How to Choose a Christian School

You've decided on Christian education for your child, you've looked at Homeschooling and Christian School options and have decided to enroll your child in a Christian school. Great! One decision made--what next? Deciding on the right Christian school for your child (or children) can be daunting but doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• List of local Christian schools in your area.
• Telephone
• Pencil and paper
• Computer
• Bible
• Prayer

1. 
    
   Pray for wisdom, understanding and guidance.

   Pray. As in any major or important decision, always look to the Father for wisdom, understanding and guidance. This will ensure that you will find peace in your final decision for Christian education.

2. 
    
   Find Christian schools in your area and write down questions you would like to ask.

   Find local Christian schools in your area (or within the driving distance you are willing to drive) and write them down on a list with the address, telephone number, contact person and tuition costs. Write down questions or concerns that you would like to talk to each school about.

3. 
    
   Interview with staff and tour the school.

   Make an appointment with the principal, vice principal or counselor to talk about your questions and concerns and tour the school. This will help you decide if you are comfortable with the staff and the learning environment of the school.

4. 
    
   Find out if the school is ACSI accredited.

   Find out if the Christian schools that you are interested in are ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) accredited. Although you may find a small cooperative in your area that doesn't require or necessarily need accreditation, most Christian schools are accredited or familiar with ACSI (they may even be in the process of being accredited by the international group). Being accredited by ACSI helps to ensure consistent educational and teacher performance standards. (You can check out their website at www.ACSI.org).

5. 
    
   Find out if the school's mission statement and beliefs are compatable to yours.

   Find out what the denomination and mission statement of the school is and make sure that it is something that you can tolerate. Although you probably won't agree with every statement, ask yourself, "Is the statement and belief system one I can tolerate?" or would another school closer to your beliefs and traditions be better? Is their belief statement compatible to your family's belief? Are their statements biblical?

6. 
    
   Write down your top options and list pros and cons of each school.

   When you have completed your interview and school tours, write down your top three options. Write pros and cons for each school and take a week or two to pray and discuss your decision with your spouse, minister and even your own parents.

7. 
    
   Make your final decision and start the enrollment process.

   When you are ready, make your decision and begin the enrollment process. Continue to pray daily for wisdom, guidance and understanding in your child's education.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the schools you are interested don't have a waiting list. This may effect your decision making.
• If you are concerned about the cost of private schools, ask the school if they have payment plans and scholarship information.
• If possible start this process the school year prior to enrollment.
• Even though you enroll your child in Christian education, don't rely on the teachers and the school administration to teach your child about the Bible. Always stay involved in your child's spiritual development.

Resources

• Association of Christian Schools International

[Psalmist4M]

on 6/5/2009 Excellent, well written and informing. Very helpful. 5*s

[wltw]

on 4/19/2009 Great tips on how to choose a Christian school - well done!

[sandwichink]

on 3/23/2009 Excellent advice. And I'm with you. My kids and I all went to Christian schools and were blessed with great educations in a myriad of ways including solid Bible teaching :)

[smgwritings]

on 3/9/2009 Two Thumbs Up! Thanks for sharing this excellent article. Many Blessing to you.

[elny]

on 3/9/2009 This is a great article.Very informative..I'm so blessed to be a product of one of the best Christian school in our place.5* and a rec.