According to the Department of Education in the US, the largest number of religious schools are either Roman Catholic or Christian.
There are 2,082,700 Roman Catholic schools and 876,400 Christian schools.
Between these two religions, more than 50 percent of private school students are accounted for.
In the US, about a quarter of all schools are private, and 78% of the students attending private schools do so with ones that are affiliated with one religion or another.
There are over 50 different religions linked to US schools, and over 7,000 different schools and colleges to pick from.
But, is a religious school right for your child, and how would they benefit from a Christian education?
Table of Contents
What is a Christian Education?
Faith schools are common in America and many other countries.
Any faith school aims to educate its students and give them the tools to succeed in life while applying the beliefs of their particular religion.
For example, Generations Christian Academy teaches a similar curriculum to any traditional school but grounds many of the teachings according to scripture and from a Biblical worldview.
This method of teaching brings guidance and Christian beliefs to the students, and there are many benefits that traditional education may be lacking.
The ethos behind a Christian school
Putting one’s faith in Jesus and the word of the Bible is part of the ethos of a Christian school along with providing education that gives guidance and teaches examples of Godliness that can be used in their lives.
Fellowship
Having shared beliefs brings people together and creates community and strength.
Students of Christian schools are bonded by their faith and beliefs.
Unity
Many of the teachings from the Bible and Christian schools link to fellowship, community, and unity.
One of the commandments from God was that everyone should feel as one.
Genuine Friendship
Schooldays can be difficult for many students and pupils, but Christian schools help create bonds and fellowship as mentioned above.
That sense of belonging can help to form genuine friendships.
Family values
As any education system should, Christian schools offer guidance and they do this by applying those values you hold so dear in your family home.
There are pros and cons to homeschooling, and one advantage is that you can teach your beliefs to your child.
But, homeschooling can be stressful and isn’t suitable for every parent.
A Christian school offers the chance for your child to get a thorough education along with the same values you hold dear to your heart.
Moral nature
No child is born bad, but guidance is needed through those formative years to steer them away from poor decisions. Christian schools teach morality and right from wrong.
Stability
Christian schools provide an environment where Christianity can flourish, and they help to teach students how to make stable relationships.
Faith schools in general have unwavering beliefs in the teachings of the Bible, and this only adds to students’ stability.
Faith
If you have Christian beliefs it isn’t surprising that you would like them to be passed on to your child.
If this is the case then you might want them to have an education based on faith which Christian schools can offer.
Are Christian schools a realistic alternative to traditional education?
The best educational systems in the world are in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Both have a great number of faith schools with Catholicism and Christianity being the main religious affiliations.
There has been a debate for many years about whether public or private education is better. 78 percent of private school students attend religious schools, and the US was the number one educational system in 2021. Therefore, it might be fair to assume that faith schools offer a good education.
Religious schools in general will offer the same curriculum you would expect a child or teenager to study in any school or college across the US.
The difference is that Christianity, in this instance, would be interwoven into the subjects and principles of faith and the words of the Bible applied too.
Although many religious schools are affiliated with a particular faith due to their founders or history, they aren’t stuck in the past.
Technology is shaping education today, and Christian schools teach the sciences and embrace new technology as much as any non-religious school would.
Typical subjects in a Christian school include mathematics, languages, social studies, physical education, music, science, arts, and of course, Bible studies.
These are intended to provide a well-rounded education.
Summary
Christian schools can offer guidance, stability, fellowship, a sense of community, and a genuine education that can help to steer students through life.
Instead of teaching the basic curriculum, a Christian school aims to provide tools that can be carried forward in careers, home life, and serving others.
