Selecting Urban Christian Education Academies

By Cynthia Harris


Parents living in towns are facing huge problems due to drug abuse, child pregnancies, dropouts and poor performance due to the environment the kids study in. The number of Christian academies is also limited. Finding the right academy to instill the teachings of Christ during the academic process is not easy. The following are the things to keep in mind when selecting urban Christian education academies.

The first consideration is location. In urban areas, the majority of schools are public. Private Christian schools are located in rural areas making it difficult for those living in cities to access them. Select a program that is close to where you live and within your town. Walking for long hours to attend classes might affect your education. Cases of absenteeism will be high. However, a program that is within close proximity will be convenient.

The next tip is the training and the qualifications of all the teachers. Religious programs are not perfect or utopian. They are faced by similar challenges that face public schools. However, check the teachers since they are what will determine the teachings they will receive. They are the people to instill Godly habits in the children. They, therefore, need to have proper training and have knowledge of the teachings of Christ. The educators must also have faith in the Word of God.

Overcrowded schools are a red flag. If the ratio of students to teachers is large, the educators can only manage to monitor the progress of very few students. Others will be left ragging behind which leads to poor performance. When you visit a program, be sure to ask how many students are allocated to a teacher. The number should be at least ten to fifteen kids per teacher. There will be enough interaction to ensure the kids get the best out of the lessons.

Bullying is common in schools even among small kids. Find out the measures put in place to ensure the safety of the kids. The playgrounds should be safe to prevent injuries. Children are weak emotionally and protecting them from bullies is good. A school with many cases of bullying will not be safe for your kid. In addition, self-control must be instilled in kids to prevent war between culture and religion.

Extracurricular activities are also a pointer. Although these schools are expected to educate children about Christianity and how to live a holy life, this is not the only thing that should be taught. Kids must be allowed to take part in other activities that improve their motor and social skills like sports. Field trips and clubs must also be on the list of extracurriculars. A program like that will produce all-rounded students.

If the academy is not new in the area, probably there are a lot of graduates from the institution. Knowing the experiences of these graduates during their time in the institution is important since it gives you an insight of what to expect. Talk to some of these students or read reviews online to know the status of the academy.

Finally, the program must run from kindergarten to senior year. Having to transfer you kid once he or she is done with lower classes is not wise because of the difference in alignment of curriculums. Opt for a program that runs through to senior year.




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