About Salem Lutheran School
Welcome from Principal
Dear Friends,
Of the many important decisions you’ll make in life, few are more significant than the ones that affect your children. Of all those choices, selecting a school may well prove to be the most important. Our learning programs at Salem Lutheran School begin at preschool and continue through middle school (8th grade). Our Christ-based curriculum offers a high level of academics and is accredited by the Missouri Nonpublic School Accrediting Association and the National Lutheran Schools Accrediting Association. We offer our students a challenging curriculum, the freedom to learn in a dynamic distraction-free environment, and the encouragement of confidence to push themselves academically.
In addition to our excellent academic standards, our class sizes are much smaller than those in other schools, which allows our teachers the opportunity to build stronger relationships between the students and their parents. We treat every child as an individual with unique gifts, and we teach them to welcome every challenge with strength, faith, and confidence. Self-esteem and respect for others are critical attributes to a happy, successful life. Essentially, our school expands upon and supports the important lessons you teach your children at home.
In our classroom and on our courts and fields, we provide challenges that help your children develop the independence and confidence to stand on their own two feet, and the ability to contribute equally well within the dynamics of a team.
Salem Lutheran School was established in 1861, and we continue to offer a high level of quality Christian education to our church members as well as all families in our community with standardized test scores equal to or exceeding that of the public schools in our area. Upon 8th grade graduation, the majority of our students go on to enroll at Lutheran High School North, one of the most highly acclaimed schools in the area with a track record of providing excellent preparation for college. In the past 12 years, 9 of Lutheran North’s valedictorians have come from Salem. Please contact us at (314) 741-8220 to find out how Salem Lutheran School can help your child build a foundation for a lifetime of learning!
Serving the Master Teacher,
Mr. Jeff Burkee
Principal
History
In the early 19th century, a small group of immigrant German Lutherans met in a one-room log cabin in Black Jack, MO to hold worship services in their native tongue. As the small group grew, they extended a “call” to a full-time pastor in September 1848. The members chose the name SALEM (Peace), dedicating themselves to “work together in love”.
From its inception, Christian education was an important part of Salem’s ministry. A Christian day school, taught by the pastor, was started almost immediately after organization. In 1888, the first full-time teacher was called. In 1895, the brick one-room schoolhouse was built and was used as a lassroom until 1950. Today, Salem is blessed with a large building that includes a modern gym and many technology tools.
Salem has gone through several different levels of enrollment, peaking at just over 200 in the 2010s. Today, we have shifted to a multi-age learning model, leading to the
smaller enrollment numbers we serve today. The current enrollment of around 43 has generated a sense of closeness among the faculty and students, allowing us to live more fully into our identity as a family in Christ. Both alumni and members of Salem Lutheran Church remain fiercely committed to providing for God’s work through Salem Lutheran School.
Mission, Vision and Core Values
Mission
The mission of Salem Lutheran School is to partner with families committed to raising their children as followers of Jesus Christ by providing a setting that is both spiritually enriching and academically rigorous. It is our goal to nourish the faith and develop the abilities God has given to each student, such that they are confident in their identity as children of God and equipped to be of service wherever God might lead them.
Vision
The vision of Salem Lutheran School is to raise generations of disciples that see the world through the lens of God’s true story, acknowledge the lordship of Christ over their lives and all things, vigorously pursue lives lived in love, and joyfully and continuously hone and employ the skills God has given them for the sake of His world.
Core Values
- Salem Lutheran is distinctively Christian – all we do and teach is guided by the Christian narrative as recorded in the Scriptures and explicated by the Lutheran Confessions.
- Salem Lutheran is a refuge – we provide an environment in which students are protected spiritually, physically, and emotionally in order to guarantee the space necessary for them to grow as disciples of Christ.
- Salem Lutheran is a family under Christ – we upbuild one another, encouraging each student to be the best version of themselves.
- Salem Lutheran is responsive – we listen and observe in order to determine how best to serve the individual students entrusted to our care.
- Salem Lutheran is rooted in tradition for the sake of the future – we draw on the time-tested wisdom of our forebearers while simultaneously employing up-to-date techniques and technology.
- Salem Lutheran is hospitable – we aim to serve students of all races and backgrounds, mirroring the vision of St. John.
Faculty & Staff
Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler
Religion Teacher & Pastor
Jeff Burkee
Principal
Elin Hogan-Gomez
Director of Music and Secretary
Nancy Joy
Director of Development
Shelinda Upchurch
Preschool & Kindergarten
Karen Osiek
Grades 1 & 2
Rachel Pena
Grades 3 & 4
Jessica Potter
Grades 5 - 8
Susan Scherer
School Administrative Assistant
Alumni Association
What is the Salem Alumni Association?
The Alumni Association is composed of graduates of Salem Lutheran School who continue to be an important part of our Salem family. Alumni Association members are continually updated with all alumni news, school announcements, and event information.
Who is eligible to join the Salem Alumni Association?
Any former student of Salem Lutheran School is encouraged to join the Alumni Association.
Thank you for visiting Salem Lutheran School’s Alumni page. We are looking forward to completing our alumni database and are one step closer with your help!
We are excited to be planning an “All Salem School Reunion” for 2026!!
We would love to start gathering information from everyone so we can be in touch.
