Growth Streams in Christian Schools

Congratulations, your Christian school is growing!

It is a very exciting time to be involved in Christian Education.? Christian Schools in many places across the globe are experiencing unprecedented growth.? However, before we pat our selves on the back and proclaim how amazing we are, we must be conscious of the two streams that are bringing growth to Christian schools in this current age.

The first, hopefully greatest stream of growth, is directly correlated to the number of families that are intentionally looking for a Christian education for their children.? This growth is Incredibly positive and easier for Christian Schools to manage than the second growth stream.? As the demand for Christian Education grows, Christian schools can plan for and provide appropriate accommodation for the increase in student numbers.? Families who intentionally pursue a Christian education for their children are ‘onboarded’ with ease and, failing a significant fall out with the school can be counted on as long term partners for their chosen school.

The second stream of growth comes from a growing discontent in the public system.? Such parents are looking for an alternative to the status quo.? They engage with Christian education because they are running from the secular system.? Such parents are prepared to tolerate the ‘Jesus’ factor in Christian Schools in order to not have their children indoctrinated in the religion of secularism.? These families are not onboarded easily, they are merely content, for the moment, to not have what the state offers.

It is important that growing Christian schools consider if their growth is predominantly coming from families desiring what they offer, or from families running from a different system.? The difference can be identified through enrolment interviews and questions.? Where the predominant reason is articulated by statements to do with ‘our old/current school’ or the ‘state system’, the core reason for moving is to run from something.? However, where comments are saturated with comments of ‘what your school does’, ‘how your school approaches such in such’ or ‘I know a family whose child has changed for the positive since joining your school’, then you have a family who is drinking the cool-aide of your school and what you strive for.

For schools that the majority of families are enrolling because of what they offer, keep on doing the good work.

However, for schools which are predominately enrolling students from families who are running from something, be aware.? Such families still need to be convinced that this is a school that is best for their children.? Convinced that Christian education is more than education with good values.? It is not wise to consider such families as a long term partner and really should have their influence over the governance of the school limited.? Even Christian families who are in your school because they are running from the state, as opposed to being sold out for Christian Education, need to be limited in their influence for the direction of the school.

Families who are running from something can become a burdon on teaching staff and administration.? They often come with their ideals of how a school should run and will try to influence their beliefs over the school.? They have a knack for rallying support from other like minded families.

These enrolments are also fickle.? There is a good chance that as soon as they do not get their ‘way’, the secular system becomes attractive again, or a ‘better’ alternative becomes en vogue, they will remove their children from your school.

School administrators who identify that there is a significant number of enrolments that are a result of families who are running from something must be mindful of the opportunities to still onboard them as families who can become Christian education’s greatest advocates.? Make the most of opportunities in community meetings and school newsletters/bulletins to proclaim the value of Christian Education.? Look for opportunities to be a part of the car park conversations and the Parent Association. ? ?

A final thought, and possibly the most significant concern that I have with the two growth streams is that schools will invest significant investment in buildings due to the current growth pattern.? However, for some schools, the growth enrolments are vulnerable and could drop as quickly as they have increased.? All is not lost if your school is growing from those running from the state, unless of course, you are unaware of this being the cause of your growth and those families move on regardless of your good work and vision for education.? ?

Blessings to you as you continue the navigate the growth that God is entrusting to you and your ministry. Shaun