Considering a Faith-Based School for Your Kids?

If you’re thinking about sending your child to a faith-based school, there are many factors to consider, just like shopping for any private school. You’ll want to weigh out academics, enrichment opportunities, location, and price, to name a few. But with faith-based schools, there are additional factors you’ll want to consider. This guide will help you to make an informed decision, so you can choose the school that best fits your family’s values and meets your objectives for your child’s education.

Why do parents choose faith-based education?

Many parents of various faiths and even of no faith contemplate the idea of sending their kids to a faith-based school. For those considering a private school, religious schools are sometimes a more affordable alternative. But there are many other reasons families may consider a faith-based school as well. Parents are often looking for a school that provides their child with one or more of the following:

• a religious education that mirrors the families’ beliefs

• teachings that instill faith and obedience to God

• a better learning environment

• the benefits of smaller class sizes

• more individualized attention

• a feeling of belonging in a community

• better college preparation

• a more convenient or safer location than alternative options in the area

Is a faith-based school right for your family?

If you’re considering sending your child to a faith-based school, you’ll want to consider several factors. Begin by making a list of the reasons, or the pros, for sending your kids to a faith-based school. This may include any of the reasons mentioned above, among many others.

But in making a thoughtful decision, it’s also essential to consider the cons. For your family, these may include:

• the amount of time spent on religious studies, prayer, and other faith-related activities that takes away from academics

• admission policies that may exclude or not adequately assist children with particular learning, behavioral, or mental health disabilities, or other groups

• fewer extracurricular activities

• unaccredited textbooks and/or science and history curriculums based on the school’s beliefs rather than verified facts

• lack of exposure to other faiths and cultures

Keep in mind, every faith-based school is different. The above may apply to some religious schools and not others.

How to choose a faith-based school that’s right for your family

If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons and decided in favor of a faith-based education for your child, the next step is to determine which school is right for your family. You’ll want to ask many of the same questions you would for any private school, such as:

• How much is tuition?

• Is financial aid available?

• What is the student-teacher ratio?

• What are the teachers’ qualifications, and how are teachers supported?

• How much homework is there?

• What help is available if my child is struggling academically?

• What is the grading system?

• Are uniforms required, or is there a dress code?

• What is the discipline policy?

• What extracurricular activities are available?

• What is the school’s culture like?

• What is the school’s system for accountability?

Regarding the last question, faith-based schools don’t have the same governmental regulations as public schools. So religious schools may not meet the exact stringent requirements. A few areas that may differ include teacher certification, curriculum, textbooks, special education, length of the school year, and health and safety requirements, among other aspects.

Religious factors to consider

Whether your family is religious or not, there are several questions you’ll want to ask to determine if the school is right for your child.

If your family is religious, you may want to look for a school within your faith. Suppose your family isn’t religious or is considering a school of another denomination. In that case, you’ll want to find out how much of the curriculum and day is spent on faith-based activities.

Also, keep in mind that beliefs and practices vary widely even within particular religions and among denominations. You want to make sure the values instilled by the school you’re considering are in line with yours. To help you make that determination, talk to other parents whose kids attend the school. Also, ask the school staff the following:

• How much of the school’s faith is embedded in the curriculum? What are the school’s teachings in science regarding biology and evolution? What about history, such as when life on earth began?

• How is religion taught in the classroom? Do students learn about other faiths as well? If so, are teachings about different beliefs positive and respectful? Or does the school discourage learning about other religions?

• What does the physical setting of the school and classrooms look like? Is it adorned with a lot of religious symbols and statements?

• What are the school’s beliefs and teachings on gender, sexual orientation, race, and other religions? Does the school promote equality and acceptance?

• If your family isn’t of the same faith as the school, what are your child’s options? Can your child opt out of religious classes, chapel time, prayer, and faith activities? Are students allowed to instead meditate, quietly express their own spiritual beliefs, or do homework?

• Can students of other faiths celebrate their own religious holidays at school instead of the school’s religious holidays?

• Does the school discourage kids from mixing with those of other faiths outside of school?

Whether your family is of the school’s particular faith or not, make sure you’re comfortable with the answers. Also, ask for a school tour, which can provide additional insight into many of these questions.

How to pay for tuition

If the tuition cost for a faith-based school is out of your budget, there are several options for covering tuition costs, similar to non-faith-based private schools.

• Ask the administrative office of the school you are considering what type of financing options it offers.

• Search online for private scholarships and grants in your state.

• Consider a loan program.

• Look into your state’s voucher program.

• Visit scholarshipfund.org/apply/other-sources-of-tuition-assistance/ for a selection of funding sources.

Choosing the right school for your child requires leg-work and can be a tough decision. But by making an informed decision, you can alleviate significant stress for yourself and your child. It will also ease your child’s adjustment to the new school and reduce the likelihood of any regrets.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com