Salem Lutheran Church and School sits along Pioneer Trail in Greenfield, Minnesota, a quiet community west of Minneapolis where the campus has anchored family life for more than 160 years. The church and school grew up together: the congregation began in 1865, the campus expanded to include both church and school facilities in 1881, and today Salem operates as a PreK through 8th grade day school that is also a ministry of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries, a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Families come to Salem from Greenfield and from Rockford, Hanover, Corcoran, Maple Plain, and Buffalo, drawn by small classes, two-grade classrooms, and a faith-centered culture that holds academics and character as one integrated calling.
Where Every Child Is Known
Salem markets itself with a single phrase that captures the whole program: Where Every Child Is Known, Challenged, and Supported. In practical terms, that means classes of fifteen to twenty students who stay with the same teacher for two years, a ten-to-one student-teacher ratio across the building, and a faculty that knows every student by name, by personality, and by need. The school describes its purpose plainly, offering a Christ-centered PreK through 8th grade education that prepares students for life academically, spiritually, and socially. Children do not just learn here; they grow in confidence, character, and faith.
The Salem CARES Framework
Five commitments shape daily life at Salem, gathered under the acronym CARES.
- Christ-Centered Foundation. Faith is not a separate subject but is woven into every part of the day. Students learn who they are in Christ and how to treat others with grace and truth.
- Academics That Prepare Students. Strong fundamentals, high expectations, and individual support build confidence through competence and prepare students for high school and beyond.
- Relationships Where Every Child Is Known. Small classes and consistent teachers mean no student gets lost. Faculty know each child's strengths, needs, and personality.
- Every Student Belongs. From athletics to music to service projects, every student has the opportunity to participate, grow, and discover their God-given gifts.
- Strong Partnerships with Parents. Communication is direct and frequent, and parents are treated as partners rather than spectators in their child's education.
These are not aspirations. The school describes them as commitments lived out every day, visible in classrooms, chapel services, and hallways.
Two-Grade Classrooms and the Rhythm of the Day
The structural choice that sets Salem apart from most area schools is the two-grade classroom. Students in grades 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8 learn together with a single teacher for two years. The school points to research that supports the model and lists clear benefits.
- Students work at their actual skill level rather than an artificial grade label. Advanced learners are stretched and students needing help receive it without stigma.
- Older students become leaders, mentoring younger peers and reinforcing their own learning.
- Younger students rise faster through daily exposure to older peers and advanced expectations.
- Teachers know students deeply over a two-year relationship, allowing truly personalized instruction.
- Confidence grows naturally as returning students gain experience as members of their classroom community.
The school day runs from 7:45 AM to 2:15 PM. Office hours stretch from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Extended care through the SailorCare program fills the gap from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM for families who need it, and SailorCare is billed at $6.00 per hour in 15-minute increments.
Early Childhood: Preschool and Kindergarten
Salem welcomes its youngest learners as early as 33 months. Preschool offers three-day or five-day programs in half-day or full-day options. Half-day dismisses at approximately 11:00 AM, while full-day follows the regular school schedule. Children must be 33 months old by the month of enrollment and be toilet trained. Preschool is play-based with clear learning goals in pre-literacy, early math, social-emotional growth, and faith, and the school is clear about the distinction between preschool and daycare: this is an educational program with a dedicated teacher, a daily schedule built around learning goals, and regular communication about progress.
Kindergarten is a full-day program where children must turn five by September 1 and complete a physical exam before enrollment. A typical kindergarten day begins at 7:45 AM with arrival and morning work, moves through devotion, opening, and Bible study in the morning, language arts mid-morning, and specials such as music, physical education, art, or technology in late morning. After lunch and recess, the afternoon covers math, science or social studies, and read-aloud time, with dismissal at 2:15 PM. The day also includes chapel worship, Bible memory work, and hymn study.
The kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kantor, brings fourteen years of kindergarten teaching experience from the Robbinsdale School District, an Early Childhood Teaching License from Concordia University Saint Paul, and Minnesota state licensure. Her classroom continues the Salem pattern: small enough to know every child, structured around faith, and aimed at building habits that carry into first grade and beyond.
Preschool is taught by Mrs. Charlson, who has served in Salem's preschool classroom since 2013. A former public school social studies teacher, she returned for early childhood classes and ministry certification at Martin Luther College before bringing her blend of structure and warmth to the youngest Sailors.
Elementary and Middle School
Grades one through eight follow the two-grade classroom model. Mrs. Pittman teaches the 1st and 2nd grade classroom, Mrs. Brandel the 3rd and 4th, Mrs. Kromschroeder the 5th and 6th, and Mr. Krueger the 7th and 8th. Mrs. Ziche serves as Vice Principal and is also listed among the faculty.
The curriculum covers Word of God (daily devotions, religion class, chapel, memory work, and catechism instruction in grades 7-8), language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and specials in art, music, and physical education. Technology is integrated across subjects. All courses meet or exceed state and national standards and are taught through a Christ-centered lens that the school calls all truth is God's truth.
Students take the FastBridge Assessment up to three times per year in math and reading. Results help teachers track growth, adjust instruction, and plan curriculum. Beyond formal testing, teachers communicate with parents regularly and reach out early when something is off, rather than waiting for a scheduled conference.
For students who need extra support, the small class size makes early intervention possible. Teachers differentiate instruction within the classroom, provide additional help during the school day, and communicate closely with parents. Extended Learning is taught by Mrs. Stotts, whose career in education spans back to 2001 across public and private schools in Minnesota.
Preparing for High School and Beyond
Salem's stated goal is not just to graduate them but to prepare them. By 7th and 8th grade, students are handling sixty to eighty minutes of homework per night, thinking critically across subjects, and communicating with confidence. The two-grade classroom teaches them to manage their own work, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their learning - habits that high school demands.
Catechism instruction in grades 7-8 deepens the faith foundation right before students need it most. The school maintains strong relationships with area high schools, both public and private, and many graduates continue their education at West Lutheran High School in Plymouth, a college-preparatory WELS high school. The school is quick to add that Salem graduates attend a variety of public, private, and parochial high schools and perform well wherever they go.
Faith at the Center
Salem Lutheran School is a ministry of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries, a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The school's beliefs are rooted in Scripture and confessed in the historic Lutheran faith.
The school teaches that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God, without error and the foundation for everything taught. It confesses the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the doctrine that all people are born sinful and in need of a Savior. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, a gift not earned by works. Every child is created in the image of God with inherent worth and dignity, and a child's identity is defined by God's love rather than grades, popularity, or mistakes. Education is treated as a gift from God, with academic excellence and spiritual formation integrated rather than separated. All truth is God's truth.
Students of all denominations are welcome, with the understanding that God's Word will be taught in its truth and purity across all subjects and that biblical teaching will be central to the curriculum. School objectives include daily engagement with God's Word, recognition of the need for a Savior, assurance of God's love, application of biblical principles, development of God-given gifts, and participation in daily worship.
Athletics, Fine Arts, and Service
Salem's extracurricular philosophy is simple: no one is cut from teams or programs. Every student is encouraged to participate, and the school coaches students into confidence through real engagement rather than watching from the sidelines.
Athletics include soccer in the fall, volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter for boys and girls, bowling, and disc golf, along with additional offerings that vary by season and student interest. The athletic director is Mr. Krueger, who also teaches the 7th and 8th grade classroom.
Fine arts include band, taught by Mrs. Wolff-Hendershot, who brings thirty years of K-12 music teaching experience and a degree in Music Education with a major in bassoon. Mrs. Farstad teaches piano, and Mrs. Leerssen directs handbells. Drama and public speaking round out the arts program.
Service is woven into the culture rather than treated as a one-time event. Students participate in regular mission offerings that support ministries locally and around the world. The school partners with the Hanover Foodshelf, where students learn firsthand what it means to care for their neighbors. Throughout the year, community projects connect students with the Greenfield area and beyond.
Parents as Partners
Salem treats parents as partners, not spectators. Communication is direct and frequent through email and newsletters, the FACTS Family Portal for real-time access to grades, attendance, and announcements, and direct contact with teachers by email or phone. Parent-teacher conferences are held regularly, and parents can request a meeting anytime.
The Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is open to all families and supports the school through events, fundraising, and community building. PTC provides food for school parties, sponsors health programs, funds athletic equipment, subsidizes field trips, and more. Volunteer opportunities include classroom helpers, field trip chaperones, event volunteers, athletic event support, and hot lunch helpers, with background checks required for anyone serving on campus. Fellowship events throughout the school year give families a chance to connect and build community.
SailorCare and Daily Life
SailorCare is the school's before- and after-school care program, available for students in grades K through 8. The program runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with activities that include homework time, games, crafts, and outdoor play. It is billed at $6.00 per hour in 15-minute increments and is staffed by aides like Mrs. Ritari and supervised by an after-school care director who maintains a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered environment.
Tuition, Aid, and Enrollment
Salem offers three tuition tiers so families from a range of backgrounds can access the program. For 2026 to 2027, K-8 tuition starts at $5,400 per year for Anchored in Christ member families and $8,010 for non-member families, with multiple rate tiers in between. Preschool tuition starts at $3,150 per year for half-day programs and goes up from there depending on schedule. Multi-child discounts reduce tuition for a second child and again for a third. WELS, ELS, and Anchored in Christ member families qualify for the lowest tiers, though church membership is not required for admission.
Need-based financial aid is available through the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment. The school is clear that cost should not be a barrier to Christian education and encourages families to speak directly with the principal or Education Committee if the approved amount is not enough. Flexible payment options include annual, semi-annual, or monthly installments through FACTS.
Minnesota offers tax benefits that apply to Salem families. A refundable K-12 education credit covers 75 percent of qualifying education expenses up to $1,500 per child for families below certain income thresholds, and a K-12 education subtraction allows up to $1,625 per child in grades K-6 and $2,500 per child in grades 7-12 to reduce taxable income. Private school tuition qualifies for the subtraction. The school recommends consulting a tax advisor for specifics.
Enrollment opens February 1 for the following school year. The admissions process is straightforward: schedule a tour, submit an application through FACTS, meet with administration as a family, complete any necessary assessments or health requirements, and finish registration. A $300 per-family enrollment fee secures the spot and becomes non-refundable after June 1. Re-enrollments completed after March 31 increase to $350. Mid-year enrollment is welcome, and families transferring from public schools are supported through a transition tailored to their child's needs.
Salem does not require an entrance exam. Church membership is not required for admission. Preschool requires Early Childhood Screening, and kindergarten requires a physical exam and medical certification before starting. Financial aid applications are processed through FACTS and reviewed alongside the school application.
The People of Salem
Salem's leadership is anchored by two pastors. Pastor Paul Schuler serves as Lead Pastor of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries and currently as Interim Principal of Salem Lutheran School. Born and raised in Vienna, Virginia, he attended Northwestern Preparatory School, Northwestern College, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity. He has served congregations in Great Falls, Montana, and Appleton, Wisconsin, and has been in Greenfield and Rockford since November 2015. His wife Tracy is the school's administrative assistant, and they have four grown children who live around the country. Pastor Schuler has seen his own children grow through Salem and continue on at West Lutheran High School.
Pastor Nowak joined Salem in 2025 as School Pastor after more than a decade in ministry. A Michigan native, he is described as someone who enjoys talking with people and encouraging them through Scripture.
The office is staffed by Mrs. Quist, who serves as the Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries Administrative Assistant, and Mrs. Schuler, who has served in the front office since the 2018 to 2019 school year after two years as a teacher's aide. Mrs. DeRosier has been part of the Salem family since 2010 as Finance Manager, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a CPA license, with all four of her own children having attended Salem.
The teaching faculty includes Mrs. Ziche as Vice Principal, Mrs. Kantor in kindergarten, Mrs. Pittman with the 1st and 2nd grade homeroom (a Salem alumna who attended kindergarten through 8th grade at the school and has been teaching since 2004), Mrs. Brandel with the 3rd and 4th grade homeroom (teaching since 2003 and at Salem since 2010, with a Master's in Education from the University of Minnesota), Mrs. Kromschroeder with the 5th and 6th grade homeroom, who also teaches 7th and 8th grade reading, music, and technology, and Mr. Krueger with the 7th and 8th grade homeroom, a first-generation teacher from De Pere, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College and a Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration in progress.
The Campus and Its History
The Salem campus sits at 9615 Pioneer Trail in Greenfield, with phone (763) 498-7283 and email school@salemwels.org. Office hours run 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with the school day itself from 7:45 AM to 2:15 PM. Visitors are managed carefully, and the school consistently describes its environment as safe, structured, and rooted in respect.
The history stretches back to 1865, when Salem Lutheran Church began serving the community. The campus expanded to include both church and school facilities in 1881. A new building for the education ministries, including an assembly room, kitchen, and classrooms, was constructed in 1959. A major addition in 1981 brought a gymnasium, kitchen, storage, and additional classrooms. The school and church office was added in 2006, and a library and conference room were completed in 2011. Throughout, Salem has remained strongly committed to faith-based day school education and Sunday school programs, providing students with a foundation for success and knowledge of their Savior.
Today, Salem is part of Anchored in Christ Lutheran Ministries, continuing a legacy of faith-based education for families throughout the west metro and beyond. The school is affiliated with both the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and is a member of the broader network of WELS and ELS schools.
Tour the Campus
Tours are available Monday through Friday during school hours (7:45 AM to 2:15 PM), with mid-morning tours recommended to see classrooms in full swing. Visits typically run thirty to sixty minutes. Families are encouraged to bring their child along, and prospective students in grades K through 8 may arrange a shadow experience. For families who cannot visit during school hours, the school works to find an alternative time or starts with a virtual tour. To schedule a visit, call (763) 498-7283 or use the tour request form. Office hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and the school is ready to walk families through every step of admissions, financial aid, and the rhythm of a Salem education.