RSVP for our Grandparents and Special Friends Celebrations the Week of April 15th!

CCLS Academy at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a Christ-centered micro-school for 3rd through 5th grade students offering a high-quality education centered on two goals: 1. nurturing strong character in our learners, and 2. guiding our learners in the development of the “5 Cs” that are essential to school and life success: Christ-centered education, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

What is a Micro School?

In short, a micro-school is a small community of learners who are implementing a new approach to the one room schoolhouse. Students engage with flexible, standards-based curriculum choices and work together to develop essential skills and virtues in a safe, responsive, and engaging environment. Christ-centered Learning Guides lead students in self directed learning while providing the core elements of a Lutheran education: Christ, Character, and Community.

For more information about our CCLS Academy admissions process, please email  or call (314) 480-2011!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

2153 Salisbury St.
St. Louis, MO 63107

Identity: What does a CCLS Academy graduate look like?

Students will be grounded in their identity as children of God loved and saved by Jesus. 

Students will be equipped to be serving leaders in their communities.

Purpose: What is the purpose of CCLS Academy?

CCLS Academies exist to transform lives through Christ-centered education.

Action: How will CCLS Academy serve the children?

Learning Guides will support and inspire students in grades 3-5.

Students will receive Christ-centered, character-forming, competency-based personalized learning.

Meet our Learning Guide

Dajon Stewart is a St. Louis native and lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Dajon graduated from Harris-Stowe State University in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies and a minor in Business Administration. While attending Harris-Stowe, he worked as a substitute teacher for the St. Louis Public School District. As a result of this experience, Dajon discovered his passion for teaching. Dajon is committed to providing a Christ-centered education to the youth, along with mentoring them as well.

What will a day in the life of the CCLS Academy learner look like?

The 5 Cs of
CCLS Academy

  • Christ-Centered Education: Grounded in God’s Word, students grow in their faith in Christ and love for one another.
  • Critical Thinking: Learning guides strive to model, nurture, and extend the ability to think deeply about content consumed, both digitally and in print media.
  • Collaboration: With flexibility built into our daily routines, our learners have opportunities to work together to develop ideas, complete projects, contribute to thoughtful conversations, and to help one another solve problems.
  • Creativity: At CCLS Academy, students are provided many opportunities to engage in valuable creative expression. Check out the video to the left to see a church one of our students created using a Microsoft HoloLens!
  • Communication: Our learners are challenged to embrace communication skills in order to build stronger relationships throughout their lives.