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With the debate over public education raging on, and academic performance in the U.S. still trailing international rankings, parents are increasingly choosing private options. Ten percent of all U.S. children grades K-12 attend private schools, and the majority of these institutions are religious. Choosing a Christian academy not only bolsters students' academic performance, it also trains these children to be more productive members of society as they reach adulthood. Here are six reasons to consider this route. (1) Community Service Students attending church-related private schools were more likely than those at either non-church related private or public schools to indicate that their academy required and coordinated community service, according to a National Center for Education Statistics report in 2000. (2) Better Performance The most recent assessments performed by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that children receiving a private education consistently performed better in all subject areas at each grade level. For the comparative fourth and eighth grade studies in reading, children receiving a private education outscored those receiving a public education by an average of 14% in the basic achievement level, 14% in the proficient achievement level, and 7% in the advanced achievement level. Though the differential was smaller, students at private institutions also reached higher averages in all three achievement levels in math, writing, science, U.S. history, and civics. (3) Better Access to Academic Training A 2013 study published in the Peabody Journal of Education outlined a meta-analysis that showed multiple advantages for students in faith-based academies, including "significant academic advantage," "narrower achievement gaps by race/ethnicity and income," and "better student behavioral outcomes." (4) Personal Attention Students at private schools, particularly those staffed by educators who are also spiritual leaders, can receive valuable private mentorship. The overwhelming majority of private institutions (86%) have fewer than 300 students. This creates an environment that fosters personal attention, because it is much harder for a student to get lost in the crowd, either academically or spiritually. A Christian academy is a place for children to develop their intellect and integrity. (5) Strong Alumni Networks The alumni list of high achievers who attended religious academies shows just how well these institutions prepare future leaders. Here are just a few famous adults who attended a Christian academy or other faith-based private school: Jimmy Graham (NFL player), Will Smith (actor), Barack Obama (U.S. President), Tucker Carlson (news personality), and John Kerry (U.S. Secretary of State), to name a few. (6) Many Available Options Christian schools are one of the fastest-growing types of private schools in the country, according to data comparing enrollment in the late 1990s to 2011-2012. While some private enrollments are steady or increasing in smaller numbers, Christian institutions have seen growth as high as 30%. This is partially due to the renewed focus on a classical education, which is a methodology that has been time-tested in the Christian academy time and time again. Clearly, the success of private institutions is a growing and sustained trend. Christian campuses, in particular, have proven to be a worthy and dependable alternative to private and charter schools in cities across the nation. When considering a Christian academy, NJ parents should arrange a visit to http://www.wilberforceschool.org/drivingdirections.
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