When we as parents see the issues that affect today’s public school, we wonder if there is a better option for our child’s education. Even at a young age, bullying and drug use is prominent and damaging this generation. Christians are on the receiving end of ridicule for taking a stand for their beliefs, praying before a meal, and are disciplined for displaying evidence of their faith. We want to raise our kids right, and sometimes placing a child in a Christian Elementary School can be the answer.

Benefits of a Christian Elementary School

As with most schools, there are pros and cons. However, a Christian based institution can provide some of the things public schools cannot.

• • You have options. Of course, this pro may not apply if you live in a rural area, but if you live in a larger community, you would be surprised by how many Christian Elementary Schools your area may have. You will have the option to select the area, the denominational affiliation, and the size of the school that would be beneficial to your child.
  • Religious classes. Bible study is part of the core curriculum. With these schools being private institutions, there is no governmental entity to block the use of the Bible as a teaching tool.
  • Smaller class size. One of the major issues with public school is overcrowding. With a private elementary school, the student population is much smaller. This allows students greater access to teachers, and a child can spend more time on subjects that they may struggle with.
  • Safer environment. In today’s day and age, no area is completely safe. However, a Christian elementary school has more control over who it allows attending. It also has a more secure campus because of its size and location. Discipline issues are handled to a higher degree than a traditional public school.

Drawbacks of a Christian Elementary School

For every positive, there is a negative, even with a Christian institution.

• • Tuition costs. This is the most significant stumbling block for some. Most, if not all, Christian elementary schools require tuition for a child to attend. And to be honest, it can be quite expensive. Many of these schools provide financial assistance. There can also be discounts should the private school be an affiliate of the church or denomination you are part of.
  • Travel. The second issue that may prevent a student from attending a private school is transportation. Many of these schools do not provide bus service. If you choose a school across town, you may have to arrange for after school care if the school does not provide after-class activities.
  • Isolation. One of the purposes of school is to prepare a child for life. With a Christian school, you gain the security aspect, but that same benefit can also be an issue when your child moves into the world. They lose the diversity of a public school. A private school is generally filled with like-minded students and can be isolated from what is happening in the public forum.
  • Extracurricular activities. With the school being smaller, the availability of extra-curricular activities has its limits. This primarily affects athletics due to the lack of facilities to perform them.

The Final Word

While a Christian elementary school does have the benefits of a Christian surrounding, it does not shelter them from all worldly influences. Faith and structure begin in the home. Parents need to be providing godly influence daily. It is through a parent’s example that children grow up to be men and women of God. Our opening verse applies to them more than the educational system.

Finally, a parent should not feel that a private school will hold your child back. These schools hold to the same educational standards as public schools. In fact, private institutions place a heavier weight in the educational process and often have a more challenging curriculum than a public school. And with the added benefit of Biblical education, they can be better prepared for a college after graduation.