Admissions Process

How to Enroll at Salem Lutheran School

Getting Started Is Easy

Enrolling your child in a private school is a big decision. At Salem Lutheran School in Greenfield, MN, we make the admissions process simple, personal, and pressure-free. We want you to feel informed and confident every step of the way.

 

Salem serves students from preschool (33 months) through 8th grade. Whether you are looking for a Christ-centered start for your toddler or a rigorous academic foundation for your middle schooler, the process begins the same way—with a conversation.

 

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now being accepted through FACTS.

How to Enroll — Step by Step

Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward. Here is what to expect.

1. Schedule A Tour

The best way to experience Salem is in person. Visit our campus on Pioneer Trail, walk the hallways, see our classrooms, and meet our teachers and staff. We will share our approach to education, answer your questions, and help you see if Salem is the right fit.

2. Submit Your Application

Applications for new students are accepted through FACTS beginning February 1 for the following school year. The application includes basic family and student information.

 

An enrollment fee of $300 is due at the time of enrollment. This fee is nonrefundable after June 1.

3. Complete Enrollment Requirements

Depending on the program, additional items may be needed before school starts. These may include a physical examination (kindergarten), immunization records, and Early Childhood Screening (preschool). Our office will walk you through everything that is needed for your child’s grade level.

4. Welcome to Salem

Once enrollment is complete, you are part of the Salem family. We will connect you with your child’s teacher, share important dates and supply lists, and make sure you feel prepared before the first day of school.

Financial Aid & Payment Options

We want every family who values Christian education to be able to afford it. Salem offers needs-based financial aid through FACTS to help bridge the gap.

 
 

Needs-Based Financial Aid

Apply through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. FACTS reviews your family’s financial situation and determines aid eligibility. If you feel the approved amount is not enough, we encourage you to speak with our Principal or Education Committee. We work with families—not against them.

Flexible Payment Plans

Tuition payments are managed through FACTS with options that fit your budget: annual payment, semi-annual payments, or monthly installments spread across the school year.

Minnesota Tax Benefits

Minnesota offers a tax credit for private school tuition and fees. This can reduce your overall cost even further. Consult your tax advisor for details on education credits and deductions available to your family.

We believe cost should not be a barrier to Christian education. If Salem is the right fit for your family, we want to help make it work.

Request Tuition & Admissions Information

Prefer to reach out directly? Call (763) 498-7283 or email school@salemwels.org.

Admissions Process FAQs

Answers to the questions families ask most about enrolling in our private school.

When can I apply?

Applications for new students open February 1st for enrollment the following school year. We encourage families to tour the campus first, then apply through FACTS when you are ready.

Can I enroll my child mid-year?

Yes. Families are welcome to apply at any point during the school year. Because of our small classes and two-grade model, teachers are able to meet new students where they are and help them transition smoothly.

Is there an entrance exam or testing requirement?

Salem does not require an entrance exam. We welcome students of varying abilities and meet each child where they are. For kindergarten, a physical exam and medical certification are required. For preschool, Early Childhood Screening is encouraged.

Does my family need to be Lutheran to attend?

No. Salem welcomes families of all backgrounds who are looking for a Christ-centered education. Our beliefs are rooted in the Lutheran faith and we are transparent about what we teach. WELS/ELS and Anchored in Christ member families receive special tuition rates, but membership is not a requirement for enrollment.

What is the enrollment fee?

The enrollment fee is $300 per family, due at the time of enrollment. This fee is nonrefundable after June 1.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Salem has a need-based financial aid program. We believe a private education should be accessible for families who value it. Contact our office at (763) 498-7283 to learn more about options and how to apply.

What is FACTS and how do I use it?

FACTS is the online platform Salem uses for applications, enrollment, and tuition management. You will create a FACTS account as part of the application process. Our office can walk you through it if you need help getting started.

Can I tour the school before applying?

Absolutely—and we recommend it. A campus tour is the best way to experience Salem before you commit. You will see the classrooms, meet teachers and staff, and get a feel for the culture. Call (763) 498-7283 or visit salemgreenfield.org to schedule your visit.

My child is transferring from public school. Will they be behind?

Not at all. Many Salem families come from public schools in the Greenfield area. Our small class sizes and two-grade model allow teachers to assess where your child is and personalize instruction from day one. We meet every student where they are and help them grow.

What grade levels does Salem serve?

Salem Lutheran School serves students from preschool (starting at 33 months) through 8th grade. Programs include preschool (3-day and 5-day options), full-day kindergarten, and elementary and middle school in two-grade classrooms (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8).

What makes private school admission different from public school enrollment?

At a private school like Salem, the admissions process is personal. We want to know your family, understand your child, and make sure the fit is right for everyone. There is no entrance exam or competitive selection. We are looking for families who share our commitment to faith, academics, and community.

What makes private school admission different from public school enrollment?

At a private school like Salem, the admissions process is personal. We want to know your family, understand your child, and make sure the fit is right for everyone. There is no entrance exam or competitive selection. We are looking for families who share our commitment to faith, academics, and community.

Ready to See the Salem Difference?

Schedule a tour and discover why families choose Salem Lutheran School for their children’s education.