St. Marcus Lutheran School is renowned for its extremely intense, traditional academic program.  The school’s curriculum is not for the faint of heart.  Students and parents must be prepared for long hours of hard work during school and at home.  The rewards are obvious:  students that complete the St. Marcus program are poised for academic success in high school and college.  The poem “Be Strong” by Maltbie Davenport Babcock exemplifies the challenges and rewards of a St. Marcus education and is memorized by all students in grades K4-8:

Be Strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle – face it; ‘tis God’s gift.

Be Strong!
Say not, “The days are evil.  Who’s to blame?”
And fold the hands and acquiesce – oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.

Be Strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not – fight on!  Tomorrow comes the song.