13 Pros and Cons of Christian Schools

This post is all about the pros and cons of Christian schools!

I attended a private Christian University for my undergraduate. At the same time, my husband attended a Catholic High School Boarding in Wisconsin. Collectively, we have discussed the impact of Christian schools in our lives.

My husband and I were also fortunate to attend other schools that weren’t labeled “Christian,” but they did have strong Christian influences. For example, my primary school did incorporate Christianity into morning prayers during the parade and in classes, but they didn’t identify as Christian schools.

This post sums up our conversations during the years.

Benefits of Private Christian Schools

Intimate Learning Environment

I reviewed my husband’s high school yearbook, and I was just in awe of how much of an intimate learning environment he experienced. I read letters and autographs from his peers, and I shed a tear or two on his behalf.

This is the same for me because private Christian schools typically have a low student-to-teacher ratio, and student sizes generally are smaller than public schools. So this creates an environment to thrive and interact with both teachers and cohorts.

Biblical Worldview

When I was in University, I loved the Biblical Worldview that was tied to specific classes. The Biblical Worldview wasn’t shoved down my throat, but instead, we were taught how to be critical thinkers and identify fallacies.

It was so freeing to have this as one of the first lessons in class because it has helped me in the real world. In the world today, we are taught to accept everything the media says as truth. However, the critical skills and debates in that class shaped me to challenge certain widely accepted worldly concepts that clash with my Biblical Worldview.

Confidence to stand out!

Being in a Christian University can help you stand out and be ok with doing so as you pursue your purpose in the world.

If you are a Christian student in your formative years, you may be challenged or rejected if you even mention God or your worldview in public schools. The truth is, it may not be accepted.

However, if you use your school as a training ground to be confident in yourself and your ministry to the world, this would be better.

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Friendships and Relationships

I think, hands down, my husband and I still have lifelong friends and bonds from our Christian schools. These friends are from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Growing in your faith

Most schools have chapels or prayer rooms where students can find their quiet place and speak to God. Christian Schools can be a great opportunity since the schools are deliberate to provide and foster such environments. They also get speakers and training to assist individuals spiritually.

Missions trips and travel opportunities.

If you are interested in Christian-centered mission’s trips, this would be something to consider. Christian schools have consistently planned and given students the opportunities to serve in the mission field.

Developing Christian Leaders

When I was in college, I remember hearing of alumni who went on to the marketplace. They broke barriers in the music, business, and political settings. This motivated me in the importance of authenticity in serving God.

Cons of Christian School

Labels & Judgement from some employers

When I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I went job hunting. Every time the recruiters in the business world would see my resume, they would automatically say, “You are from the bible belt!” and then laugh. That took me aback!

However, my sister had a different experience. She was in another State and was given multiple offers; employers fought to employ her.

The bottom line, this is something you need to know. You may find a select few who will judge you for your faith. That’s the world we live in. Instead of breaking down, I knew that wasn’t the job for me. If someone would judge me off the bat because of my faith, I will just move on to the next position- Thank you.

Growing in a bubble

I spoke to my husband and neighbor about this, and they said that this is definitely a concern. As parents, we need to ensure that we are consistently ensuring that our kids are aware of what is going on.

Dinnertime conversations are critical during this time.

Also, identify a Christian school that will not be a bubble experience but a realistic approach to educating and exposing the children to the truth.

Extremely Strict Environments.

I have heard of children who fall so much into the world once they graduate. Why? Because they were in a bubble, sheltered from sooo much.

One example was my two sisters were in a very strict Catholic school in Kenya. Once most students graduated from this school, it was known that they would become very rowdy because they were brought up in strict environments.

Another example is my Christian University previously didn’t allow ladies to wear trousers or jeans, but they later removed this from the student handbook.

Expense

Most Christian Schools are super expensive, and I think this was a big subject for my husband and me. I genuinely hope that churches can eventually subsidize the tuition fees so that parents can have a pocket-friendly options from public schooling.

Accreditation

When I was in college, some courses hadn’t yet obtained accreditation from the governing bodies. If the Christian school is relatively new, please confirm if your course requires accreditation, as this would be important!

Tips and Questions to think about when doing research

Ultimately, I’m totally for Christian education. I think the solid biblical and spiritual foundation shaped me to be who I am. I don’t regret being sheltered because it allowed my husband and me to just be kids and grow up the old fashioned way!  It also provided a safe environment to develop my confidence.

I identify that there are cons to Christian Schools and that honestly really can be avoided by selecting the best school that fits you or your child!

I would advise parents to do lots of research and plan in advance to afford the schools financially. One of my friends is a single mom, and she volunteers in her local Parrish to get her children’s fees heavily subsidized.

Here are some tips for you when looking for a school:

1. Tour the campus. Some schools have “college for a weekend” where people can attend and experience if this would be a good fit for them.

2. Speak to previous and current students to understand the school functions. Most student services can easily connect you to someone.

3. Is the school a social, academic, and financial fit?

4. What majors are available, and are they accredited?

5. Do you see yourself living and studying there?

6. Does the location make sense?

7. Do I need to mix my education and maybe do undergraduate in a Christian School and Masters in a State School for a more balanced exposure?

And that’s it, folks, Pros, and Cons of Christian Schools! ❤️

I hope this has enlightened you on this topic. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Youth Ministry that goes hand in hand with this topic, please click here.

Hugs!