CONSUMER HOW-TO CHOOSE A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Plan, research and visit to find the right campus for your family.
How do you select a Christian school for your child? You begin with a visit to the campus with your child. You follow up with a personal interview. You talk with friends, former and current students, and ultimately, you try to create a "match" between the financial, academic, athletic, cultural and spiritual programs offered and the needs of your child. Finding the right school for your child requires doing a lot of homework - and a little bit of legwork. So plan early and consider the following points.
1. A Wise Investment
A Christian education is not an expense; it is an investment. You are investing in your children and their future. You and your children will reap the benefits both now and in eternity. Your children are the only treasure you have on Earth which will go with you to Heaven.
A Christian school is what you want, if you want quality education, a firm spiritual, moral and religious foundation for your child.
2. Academic Program
Finding the right school for your child requires doing a lot of homework - and a little bit of legwork. Plan early to insure a quality match between the programs offered and the needs of your child.
* THE TOP FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
1. Consider the religious aspects of the school including the Mission Statement, atmosphere, reputation and tradition.
2. Research the academic programs offered.
3. Schedule a tour of the campus and facilities when classes are in session.
4. Inquire about extracurricular programs, including sports and community activities.
5. Ask other parents and people in the community about Christian schools in your area.
Before you choose the school that your child will attend, research the academic programs offered. Take into consideration teacher-student ratio, staff qualifications and standardized test scores. Make sure an accredited school, offers a wide variety of courses, which emphasize academic excellence. Talk with the administrator before enrolling your child in a school to get a good feel of the direction and vision the school has for its academic program. One of the founding principles for a school should be based on providing a safe environment that provides academic excellence.
3. Religious Affiliation
Where do you begin? There are many religious aspects to consider when choosing a Christian school.
Consider the following:
* Mission Statement of the school
The Mission Statement of the school should not only include academic excellence, but also personal growth...the development of the whole student. Students not only grow in skills and abilities, they put learning and their faith into practice.
* The Atmosphere
You should experience a friendly, honest, supportive atmosphere. A school is much more than a building.
* Reputation and Tradition
Consider how long the school has been in existnece and the success of the graduation classes. The stablitiy of a school is often gauged by its reputation and traditions.
4. Campus
The campus visit is an important step in choosing the right school for your child. It is a time to do some firsthand research concerning the school's classes, atmoshphere and amenities. Call the school to find out when you can schedule a tour of the campus or when open houses are offered. Plan to take a tour when classes are in session, so you can get a realisitic picture of why you might expect if you were a student there. During the tour, try to get a sense of the atmosphere of the school. Are the students freindly? Are the teachers friendly? Is the campus clean and accessible?
5. Extracurricular Activities
Education is more than just classes, papers and exams. Developing relationships with friends through sports programs develops character, teaches self-discipline and instills camaraderie. Finding a school that offers a wide variety of extracurricular programs that enables your child to grow in new areas is important.
6. Center for Young Children 3 or 4 yr. olds
Your chosen Christian School should have a loving, nurturing and a safe caring environment for young children. Physical development along with mental, social, and emotional development is important. Spiritual development should be highlighted daily with "Jesus Time".