Christ-Centered Childcare, 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.

Small Class Sizes
Christ-Centered Education
Safe & Nurturing
Strong Kindergarten Readiness
Serving Bay City Families
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.

Common concerns we hear

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.

1

Strong Academic Foundations

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

Phonics-based reading
Early math
Writing & language
Problem solving
Creativity
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.

Prayer
Chapel
Bible lessons
Character
Compassion & 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

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

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

Kindergarten
What parents are saying

Families who found exactly what they were looking for.

The entire school feels like a family. Every staff member knows every student by name—from the youngest to the oldest.

All of the kids look out for each other and sincerely care about each other. Students are challenged with so many specialty subjects—STEM, music, technology, art, and Spanish.

We’ve been with Zion since daycare at 18 months old and now are moving into 4th grade—and have loved every moment!

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.

Tuition & Fees

Simple, affordable pricing.

A Christ-centered education that fits your family—with sibling discounts, monthly payment plans, and financial aid available.

Day School (K–8)

Tuition

$330 / month

Registration

$250 one-time

Per student. The one-time registration fee covers books, technology & athletics; reduced rates for additional siblings.

Child Care

Infants & toddlers

$8.00 / hr

Ages 3–5

$7.00 / hr

Before-school care

$10 / day

After-school care

$15 / day

Both (same day)

$20 / day

Good questions

Frequently asked questions

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

We welcome children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade. Our childcare center serves children 6 weeks to 5 years old, our GSRP preschool program begins at age 4, and we offer full elementary through 8th grade education.

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.

We offer a full range of programming from our 4-year-old GSRP preschool through 8th grade. Our elementary and middle school grades use multi-grade classroom settings where older students mentor younger peers.

Our curriculum aligns with Michigan state requirements and LCMS District guidelines. Core areas include Faith Studies, Reading & Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, PE, Technology, STEM, and Foreign Language. We use the NWEA MAP assessment three times a year.

Our preschool program is intentionally designed as a bridge to kindergarten success—early literacy, listening and communication, social interaction, independence, fine motor skills, and classroom confidence.

Yes. We keep class sizes intentionally small so every child receives personal attention. Our 4-year-old GSRP preschool caps at 16 children.

Yes—we encourage every prospective family to come see the school in person. Contact our admissions team at schoolsecretary@zionbaycity.org or call (989) 893-5793.

At Zion, faith isn’t just a class—it’s woven into every subject, conversation, and relationship. Our mission: “Building Faith One Child at a Time.”

Yes. Families who join through volunteering and financial contributions become eligible for scholarships. Day School tuition is $330/month per student, with reduced sibling rates. A one-time $250 registration fee covers books, technology, and athletics.

Yes. Our childcare center welcomes children 6 weeks to 5 years old, open 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Contact childcare@zionbaycity.org.

Enrolling now

Give your child a strong start.

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

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