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The Legacy of Faith-Based Education and its Lasting Influence on Students

March 06, 2025
By Dr. Kerri Miner

In our country, Christian education may be traced to Puritan schooling in the 1600s (Floyd, 2022). Many sources trace the movement of the intentional integration of faith and learning to Frank Gaebelein, the leader of the Stoney Brook School in New York (Fawcett & Thompson, n.d.; Research Guides, Integrating Faith and Learning, 2024). Gaebelein believed Christian education should include more than just beginning the day with prayer, incorporating Bible classes, or having chapel services once a week. He also believed Christian school teachers had responsibilities beyond just imparting knowledge to students (Fawcett & Thompson, n.d.; Gaebelein, 1968). How has Christian education influenced society and the students who attend Christian schools? Here is a short list, supported by relevant sources:
Christian schools emphasize character development, instilling values such as integrity, compassion, and humility in students (Colorado Christian University [CCU], n.d.).
Studies have shown that students in religious schools often exhibit significant academic advantages over their counterparts in traditional public schools (Council for American Private Education [CAPE], n.d.).
Research indicates that graduates of Protestant schools are more likely to demonstrate high levels of community involvement, financial generosity, and volunteerism (Hunt, 2021).
Christian schools aim to integrate faith into all aspects of learning, reinforcing religious identity and influencing a Christian worldview mindset (CCU, n.d.).
The existence of Christian schools provides parents with alternatives to public education, allowing them to choose environments that align with their religious beliefs and values (Ashford, 2021).
Christian education plays a role in maintaining religious traditions and values across generations, reinforcing cultural identities within faith communities (Smith, 2019).
Christian schools often encourage students to engage in missionary work and humanitarian efforts, fostering a spirit of outreach and service. This emphasis on altruism contributes positively to both local and global communities (Roso, 2013).
Students from religious schools are more likely to carry forward their values into adulthood, influencing their workplaces, communities, and families (Smith, 2019).
Christian schools often integrate critical thinking and ethical reasoning into their curricula, challenging students to explore complex issues from a biblical perspective (CCU, n.d.; Roso, 2013).
Overall, Christian schools have had a lasting impact on American society by shaping students' worldviews, reinforcing religious and moral values, and influencing various sectors, including education, law, and public policy. By nurturing students holistically—morally, ethically, intellectually, and spiritually—Christian schools help ensure these values persevere across generations. With ongoing discussions surrounding school choice, religious freedom, and educational reform, the role of Christian schools in shaping society will continue to be both significant and deeply impactful. If you have any questions about our school, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to partnering with your family to make a lasting impact on our community and future generations through Christian education.

References
Ashford, B. (2021). In defense of private Christian schools. Carolina Journal. 
https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/in-defense-of-private-christian-schools/
Colorado Christian University (CCU). (n.d.). Nurturing excellence: The impact of Christian 
education.https://www.ccu.edu/blogs/cags/category/online-learning-tips/nurturing-excelle
nce-the-impact-of-christian-education/
Council for American Private Education (CAPE). (n.d.). Study finds advantages for students in 
faith-based schools. https://capenetwork.org/study-finds-advantages-for-students-in-faith-based-schools/outlook385-2/
Fawcett, C.L., & Thompson, J. (n.d.). Frank Ely Gaebelein. Talbot School of Theology, Biola 
University. https://www.biola.edu/talbot/ce20/database/fank-ely-gaebelein
Floyd, J. (2022). A comparative study of elementary teacher efficacy in Christian private 
schools and public schools (Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University). 
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3768
Gaebelein, F.E. (1968). The pattern of God’s truth:  Problems of integration in Christian 
Education, Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications
Hunt, D. (2021). Do Christian schools contribute to political polarization? Center for the 
Advancement of Christian Education (CACE). 
https://cace.org/do-christian-schools-contribute-to-political-polarization/
Research Guides: Integrating Faith and Learning: IFL@ Wheaton College. (2024). 
Wheaton.edu. https://guides.library.wheaton.edu/faithandlearning/architects
Roso, C. G. (2013). Doing impacting being: A case study of service learning as a method of 
faith and learning integration. International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal, 8(2), Article 6. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/icctej/vol8/iss2/6/
Smith, J. (2019). Intergenerational transmission of religious conservatism (Master’s thesis, 
Pennsylvania State University). https://etda.libraries.psu.edu/files/final_submissions/20297

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