Three Zion Lutheran students smiling with arms around each other in their classroom
Christ-Centered Preschool & Elementary · Bay City, MI

A Safe, Academic Start for Your Child’s Future

Helping preschool and kindergarten students in Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland grow academically, socially, and spiritually—through strong academics, loving teachers, and Christ-centered education.

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Small Class Sizes Christ-Centered Education Safe & Nurturing Strong Kindergarten Readiness Serving Bay City Families
Christ-Centered Preschool & Elementary · Bay City, MI

A Safe, Academic Start for Your Child’s Future

Helping preschool and kindergarten students in Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland grow academically, socially, and spiritually—through strong academics, loving teachers, and Christ-centered education.

Schedule a Tour Request Information
Small Class Sizes Christ-Centered Safe & Nurturing Kindergarten Readiness
A Zion Lutheran teacher and her students smiling together on a field trip to the Michigan Capitol
1:12 Low student-to-teacher ratios so every child is known
Parents are looking for something better

You want more for your child than the status quo.

Many families across the Great Lakes Bay Region are feeling the same concerns—and quietly looking for a school that does things differently.

  • Large classroom sizes
  • Lack of individual attention
  • Declining academic standards
  • Behavioral issues in schools
  • Limited phonics and reading instruction
  • Schools that no longer reflect their family values
Your child deserves

Strong minds, strong character, strong faith.

At Zion Lutheran School, we believe early education should build all three—together, every day.

  • A safe environment
  • Teachers who truly know them
  • A strong academic foundation
  • Positive character development
  • A genuine love for learning
  • Biblical truth woven into everyday learning
Why early education matters

The early years shape everything.

Our preschool and kindergarten programs are intentionally designed to help children thrive during these critical years—laying the foundation for reading success, confidence, and long-term academic growth.

Reading & Phonics

Systematic, phonics-based instruction that builds confident, capable readers from the very start.

Hands-On Learning

Discovery, play, and real materials that turn curiosity into deep, lasting understanding.

Character & Faith

Compassion, respect, and biblical truth woven gently through every part of the day.

Social & Emotional Growth

A warm community where children learn to share, listen, lead, and care for one another.

The first years of education lay the foundation for…

Reading success Confidence Emotional development Social skills Attention & focus Long-term academic growth
What makes Zion different

More than daycare. Real education with purpose.

A Zion Lutheran class proudly holding their music awards in the church sanctuary
1

Strong Academic Foundations

Children build real skills that prepare them to thrive—not just to be cared for.

Phonics-based readingEarly mathWriting & languageProblem solvingCreativity
2

Small Class Sizes

Your child is known personally, encouraged daily, and supported individually—never lost in the crowd.

3

Christ-Centered Learning

Biblical values are integrated into everyday learning, naturally and joyfully.

PrayerChapelBible lessonsCharacterCompassion & respect
4

Safe & Nurturing Environment

A loving place where children feel safe, seen, and supported—and parents have peace of mind.

5

Partnership with Parents

We believe parents are essential partners in a child’s education and growth—and we work alongside you.

Serving the Great Lakes Bay Region

Families across mid-Michigan are choosing Christian education.

Parents want a school that reinforces the values taught at home while providing strong academics and a caring environment. Zion Lutheran School proudly welcomes families from across the region.

  • Bay City
  • Essexville
  • Saginaw
  • Midland
  • Auburn
  • Freeland
  • Pinconning
  • Hampton Township
  • Bangor Township
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A Zion Lutheran teacher guiding a young student through a hands-on museum exhibit Preschool
Preschool Program

Preschool that builds confidence and curiosity.

Through structured learning, play-based activities, music, art, and hands-on discovery, children develop a love for learning while preparing for kindergarten success.

  • Early literacy skills
  • Listening & communication
  • Social interaction
  • Independence
  • Fine motor skills
  • Confidence in the classroom
Learn More About Preschool
Kindergarten and elementary students laughing together during a fun classroom activity Kindergarten
Kindergarten Program

Kindergarten that prepares children for lifelong success.

Children receive individualized attention in a structured, encouraging environment that helps them thrive academically and emotionally.

  • Reading & phonics
  • Writing
  • Math readiness
  • Critical thinking
  • Character development
  • Biblical understanding
Explore Kindergarten
What parents are saying

Families who found exactly what they were looking for.

“

We wanted a school where our child would be safe, challenged academically, and surrounded by positive values. Zion has exceeded our expectations.

RM
The M. FamilyPreschool & Kindergarten parents
“

The small classes and caring teachers made such a difference for our child’s confidence and learning.

JK
The K. FamilyBay City
“

Our daughter loves going to school every morning. The academic growth we’ve seen has been incredible.

ST
The T. FamilySaginaw
A Zion Lutheran teacher kneeling beside a student during a chapel object lesson
Your child is more than a number here

Known, encouraged, and cared for.

At Zion Lutheran School, children are known, encouraged, and cared for as unique individuals—created by God with purpose and potential.

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Good questions

Frequently asked questions

Still wondering about something? We’d love to talk—schedule a tour or reach out anytime.

What ages do you accept?
We welcome children ages 1 through 12. Our childcare center serves ages 1–12 with before- and after-school options. Our 3-year-old preschool program begins at age 3, our 4-year-old preschool at age 4, and we offer full elementary through 8th grade education.
Is Zion open to families from all church backgrounds?
Absolutely. While Zion Lutheran School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and our faith is central to everything we do, we warmly welcome families from all church backgrounds—or none at all. Many of our families come to us simply because they want a safe, academically strong, and values-based education for their children.
What grades do you offer?
We offer a full range of programming from our 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. Our elementary and middle school grades use multi-grade classroom settings where older students mentor younger peers—building both academic skills and character.
What curriculum do you use?
Our curriculum aligns with Michigan state requirements and LCMS District guidelines. Core subject areas include Faith Studies, Reading & Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Technology, and Foreign Language. We also use the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment twice yearly to track each student’s individual growth.
How do you help children prepare for kindergarten?
Our preschool program is intentionally designed as a bridge to kindergarten success. Children develop early literacy skills, listening and communication, social interaction, independence, fine motor skills, and confidence in the classroom—all through a balanced mix of structured learning, play-based activities, music, and art.
Are your class sizes small?
Yes. We keep class sizes intentionally small so every child receives personal attention. Our 3-year-old preschool has a maximum of 10 children, and our 4-year-old preschool caps at 12. Small class sizes mean your child is known by name, encouraged daily, and never lost in the crowd.
Do you offer school tours?
Yes—we encourage every prospective family to come see the school in person. Tours are a great way to meet our teachers, see our classrooms, and get a feel for the Zion community. Contact our admissions team at admissions@zionbaycity.org or call (989) 893-5793 to schedule your visit.
What makes Christian education different?
At Zion, faith isn’t just a class—it’s woven into every subject, every conversation, and every relationship. Students learn that they are uniquely created by God with purpose and potential. Our teachers and staff model Christian faith in everything they do, and biblical truth shapes how we approach academics, character, and community. Our mission is simple: “Building Faith One Child at a Time.”
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Families who join the Zion community through volunteering and financial contributions become eligible for scholarships that can reduce tuition costs. Scholarship applications are available and processed through FACTS. Tuition for K–8 starts at $3,000 annually for one student, with reduced per-child rates for families with multiple siblings. Monthly payment plans are available. Contact us to learn more about your options.
Do you offer childcare and before/after school care?
Yes. Our childcare center welcomes children ages 1–12 and offers before- and after-school care for enrolled students. We also offer social groups, children’s choirs, athletics, and a Robotics Club. To learn more or enroll, contact us at childcare@zionbaycity.org.
Enrolling now

Give your child a strong start.

Now enrolling preschool and kindergarten students for the upcoming school year.

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Come see why families throughout Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland are choosing Zion Lutheran School.