If you're a parent, you probably spend a lot of time thinking (and worrying) about your child's education. Are they being prepared for a successful career in the real world? Are they developing social skills and building healthy friendships? Are they being exposed to inappropriate material or corrupting influences? In addition to their coursework, are they learning important life skills and Christian values?
Unfortunately, the public school system doesn't give parents much of a say in their children's education. For parents who would rather take a more active role in shaping their kids' education, the main alternatives available are homeschooling and private Christian schools. Homeschooling isn't feasible for many families (particularly those in which both parents work). On top of that, many people worry about the lack of social opportunities available to kids in a homeschool setting.
On the other hand, private Christian schools offer the best of both worlds: high-quality academics and a vibrant yet wholesome social environment. Here, we'll discuss some of the things you can expect from a faith-based education.
Integration of Faith and Learning
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17
Secular schooling encourages kids to think of their academic and religious lives as separate—when in fact, one of the very cornerstones of Christian faith is that God is with us at all times, and to properly serve Him, we must do so in every aspect of our lives. One of the benefits of faith-based education is that the Bible is integrated into the classroom. Rather than learning about the world around them from a secular point of view, children learn to see the world from a Christian perspective. As such, they learn to appreciate the beauty of God's creation from an academic and a spiritual viewpoint.
Faith Is a Part of Daily Life
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2
Amidst the busyness of modern life, it's all too easy to fall out of the habit of regular prayer and devotions. That's true for young people as much as it is for adults. Fortunately, many Christian private schools offer some form of regular spiritual practice, whether that's starting the day with a prayer, daily chapel services, or Bible study classes. This ensures that students have regular opportunities to interact with God and listen to His word. It also helps them to build the habit of a regular devotional practice.
Private Schools Offer Rigorous Academic Curricula
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. - Proverbs 9:9
There's a common misconception that Christian private schools are less academically challenging than their public school counterparts. In fact, the opposite is often true. Because private schools aren't bound by the same state-mandated requirements around standardized testing and curriculum, they have the ability to hold students to a higher educational standard. In general, private schools tend to be more focused on college preparation than public schools. This has been corroborated by data from the national Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which shows that private school students tend to score better on college entry tests than public school students.
In addition, private schools typically have a smaller student body than public schools do. That means smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for each student.
Nurturing Environment
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29
Bullying is a major concern for students and parents all over the world. One of the biggest benefits of Christian private schools is the positive, value-based environment they work hard to cultivate. By enrolling your child in a Christian education, you can rest assured that they'll be part of a supportive community, surrounded by like-minded individuals and instructors who share the same faith-based principles.
If you're ready to take control of your child's education and set them up for success, consider enrolling them in Life Prep Academy, the best small private Christian school in Wichita. Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community, and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus. Our offerings include a variety of worship experiences, Life Groups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all of them designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God. Attend a sermon or contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you, or consider donating to support our work.
