Michigan Lutheran High School

615 East Marquette Woods Road
St. Joseph, MI 49085
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Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #1 - Michigan Lutheran High School opened its best-in-class dormitory in August 2014. We are only one of six boarding schools recognized by the state of Michigan.
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Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #1 - Michigan Lutheran High School opened its best-in-class dormitory in August 2014. We are only one of six boarding schools recognized by the state of Michigan.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #2 - MLHS has provided quality Christian secondary education to southwestern Michigan and northwestern Indiana for over 40 years.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #3 - Known for our welcoming student body, we are perfect for international students looking to make friends, get involved and receive peer encouragement in their studies and life.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #4 - Over 95 percent of our student body is involved in one or more activities or clubs, creating a stronger experience and skillset.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #5 - Quality, title-winning sports are a part of life at MLHS. Known for our competitive and respectful students, we are admired throughout the region for our athletes and fans.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #6 - With best-in-class, apartment-style dorm rooms, you are sure to feel at home. Each suite has 1-2 bedrooms, a living/study space and a private bathroom. Take the virtual tour at: https://fusion.realtourvision.com/22792
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #7 - MLHS is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of faith-based education for all. We help students achieve personal, spiritual and academic success by educating body, soul and mind. We serve beyond Southwestern Michigan to students from Germany, South Korea, China, Spain, Mexico, U.S.A. and more every year.
Michigan Lutheran High School Photo #8 - Courses are hands-on and experimental learning takes shape in every classroom. Students are challenged to be the best they can be and use and expand upon their own individual gifts.
"Michigan Lutheran offers a Christian education that my children can't get in any other high school in our area. There are small class sizes, and the teachers know all of the children well." - Recent MLHS parent
"Comfortable, God-centered environment, filled with people who want to see you succeed. Outstanding academics, excellent athletic programs." - Recent MLHS student
"I Love M.L. !!! I love the faculty! I love the Christian environment. Mr. Herbst is Amazing! He does an OUTSTANDING job marketing our school, he is wonderful!! " - Recent MLHS student
"What impresses me the most is the sheer love and dedication of its teachers...they have taught multi-generations of students, never losing that desire to equip teenagers for service in the church and community! God has richly blessed hundreds of students through these faithful servants." - MLHS alumni
"A great place to learn not only the skills you need for life but also for your spiritual life. I loved how every day you felt safe... A great school for being able to use your talents, whether that is theater, band, choir, sports, speech, etc. The teachers recognize students' talents and encourage using them to the glory of God. "- MLHS alumni

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 128 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $16,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $7,400
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: May. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Michigan Lutheran High School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 290 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Michigan Lutheran High School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1970
1906
Campus Size
7 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
128 students
314 students
% Students of Color
26%
25%
% International Students
13%
20%
% Students Boarding
20%
70%
Average SAT Score
1170
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
25
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
20 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
30
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
45%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$1 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$16,000
(Includes Room & Board. Additional fees apply.)
$64,460
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$7,400
(Additional nominal fees apply.)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$27,000
$57,260
% Students on Financial Aid
20%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$1,500
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
May. 31 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
80%
60%
Director of Admissions
Lucy Heston
Paul Leifer

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
30
17
Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, French, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History, World History

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
8
16

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
18
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
A/V Tech, Digital Media Production, International Club, Lions Club, National Honor Society, Power Lifting, Quiz Bowl, Robotics Club, Rotary International, Student Council, Taste of Ministry

Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Drama, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Spring Talent Show

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Trap Shooting

School Notes

    Michigan Lutheran High School is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of faith-based education for all. We help students achieve personal, spiritual and academic success by educating body, soul and mind. We serve beyond Southwestern Michigan to students from China, Korea, Vietnam, Spain, Mexico, U.S.A. and more every year. We are among America's best in standardized testing, annually leading our region. 
  • Our average ACT: 25 (U.S. average is 21)
  • Our average SAT score: 1166 (U.S. average is 1060)
  • Average graduating class GPA: 3.51/4.0
  • +95% of graduates pursue college degrees.
Intimate school setting, wide-open opportunity to collaborate in multiple team sports and extracurriculars.
  • 90% of students involved in extracurriculars daily!
  • 75% of students involved in Fine Arts daily! 
Beautiful facilities, caring and licensed dorm supervisors, ample access to organized study and additional amenities.
  • "Home away from home" stepping stone to the independence needed for college.  
One of the American Midwest's most attractive settings, St. Joseph, Michigan is among the most beautiful and safest places in the U.S. and was voted a Top-25 Place to Live by USA Today in 2019. Michigan was voted #1 by Thrillist.com in 2018!
  • 90-minute drive from Chicago and a highly desired tourist destination on Lake Michigan.
  • World headquarters of American appliance giant, Whirlpool Co.
  • Moderate lakeside climate supports wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and year-round activities.  
Access to a full-time international student advisor for adjusting to academic, cultural and social changes.
  • Specific courses in ESL support (English, Religion),
  • Instructors adapt to ESL learning needs.
  • +30 AP and dual-credit college courses.
SAT Prep course (for all junior students) and TOEFL Prep (international).
  • Latter course also examines U.S. college application process, personal statement for applications and intense focus on developing ELL academic writing skills.
Our guidance counselors are very familiar with U.S. college application/admissions process and the international student's unique needs when transferring to post-secondary education.
  • Recent college acceptances to University of Michigan, Penn State University, Notre Dame University, Washington University - Seattle, etc.
Discount program for returning students with leadership skills and/or academic achievements.
  • Full Merit Scholarship available to superlative 11th & 12th graders.
  • 2018 graduating class was awarded over $1M in college scholarships!
  • Dorm students provided with host family stays during breaks if they can't return home (at no extra cost to the student).
  • LD types supported: Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
  • Michigan Lutheran High School accreditations: National Council for Private School Association (NCPSA) and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Michigan Lutheran High School cost?
Michigan Lutheran High School's tuition is approximately $16,000 for boarding students and $7,400 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Michigan Lutheran High School?
The acceptance rate of Michigan Lutheran High School is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does Michigan Lutheran High School offer?
Michigan Lutheran High School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Michigan Lutheran High School's ranking?
Michigan Lutheran High School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Least expensive tuition and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Michigan Lutheran High School?
The application deadline for Michigan Lutheran High School is May. 31 / rolling (applications are due on May. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 128 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $16,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $7,400
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: May. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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