Welcome to Zion!

We are glad you found our website. It is our hope to share with you a snapshot of our school and help you see how your child might “Come and Grow with Us!”

  • We have been serving our church and community since 1967.
  • Our curriculum provides a Christ-centered, well-rounded, and personalized education for our students.
  • We provide students with extracurricular opportunities through our athletic and music programs
  • Our school community is welcoming, offering many opportunities for a family to build relationships with Zion’s faculty and staff, parents, and students.

We would love to have the opportunity to serve your family during the critical and exciting years of early childhood and elementary education.  Please come visit our school!  I would love to have the opportunity to meet you, show you our facility, introduce you to our faculty, answer any questions you may have, and discuss with you how your child might GROW spiritually, academically, physically, and socially at Zion Lutheran School!

Serving with Joy in Jesus,

Mike Schaefer
Principal – Zion Lutheran School

Faculty & Staff

Anne Saggau

Office Manager

I have had the pleasure of working in the office at Zion Lutheran School for 15 years. I have been married to my husband Ken for 40 years. We have 4 children (all attended Zion Lutheran School) and 7 grandchildren (number 8 is on the way). I enjoy interacting with the students at Zion and helping anyone that needs assistance. If you can’t find me, I’m usually outside in the garden.

Brett Krause

Pastor

I am the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Denver, CO. In 2006, I received my Bachelor’s degree from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, and I received my Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, in 2010. My wife, Michelle, and I have three children (who all attend Zion’s school). We have lived in Denver and served at Zion for the last 12 years, and we thoroughly enjoy raising our family here in such a beautiful area of the country.

Duane (Duke) Backhaus

Vicar

It is my privilege to serve as a pastor-in-training at Zion Lutheran Church for the 2022-2023 school year. I teach 5th and 6th grade catechism and Word of God classes. I got married in July to Livia who is currently the preschool teacher at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran School. We will be returning to Mequon, WI in the summer to finish up my schooling for the full-time ministry.

Mrs. Maddie Monday

Preschool Teacher and Director

I am the preschool teacher and director here at Zion Lutheran School. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in May of 2021. I was born and raised most of my life in a Wisconsin small town until I moved to Arizona when I was 12. Now I am happy to call Colorado my new home! In my free time, I enjoy camping, crocheting, and being with my two dogs.

Mrs. Lisa Hoover

Kindergarten Teacher

I have been the kindergarten teacher at Zion Lutheran School in Denver, CO since 2011. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Dr. Martin Luther College (now Martin Luther College) in 1984. I have taught PreK, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd, 2nd & 3rd and 3rd-4th-5th grade classes. I am originally from Brillion, WI and enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with my family.

Mrs. Ruth Merklinger

1st-2nd Grade Teacher

I serve as the 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Zion Lutheran in Denver, CO.  In 1998, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.  I am originally from Utica, NE and I enjoy hiking, cycling, camping and gardening in the beautiful outdoors of CO, as well as reading books and creating arts and crafts in my free time.

Mr. Christian Monday

3rd-5th Grade Teacher

I am the 3rd-5th grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School in Denver, CO. In 2020, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. I am originally from Cincinnati, OH and enjoy longboarding, hiking, and creating art in my free time.

Mr. Michael Schaefer

6-8 Grade Teacher and Principal

I am a Colorado native who graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  Additionally, I have taken several post graduate courses over the years.  I have taught in 2 high schools and 2 grade schools, and I love helping my students grow in all aspects of their lives.   I enjoy gardening and camping in my free time.

Mission Statement

Zion Lutheran School exists to assist parents in teaching their children about Jesus and the world He has given us and to provide opportunities to live for Him.

Let’s Connect!

The best way for you to decide whether Zion is right for your child is to see our school in action. Tour our classrooms and meet our teachers, principal, pastor, and office staff.  We would love to connect with you!

Church Information

Zion Lutheran Church has been serving Christ and our community since 1965.  Christian education has been an important part of Zion’s ministry from its very beginning; starting with a one-room school in 1967 and growing into the facility and program we have today.  Our school would not exist without God’s blessing and our congregation of believers here.  The Word of God is central to our ministry.  We have opportunities to hear that Word on Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30.   For more information about our church feel free to drop in, call our pastor, Brett Krause, at 303-985-2334, or visit our website: zion-wels.org

We would love to have you visit and worship with us!