Is a Faith-Based School the One for Your Child?

If you’re thinking about sending your child to a faithbased school, there are many factors to consider just like with shopping for any private school. Academics, enrichment opportunities, location and price are just a few of the things you’ll want to weigh out. With faithbased schools, however, there are additional considerations. The following guide will help you to make an informed decision in choosing the school that’s best for your family and your child’s 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 family’s beliefs — teachings that instill faith and obedience to God — a better learning environment — a feeling of belonging in a community — better college preparation — a way around today’s public school curricula

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 all 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 important to consider the cons. Keep in mind, every faith-based school is different.

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 teacher qualifications?

— Is help available if my child is struggling academically?

— 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?

— What are the religious requirements of the school?

In regards to the last question, faith-based schools don’t have the same governmental regulations as public schools. So religious schools may not meet the same 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

If your family is religious, you may want to look for a school within your faith. But many parents are open to sending their non-Catholic child to a parochial school if only for the values they hope the school will instill in their kids.

If your family isn’t religious or is considering a school of another denomination, 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 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 discour- age 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?

— 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, and use that time to meditate, quietly express their own spiritual beliefs or do homework?

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

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 lifestyle and parenting writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency,