St. Paul's Lutheran School in Glen Burnie is growing beyond eighth grade. The pre-K through eighth-grade school plans to launch a ninth-grade class in fall 2027, adding one grade per year until it becomes a full K-12 institution, with its first high school graduating class expected in spring 2031.
The expansion was reported by Eye On Annapolis, which detailed the school's plans for a college-preparatory, STEAM-focused high school program built around existing extended-period block scheduling already used in the middle grades. That scheduling model, already in place for younger students, gives teachers more classroom time for experiments, group projects, and detailed instruction — a format the school intends to carry into its high school courses.
Located at 308 Oak Manor Drive, St. Paul's was established in 1950 and currently serves about 325 students from pre-K through eighth grade with a faculty of 17 teachers, according to What's Up? Annapolis. The proposed high school curriculum would include traditional academic courses alongside robotics, 3D design and printing, and other technology electives, per the school's plans reported by the same outlet covering the announcement.
A Faith-Based Option, Open to All
While all students would participate in the school's Christian educational program — including required religion courses taught from a Lutheran perspective — St. Paul's says it welcomes students of all religious backgrounds, including those without any religious affiliation. Principal Ken Coughlan said the high school expansion carries the school's mission forward, giving students knowledge, skills, and a faith foundation for their future.
Coughlan, who took over as principal in August 2024, brings an unusual resume to the role: he holds a Juris Doctor from the William & Mary School of Law and a Master of Arts in Apologetics from Luther Rice College & Seminary, and previously worked as a practicing attorney and Bible instructor in Maryland, according to his own biography published by Ken Coughlan. He has said the school aims to provide an academically challenging, Christ-centered education that prepares students for modern opportunities and responsibilities without making that education financially out of reach.
Clearing the State Approval Hurdle
St. Paul's currently holds a Certificate of Approval from the Maryland State Department of Education for its existing early-childhood-through-eighth-grade programs, and the school is now seeking an amendment to that certificate to add high school grades.
That regulatory step must be completed before the ninth-grade cohort can open in fall 2027, per Eye On Annapolis's reporting on the timeline. The school previously received state capital grants through Maryland's Nonpublic Aging Schools Program, administered by the Maryland Board of Public Works for campus infrastructure and safety upgrades, according to records held by the Maryland State Archives.
Keeping Tuition in Check by Skipping the Stadium
Rather than investing in the extensive athletic facilities found at larger schools, St. Paul's plans to focus its resources on classroom instruction, technology, and academic programs to help control tuition costs. The high school will still offer athletics, with volleyball, cross country, and basketball under consideration, though final offerings will depend on student interest, staffing, facilities, and available resources.
The proposed curriculum also plans to include Advanced Placement courses, online learning options, and dual enrollment through Anne Arundel Community College. Through the college's Early College Access Program, qualifying private school students receive a 25% tuition discount on college-credit coursework completed before graduation, according to Anne Arundel Community College.
A New High School Option in Glen Burnie
The expansion would add a high school option to Glen Burnie's education landscape. Nearby schools include Monsignor Slade Catholic School and Granite Baptist School.
The planned expansion would extend St. Paul's offerings through high school.
Families interested in St. Paul's high school program can find more information at the school's website, stpaulsgb.org/high-school, or by calling 410-766-5790.
