & Signature Programs

  • Chapel & Devotions — Weekly all-school chapel and daily classroom devotions
  • Music & Performing Arts — Annual musicals, choir, handbell, and chapel singing
  • Service Learning & The Glow — Weekly service projects documented in our student publication
  • Scripture Memory — Weekly memory work at every grade level
  • 7 Mindsets Social-Emotional Learning — Building character, empathy, and resilience
  • Technology — Chromebooks, Google Classroom, and GoGuardian internet safety
  • Robotics & STEM Enrichment — Hands-on problem-solving and innovation
  • Summer Curiosity Camps — 10 themed weeks for ages 3–14 in Joplin

100 Scriptures in Their Hearts by Graduation

Each year, students in grades 3–8 memorize 25 passages of Scripture drawn directly from the three-year lectionary cycle — the same passages families hear at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday mornings. Every student from preschool through 8th grade learns the same 25 passages at their level — a phrase for the youngest, the full passage for older students. By graduation, students carry 100 Scriptures in their hearts. Learn more about our annual Bible Bee and how faith shapes our school.

See Our Programs in Action

Our five core values — Compassionate Leaders, Christ-Centered Servants, Innovative Thinkers, Resilient Learners, and God’s Unique Creations — guide every program and interaction at Martin Luther School in Joplin. Families of all backgrounds are welcome.

Learn more about our school’s mission and history, explore tuition and financial aid options, read about our NLSA accreditation, or meet our faculty and staff. Questions? Check our FAQ page or call the office at (417) 624-1403.

Martin Luther School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. Located at 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.