A religious school is a school that either exists for the purpose of teaching religious doctrine or has a religious component as part of its curriculum. Unlike parochial schools, religious schools are private schools that are independently funded by tuition, fundraisers, and donors- not financially supported by a religious institution. Religious schools typically provide a traditional education, but can be more explicit about specific worldviews and faith-based perspective. Children who are enrolled in a religious school will have a foundational understanding of the perspective from which the school is educating. Religious schools often offer an integrated curriculum model where religious instruction and prayers are incorporated into a rigorous general studies schedule. Approaches to religious education vary greatly depending on the school. In some schools, religious teaching will be presented and in others, students are encouraged to evaluate their faith and apply their value systems to the world around them.
Types of Religious Schools
There are many types of religious schools. Some allow people of other faiths to attend the school and some are more strict about a requirement to be a member of the affiliated church. Although religious schools typically use a traditional classroom setting, some religious schools use education models such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, or college prep and infuse them with religious teachings. There can be overlap between education models in religious schools. Some religious schools also offer boarding school in addition to day school. The most common types of religious schooling in North America are:
- Catholic
- Non-Denominational Christian
- Episcopal
- Anglican
- Baptist
- Methodist
- Jewish
- Islamic
- Amish
- Assembly of God
- Brethren
- Calvinist
- Church of Christ
- Church of God
- Church of the Nazarene
- Friends
- Greek Orthodox
- Lutheran
- Evangelical
- Mennonite
- Seventh-Day Adventist
Out of the 30,000+ private schools that enroll more than 6 million students, nearly 70% of them are faith-based schools.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing A Religious School?
Deciding to enroll your child in a religious school has many benefits that extend beyond religion. Most religious schools work hard to develop students that excel academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Everyday Exposure to Faith
Communing in faith on a daily basis provides additional exposure to religious based values and principles. General academics will be viewed through a faith-based lens, which provides specific context and perspective. Topics of moral and ethical responsibility will be part of everyday life.
Sense of Community
Students who attend religious schools begin their journey with a common thread- they share their faith with fellow students. Parents are expected to participate in school events and in the associated religious services, so family bonds are formed, as well. Many families who choose religious schooling for their children feel that their connection to the school and religious community extends well beyond the years of schooling and becomes their actual community.
Stellar Academics
A 1992 study using the National Education Longitudinal Survey data set assessed whether students who attended a religious school performed higher on academic achievement tests and found that children attending religious schools did, in fact, perform better academically. Many families are drawn to religious schools because they offer a higher quality education than surrounding public schools.
Stability
Many religious schools offer early education schooling all the way up to high school. Students do not have the stress of changing schools for middle school and high school and benefit from the security of attending one school. The relationships formed over their twelve years of schooling will extend into their adult life. Teachers and administration truly get to know their students and watch them grow up in a literal sense.
Self-Discipline
Considerations for Enrolling in Religious School
An important goal of education, especially in early childhood years, is to develop strong social and emotional connections. If your family is considering enrolling your child in a religious school, think about these five thought provoking questions. As you evaluate your thoughts and feelings, it will become clear whether a religious school is the right choice for your child.
To What Degree Should Faith Affiliation Define Curriculum?
Although the school is faith-based, their approach to core academics is important. Religious schools are not required by law to meet the same curriculum standards as traditional public schools or schools with other accreditations, but that doesn’t mean that the academics aren’t as rigorous or even more rigorous. When you visit the school, ask about the hours of classroom instruction and testing and credit requirements for promotion and eventual graduation. Make sure you have a clear understanding about how the school integrates religious teaching and academics. How many religious studies classes will be required? There are many different variations to the way that religious schools approach education and specific topics, such as Creationism and it is best to ask these questions before enrolling. Some religious schools teach doctrine as truth and others teach it as a set of guiding values. Evaluate your expectations for the merging of religion and academics and make sure the schools on your list meet those expectations.
What Is The Policy On Questioning Authority?
Curiosity and questioning authority is part of cognitive development and religious schools may handle this differently than other education models. It is important to understand whether the school embraces students developing their own ideas about their faith and even questioning doctrine in an academic setting. Ensure that your expectations align with how the school handles this type of questioning.
What Will A Typical Day At School Look Like?
What Are The Religious Demographics of The School?
If you are looking to provide your child with an education that is bolstered by a specific set of values and traditions, a religious school may be the right choice for your family. As with any education model, there are variations within religious schools and it is important to take time to evaluate each school, schedule a tour, and make sure it will be a great fit for years to come.
