How to Start a Classical Christian School

Starting a classical Christian school can be done by anyone. However, the way a school is run is the important factor that will set your school apart from the rest. Follow the guidelines listed in this article to help you with starting a Christian school and ensuring that religion is always the center of every aspect of your school.

Things You'll Need

• Certified teachers
• Adequate room
• Structured curriculum
• Church sponsors
• Parent volunteers
• State accreditation

Instructions

1. Build a foundation. Having your foundation in place before your school is started is the most important thing you can do. Contact every church in your area and ask for financial support. All churches support missionaries to go overseas, so present the need for a Christian school as a way that is a mission to your own community. Promised financial support from area churches will be crucial to the life of your school.

2. Find a location. For a place to get started, ask a local large church if they would house the school until the school would be able to support the cost of buying land and building a building.

3. Order curriculum. Most Christian schools use the tried and true ABEKA curriculum. It is an expensive curriculum to use, but with the financial support of area churches, the cost of materials and curriculum should not be a problem. The reason that so many schools use the ABEKA curriculum is the fact that it is a non-denominational Christian program which does not endorse or condemn a certain denomination, so it can be used by any church demonination. The curriculum is Christ-centered and only promotes the love of God. While other cheaper curriculums are available, the ABEKA curriculum hosts training sessions two times a year for teachers to attend, fellowship and get ideas for their classroom.

4. Hire teachers. When hiring teachers, only hire certified staff. The problem that most Christian schools face is that they are able to hire teachers who are not only not certified to teach, but also do not have prior classroom experience. Those problems combined are just trouble waiting to happen.

5. Obtain state accredidation. Most Christian schools are not willing to mix the state department of education with their Christian school. The problem with not having a state accreditation is that the school is not protected from any disastrous outcomes and does not have any proper way to ensure a quality education for the students. By having a state accredation, the school is held responsible for teaching the state requirements for each grade level and families are ensured that only certified teachers and administration are in charge of the students education and welfare.

6. Promote parent volunteers. To make your school even better than most Christian schools, you should offer extra curricular activities such as a variety of sports programs and clubs. Instead of hiring extra staff to be in charge of these programs, involve dedicated parents to volunteer for such leadership positions.