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Parents often wonder about this when deciding where to send their precious children. It means a lot to the parents and students everywhere, so we have collected some of their reasons for you to consider. These thoughts come from various Christian schools and the students themselves.
Parents often wonder about this when deciding where to send their precious children. It means a lot to the parents and students everywhere, so we have collected some of their reasons for you to consider. These thoughts come from various Christian schools and the students themselves.
From a Christian school:
From a Christian school:
Character formation
Character formation
This is a big one. We are dedicated to providing young people a safe and nurturing environment in which they will learn to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Christian schools’ curriculum and philosophy can help bridge the gap in an era when character education is so important. Morals, ethics, and character development inform some of the fundamental beliefs and values of a Christian school.
The Bible is taught
The Bible is taught
In Christian schools, not only is the Bible taught for what it is, the inspired Word of God serves as a foundation for other texts as well. Children in Christian schools become familiar with Bible stories at a young age, and the truths in the Bible become more familiar to them as they continue grow and learn. While the Bible is centuries old, it's a timeless lesson that is brought to life in Christian schools and is made relevant for students' lives today. With this, students have the opportunity to walk away with a better understanding of their curriculum as it relates to God’s Word.
Christian schools share your moral values
Christian schools share your moral values
If your goal is to offer your child the same moral foundation that the Bible suggests, a Christian education is the best option. Moral and spiritual formation are important components of the best Christian schools, like Grace. For instance, one of Grace's Core Values is to develop a caring community, where everyone shares a unity that is based on care for one another, rather than conformity. It's our belief that a healthy environment for learning includes authentic relationships, and that education should develop both intellect and character, equipping students for lives of service in this world.
Every teacher models Christian principles
Every teacher models Christian principles
A child’s teacher is an important role model. Your child spends a major portion of the school day under the influence of one or more key teachers. In the Christian school classroom, the teachers openly demonstrate and model Christian principles.
Curriculum is aligned with Christian values
Curriculum is aligned with Christian values
While strong academics continue to be at the forefront, Christian schools have the freedom to align curriculum with Christian values. Concepts learned in the classroom can be viewed through a variety of lenses, including those of the Christian faith. For instance, if students are studying social justice, part of the conversation could include why Christians should care about social justice following the example of Jesus. In oceanography class, students may learn how climate change is affecting the ocean and weather, which could lead to a discussion focused on the need to care for all of God's creation.
Prayer is part of the school day
Prayer is part of the school day
Christian schools encourage praying and understand that prayer is a path to a more personal relationship with God. It also strengthens students' relationships with one another. Teachers and students continually pray for each other during challenging times and in good times – providing an inclusive, loving learning environment where everyone feels supported and welcome.
Safety
Safety
In addition to physical well-being, Christian schools offer a safe emotional and spiritual environment. Bullying is not tolerated and children are nurtured in a safe, caring environment, modeled by adults. Christian schools offer a safe avenue for students to express their ideas, explore new things, and most importantly, be themselves.
Individual attention and differential instruction
Individual attention and differential instruction
Christian schools can almost always offer more individual attention than public schools. Christian school classes generally have fewer students so class sizes are much smaller.
Positive peer pressure is all around
Positive peer pressure is all around
Having peers who have similar values helps complete this nurturing environment. Students are expected to reinforce positive habits, as well as positive attitudes. This goes for teachers, too. They're more than just lecturers; they are mentors, sometimes even friends, who truly know their students. This gives them more freedom to individually encourage, support and influence their students – demonstrating that it's okay to try new things, and it's cool to be smart.
Whole Child Development
Whole Child Development
The Christian school educational philosophy focuses on a Christian-based education that aims to develop well-rounded individuals. It is our belief that education should develop both intellect and character, thereby equipping students for lives of servant leadership. We seek to inspire and encourage each student to discover and develop his or her God given talents, preparing them for future success.
A short list from a Christian school:
A short list from a Christian school:
Public schools avoid any Christian teaching
Public schools avoid any Christian teaching
For all practical purposes, public education has been taken over by atheists, humanists, and moral relativists. There is no mention of God, man is the center of his own destiny, and objective moral standards are treated as absurd.
Discipline
Discipline
Many a parent have sat in a public school classroom, and witnessed first-hand the out-of-control environment that exists there. With so many children at different development levels, there is little time for instruction. Frequently public school classes begin with a handout the child must complete during class time on their own. On the other hand, Christian school educators maintain discipline in the classroom and on the playground. An out of control classroom is of no benefit to your child. And it is within the context of love that discipline is carried out in a Christian school.
The morals you want your children to learn
The morals you want your children to learn
Your children are gifts from the Lord. We are responsible as parents to train them according to His Word not only at home and in church, but in school as well. Public schools by law can no longer represent the personal parental views of Christian parents.
From a student at a Christian school:
From a student at a Christian school:
Improves the chances of getting into college
Improves the chances of getting into college
"The most important reason to go to private school is to improve the chances of getting into college. This is a college prep school, and they definitely live up to the title. We spend the entire four years prepping to not only get in to college, but stay in and perform well. We get about the same workload as freshman and sophomores as freshmen and sophomores in college. Since there is such a huge emphasis on getting into college these days, anything and everything that gives you an edge is worth it ."
Religious education
Religious education
"I can still see the advantage of going to a Christian school. Not only do we have a chapel every week, we also have a campus Pastors and a Youth Minister. If you have any questions about faith or religion they are always there to help. We also have a religion class, which I found particularly helpful as I knew nothing about Christianity before going. "
The curriculum
The curriculum
"A big reason is the curriculum. Not only does the school have several AP classes, they also have advanced honors classes. I also love the integration of technology, and the middle and high school students carry a tablet or laptop with them to each class. We use an array of websites to see our grades, check our homework, and supplement the learning. "
The teachers
The teachers
"The quality of the teachers themselves is quite appealing. They are very devoted to finding new ways to help the students learn the material."
The atmosphere
The atmosphere
"The atmosphere of the school. All the students get along, there isn't nearly as much drama as in public school. Everyone is friendly to each other, even if you don't personally know someone. A Christian school also allows people to be much more open and relaxed. "
Why do parents send their kids to private school:
Why do parents send their kids to private school:
"He's a totally different person. He's into his schoolwork. It's absolutely great to see."
— Father of a Grade 8 student, wrapping up his first year in private school
Every family has a different reason for considering a private school education, but nearly all agree that private schools provide their children with:
Smaller classes
More structure
Preparation for post-secondary studies
Enriched and focused academic setting
More emphasis on specialties like art, music and athletics
Extracurricular activities
Many chances for parents to get involved
Fewer layers of bureaucracy
More accountability to you (a paying customer)
A shared philosophy and approach to education
Students who attend private schools can be more academically challenged, exposed to clearer value systems, given greater access to teachers, and may simply feel safer. Some features parents look for when they turn to the private system include:
A specific educational approach.
A particular religious or cultural setting
A strong academic setting
A program for children who are gifted, have special needs, or require a special schedule due to art, music, or sport training.
Who chooses private school education?
Who chooses private school education?
Families who choose the private education system tend to be concerned with the development and all-round character building of their children. Studies show that families of all sizes and ethnic backgrounds have turned to the private system. Studies show that children from both ends of the income distribution attend private schools; 29 percent of children who attend private schools are from families with incomes below $50,000, while 26 percent are from families with at least twice as much income.
A study of the benefits of a private school:
A study of the benefits of a private school:
Enriched academic opportunities
Enriched academic opportunities
One of the accepted benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses, just to name a few. Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized tests and college entrance exams, and many schools have close to a 100 percent rate of students attending their university of choice.
Smaller classes
Smaller classes
A comprehensive study on class size made by educational researchers Bruce Biddler and David Berliner in 2002 showed that the smaller the class size, the better the average student performs on academic achievement tests. Eric Vosko reflects on his experience as a student at a private school, “It was weird for me because the school was so small. It was the right decision for sure, it has been a great school.” And the gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the longer a child is exposed to them. Private schools vary greatly in size, but depending on their teaching style, almost all focus on the importance of small class sizes to individually help students’ weak areas and advance their strengths.
Parental involvement
Parental involvement
Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From frequent parent-teacher meetings, social events such as parent breakfasts and family camping weekends, and the participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives, families become an integral part of the child’s education. This common ground also helps strengthen parent-child relationships.
Dedicated teachers
Dedicated teachers
In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. "That involves most of my life," says Blake Gage about teaching, coaching basketball and being a house parent to 50 boarders at his school. In addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available for extra help or to further challenge individual students.
A safe environment
A safe environment
Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and respect. Lower staff-to-student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages dangerous behavior. In the Fraser Institute study, around 72 percent of parents surveyed with children in the private school system strongly agreed that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education, when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.
Community environment
Community environment
According to a Fraser Institute survey, 62 percent of parents with children in the private school system believe their school’s environment is motivating, supportive and nurturing. Taranvir Sandhu, a Grade 10 student at MPS Etobicoke, says “I made friends right away,” he says. “I really like how it’s a big family here.” Former students repeatedly report that the friendships they formed in private school have lasted post-graduation. A strong sense of pride is often instilled in private school alumni, creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce. This is sometimes especially true at faith-based schools, such as Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic schools.
Ample resources
Ample resources
At private schools, you'll find incredible resources to support student learning in the classroom, sports field, art studio, and beyond. Quality resources and extracurriculars provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford University that found that students involved in the arts are more motivated to learn and are three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Grant MacDonald, whose two daughters attend a private school, says that sport “has become part of their daily life. It has made them more focused. They’re both doing very well academically.” Extracurricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while developing skills and engaging in valuable social situations.
Shared educational philosophy
Shared educational philosophy
There are innumerable approaches to education, and finding a school or preschool that matches one’s own perspective can create a positive, productive academic experience for your child. Choosing the right private school will not only allow students to thrive in a supportive environment and build independence, but also gain unique skills that fit their learning style.
Development for today's and tomorrow's world
Development for today's and tomorrow's world
Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial curriculum; they can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, math, science. Private schools are responsible for producing many leaders in politics, business and society, with a history of adapting quickly to changes in technology and culture. And today, they are also sought by parents of kids with special needs such as behaviour (including troubled teen behaviour), learning, developmental, or physical disabilities. "This school really helps you focus and think about your future, and how you want your life to be," says Nisha Sharma, a Grade 12 student last year at a private school
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