Early Childhood Education
Christ-centered preschool in Joplin, MO — ages 3 through 5
Martin Luther School offers the preschool Joplin MO families trust most gives your child something no free preschool can — a Christ-centered start to life and learning in a community that will know and love your family for years to come. Our preschool welcomes children ages 3 through 5 into warm, safe classrooms where faith, academics, and social-emotional growth are woven into every part of the day.
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)
More Than a Preschool — A Family
When you choose Martin Luther School for your child’s first school experience, you are not just enrolling in a preschool — you are joining a family. Unlike programs where enrollment is limited by lottery or screening, Martin Luther School welcomes every child. Our Early Childhood program serves ages 3, 4, and 5 with full-day options that fit working families’ schedules. We offer after school care and summer Curiosity Camps to keep your child learning and growing year-round.
The Safest Classrooms in Joplin
Our youngest students learn in two recently constructed tornado safe rooms — purpose-built Early Childhood classrooms with heated floors and a backup generator. When severe weather strikes, your child is already in the safest place on campus. Parents tell us this peace of mind alone is worth the investment.
Small Classes, Big Attention
With class sizes averaging 12 to 15 students, every child at Martin Luther School is truly known. Our early childhood teachers build deep relationships with each student and family — communicating via the Brightwheel app with photos, updates, and daily messages from the classroom.
Faith-Filled Learning Every Day
At Martin Luther School, your child will hear Bible stories, sing songs about Jesus, pray together, and attend weekly chapel services with the whole school — from the youngest preschoolers to the oldest 8th graders. Our Friendzy social-emotional curriculum and 7 Mindsets program teach kindness, empathy, and resilience through a Christian lens. This is the foundation that shapes not just what your child knows, but who your child becomes.
A Developmentally Rich Curriculum
Our Early Childhood program uses a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that builds essential skills through hands-on activities, creative play, art, music, and structured learning. Children develop literacy readiness, math foundations, fine and gross motor skills, and the social confidence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
One School, Preschool Through 8th Grade
When your child starts in our Early Childhood program, they can stay with us all the way through Kindergarten, Elementary School, and 8th grade graduation. No switching schools, no starting over — just growing with teachers and friends who know your child best.
Scholarships Make It Possible
We believe every child deserves access to an excellent Christ-centered education. MLS offers LESA scholarships and the Missouri Scholars Program to make our Early Childhood program affordable. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page — many families are surprised at how accessible a Martin Luther School education can be.
Come See the Difference
The best way to understand what sets Martin Luther School apart is to walk through our doors. Schedule a tour of our campus, meet our early childhood teachers, and see our tornado-safe classrooms for yourself. You will feel the difference the moment you step inside.
Curious about cost? Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page or check our FAQ. Learn about our admissions process or explore our full grade-level programs: Kindergarten, Elementary, and Upper Grades (5–8). Read about our Faith & Values or visit About MLS.
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. Phone: (417) 624-1403.