Family FAQs
Find answers to your questions.
General Questions
Everything we do at St. Matthew's centers on the message of what Jesus Christ has done for us.
We are a member of a worldwide Christian denomination called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (www.wels.net). WELS operates the fourth largest private school system in the country.
No, you do not need to be a member.
However, your child will learn about what our church believes about the Bible.
You might find it beneficial to take our Bible Information Class to learn more about what we believe and the principles upon which our school is built. Going through this class does not obligate you to become a member.
While individual class sizes vary, St. Matthew’s strives to maintain manageable staff-to-student ratios.
By keeping class sizes at levels that fosters engagement and connection, we ensure each student receives the attention they need to thrive.
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association, are given at St. Matthew’s in grades 3-8. These tests measure achievement and progress in the areas of Math, Reading, Language, and Science. We track progress throughout the school year, so that each student is being monitored for growth.
St. Matthew's students regularly score far above grade-level average.
Parents are encouraged to come and visit their child’s classroom. Simply reach out to your child's teacher to schedule a classroom visit.
Curriculum Questions
Classwork is assigned every day. The amount will change day to day and vary by grade level.
A time-honored rule of thumb is the "Rule of 10." Students can expect 10 minutes of classwork for every grade level. For example, 1st grade = 10 minutes, 4th grade = 40 minutes, 7th grade = 70 minutes.
When the classwork isn't finished at school, it is expected to be completed at home. Some students rarely have homework, some students regularly have homework.
If a student is regularly spending more time than the "Rule of 10" suggests, the parents and teachers will partner together to make adjustments or accommodations to meet the student's needs.
St. Matthew's offers a 1:1 technology environment. Chromebooks are used in grades 3-8 and Chrome tablets are used in grades K-2.
In our world of ever-advancing technology, we try to balance students use of technology with traditional learning tools. The devices are specifically used as educational tools meant to enhance the learning experience, not replace the teacher and social environment.
Student Life Questions
No, St. Matthew's does not require school uniforms, but does have a dress code policy in place as outlined in the School Handbook.
St. Matthew's offers hot lunch daily. You can learn more about purchasing options for hot lunch in our school handbook.
St. Matthew's offers a variety of sports and extracurriculars for kids in grades 4-8 to participate in. Students are also taught both life and sports skills as part of our regular curriculum.
Students currently have the opportunity to participate in: Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track, and Dance.
In addition to sports, St. Matthew's offers fine arts opportunities, including band, choir, handchimes, and school musicals. A variety of clubs are also offered, including Robotics, Art, Dance, Chess, Wrestling, Kitchen, Environmental, and International Dance.
Application & Tuition Questions
Learn more about our application process.
Families can choose between a full payment option, paid at the beginning of the school year, or through regular ACH payments withdrawn from your bank account.
More information on our tuition rates and discounts is available on our Tuition & Fees page.
Tuition assistance is also available for eligible families through grants, scholarships, and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. Learn more about financial assistance at St. Matthew's.
Yes. St. Matthew's participates in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program.
More Questions
Yes! Click here to begin the Admissions process and learn more about St. Matthew's Lutheran School.