Choosing a Christian School - Critical Questions

Jonathan Ekeland
The Christian Academy ~ Brookhaven, PA

“We’re now considering a Christian education, what’s next?”

Any good guidance counselor will tell you that the first question regarding college is not, “What college are you thing about?” or even, “What major are you interested in studying?” The very first question a student should be asked is, “Why do want to go to college?” Many students don’t really spend much time considering that question. They just go ahead and start planning out a path without much thought and prayer. Sometimes they go because all of their friends are going and they don’t want to feel left out. Sometimes they go because their parents are “making them” go. These are not very sound reasons.

Next, when parents do start to explore various colleges with their son or daughter, there are always a few good questions that they should be asking? “What percentage of your graduates get a job in a related field of study?” or “Does a grad student teach the class or does the professor?” Well, the same should be true with parents who are seeking to send their child to a Christian school. Questions like, “Is your school accredited?” and “What percentage of your graduates go to college?” are typical questions that should be looked at.

If you’re going to visit a Christian school, chances are your minds are pretty close to being made up that that is what you want. It’s now a matter of obtaining information and making wise decisions about “where” to go. But first, make sure you’ve answered the question thoroughly, “Why do I want my child to have a Christian education?”

Once you’ve answered that question, now the fun begins! Below is a link to a set of questions that may be useful in helping you get a better understanding of private Christian schools. Schools don’t mind if you come in for a visit with a prepared list of questions – in fact it’s a great sign that you’re serious about your child’s education. So go ahead and copy the list!

Click here for a complete list of Critical Questions!