7 Things to look for in a Christian School
The road to finding the perfect Christian School for your loved ones can be a long and often winding path. There are many different factors that tie into finding the school that’s just right for your situation.
So, what should you be on the lookout for when pondering which Christian school may be the best fit for your family? Stick around, as we break down the top 7 things to look for in a Christian School.
1. Commitment to Faith
A major reason why people consider sending their children to Christian Schools in the first place is the drive to help them become closer to their faith. A major factor that differentiates merely “good” Christian schools from those that rise above the rest is the way that the Christian faith is integrated into the everyday process of your child’s schooling.
For example, some schools will offer a variety of religion classes that students will attend on a daily basis in addition to their traditional education classes.
Another thing that Christian Schools may do to help integrate faith into the education system is to work with them one on one to help guide them throughout their religious journey. This could mean one-on-one opportunities to talk with community leaders and the school’s pastor, as well as a variety of youth groups and extracurricular opportunities.
2. Educational Value
A major misconception about the private education system, especially schools that are religiously affiliated, is that they are somehow less academically successful than public institutions.
While it may be true that some private institutions are less regulated than their public counterparts, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some of the biggest perks to getting a private education is the amount of flexibility that is offered within the curriculum. This means that whether your student is learning math, history, or English, faith can always be a part of the conversation.
Most schools ensure that the kind of curriculum they teach aligns with prominent Christian ideals. Finding a school that strives for academic excellence is absolutely vital for your child’s success throughout their faith-based education.
3. Safety
There’s no sugar coating it, the world is a scary place.
We’ve all seen the series of very unfortunate events that continue to plague our nation’s school systems. Today, all parents wish for is the peace of mind of being able to send their child to a safe and nurturing learning environment.
A major goal of all Christian schools is to be able to provide this environment for students. Private schools, especially those with religious affiliations, tend to be extremely safe due to their tight-knit communities. Many schools are technically conscious and often have security systems and a variety of other safeguards in place to ensure your child’s safety while at school.
4. Positivity
A fact that is proved time and time again throughout our educational system is that positive reinforcement really does work. If you’re looking to find the perfect place where your child can learn and grow, finding one that has a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment is absolutely a must.
Many Christian schools also have a zero tolerance policy for all forms of bullying and harassment, which also works to ensure that your child feels safe and nurtured within their learning environment. At a Christian school, your child will also be surrounded by other peers who are working to grow in a faith-based environment.
Being surrounded by children who share their commitment to Christ is a tremendous way to help your child excel on their own religious journey.
5. Advanced Childhood Development
When looking at the average class, it’s easy to see that each child learns differently. Children learn in a variety of unique ways and paces. In our modern school system, many children don’t fit into “boxes.” At a private Christian school, class sizes are smaller, which means more one-on-one learning time for your student and teacher to work on concepts that need extra clarification.
A private Christian school also allows students the chance to focus on subjects that really interest them and work to excel in those areas. When pondering which school is right for your child, take a moment to look at the class sizes and academic certifications of the institution's teachers. It’s also important to remember that all faculty at private Christian schools share the same religious and moral values as you and your family.
Surrounding your child with this kind of positive reinforcement and encouragement is also a great way to see results both academically and developmentally.
6. Transparency
Most private Christian schools are filled with a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals working hard to do God’s work. Parent involvement in the programs at these institutions is high, with many schools working hard to ensure that the learning process continues at home.
When looking for the perfect school for your family, it’s important to find one that maintains a clear level of transparency about your child’s education. Finding an institution with faculty who really take the time to connect with both your student and you is a major perk for your child’s long term educational success.
7. Extracurriculars and Extended Learning Opportunities
While not necessarily the first thing you may think of when pondering which Christian school is right for your family, one thing to keep in mind is the amount of opportunities that are available to your child. Whether it’s extracurriculars such as sports and clubs or advanced technology in the classroom, having access to as many opportunities as possible both in and out of the classroom, can make all the difference in your child’s developmental process.
Finding a school that meets your expectations and offers all the extracurriculars and learning opportunities needed to fulfill your child’s educational goals is absolutely vital to their overall success at that institution.
It’s important to remember that these are just seven of the many different things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect private Christian school for your family. As with any faith based community, finding a place where both you and your child can feel comfortable and open with others is not an easy task. However, for those who truly put the time in finding a community that they really connect with, the opportunities for both personal and academic growth are endless!
