If faith plays a central role in your life, then you probably started thinking about sending your child to a faith-based school. You might still have some apprehension, however, and want to make sure that it’s the best choice for your child. It could be, but not all children are suited for this type of environment. The type of school you choose also makes a big difference. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of sending your child to a faith school.

Pro – They’ll be Surrounded by Like-Minded Students

School can be a very tough environment for a religious child. They may get ridiculed for their faith. Or they may be introduced to bad influences. In a faith-based school, they’ll be surrounded by people who had a more similar experience growing up. They will also have some of the same core principles. While no one is perfect, you’ll at least be able to have some sort of control on what they’ll be exposed to.

Con – They’ll be Surrounded by Like-Minded Students

This is not a typo. While it can be a good thing, constantly being around people who think just like you can also be a disadvantage. For instance, a child that has been in a faith-based school all of their school years will have been somewhat sheltered for most of their lives. This may make things tough for them when they have to venture into the real world.

Religious education is a perfect choice for younger children who need to be sheltered while they build a sense of self, but some older ones might benefit from spending a year or two in a secular school so they can build their character. Their conviction will also be tested in times of adversity.

Pro – Everyday Exposure

One of the things people like the most about faith-based schools is the additional emphasis some put on religious studies. In a time when many public schools are trying to downplay it, it might be comforting to some parents. Choosing a school that is related to your denomination also helps.

Con – Some can be Rigid and Outdated

Faith-based schools, Catholic ones to be specific, have gained quite the reputation over the years for being overly strict and rigid. And in some ways, this is not entirely false. Some do have a very traditional approach to learning which may not be the most suited for your child.

However, you also have schools like Visitation Catholic College that focus more on individual development through a self-paced, holistic, and experiential approach to education. You can learn more about them at Visitation.net. This is very different from the traditional image people have of faith-based schools, and more of them are embracing new ways of learning. So don’t expect all of them to fall within the same mold and do your research.

Conclusion

Choosing between a faith-based school and a secular one is not as straightforward a decision as it might seem. This is why you need to take the time to speak both with your child and several schools to see if they’re truly the right fit for you and your child.