Our Mission

Our mission at ISJ Academy is developing Christ-centered students and families for life and eternity. We provide students with a rigorous and innovative curriculum in a faith-based environment that allows them to learn and share about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while equipping them with the important life skills they need to succeed in the real world.

Our Philosophy

Immanuel St. James Lutheran School, under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and the doctrinal confessions of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is dedicated to continuing the day school ministry sponsored by our two congregations -- Immanuel Lutheran Church and St. James Lutheran Church.

ISJ is founded on the principle that all knowledge begins in reverence to the Lord, and in keeping with the realization that we are saved to serve in His Kingdom. ISJ seeks to develop the talents and abilities of its students with a quality education while nurturing their faith and willingness to lead others into the family of Christ.

Our Values

ISJ is committed to providing an atmosphere and curriculum which allows students to learn about Jesus while offering students a variety of ways for them to share their faith with others in their family and community.

High academic standards
Biblical principles incorporated into classroom studies
Experienced, committed and caring teachers and staff
Family atmosphere
Affordable tuition
Small student to teacher ratio
Safe and secure campus
Christ-centered character development

ISJ is focused on preparing students for life. ISJ provides teachers with training which allows them to use a variety of teaching methods to meet the individual needs of the students. Technology is an important part of the classroom. Teachers and students use technology as an additional tool in the learning process.

Our History

Immanuel Lutheran School and St James Lutheran School are the parent schools of our present Immanuel-St James Lutheran Academy. Each school has a rich history of providing Lutheran education to generations of students.

Immanuel Lutheran School began classes in 1859 at the church building, 2 Michigan St, NE in downtown Grand Rapids. A second building was built on the west side of Grand Rapids (corner of Second and Pettibone NW). By 1891, the west side school had 81 students. In 1942, Immanuel congregation decided to discontinue the west side school and built a larger school building at the church site. Immanuel Lutheran Church remains today at that site on Michigan Ave. surrounded by the growing medical community, but remains a vibrant ministry to the area.

St James Lutheran School began classes on September 6, 1951 in a one room school at 445 Knapp St NE. There were 21 students in four grades. In 1953, a second classroom was added in the church basement at 441 Knapp St NE for grades K-2. That location now houses condominiums with the stained-glass windows intact. In 1954, grades 3-8 met in the one room school at 445 Knapp St NE.

Groundbreaking for the present school building at 2066 Oakwood NE was held on November 21, 1954 and the school was dedicated on November 20, 1955.

It was in 1973 that Immanuel Lutheran School and St James Lutheran School merged and for several years Pre-School through Grades 3 met at the Oakwood school and met at Immanuel School downtown.

At present, all grades are meeting at 2066 Oakwood St NE. Immanuel – St James Lutheran Academy is supported by both Immanuel and St James congregations and are led by a Joint Board of Education with representatives from both congregations.

As is evident from this long history, God is blessing this school so each day the dear ones who attend are taught God’s Word and given a foundation of faith to guide them throughout their lives and to eternity. You are warmly invited to give your children a place at ISJ.