Do Students Really Want Something Different Than Their Parents?

This is the result of a query of all parent and student responses from surveys 2008-2025. About 156,000 respondents. I personally think the idea that we have to do something radically different for students is a significant bunny-trail, and this query largely backs that up.

Reader Note:  GraceWorks is taking advantage of the power of AI to provide experientially-proven, statistically-valid truth to common issues K-12 Christian schools face – based on a mountain of data of serving Christian schools exclusively since 2006. 

We put this same power to work for your school, providing detailed practical solutions to satisfaction problems discovered through our nationally-normed Christian School Comprehensive Survey for parents, students, and teachers.)

Question: What do Parents Want in a Christian School, in priority order?

1. A Christ-Centered Education and Biblical Worldview

• • Parents overwhelmingly prioritize a school where God is central to all aspects of education. They want their children to learn about God and the Bible, and they want that learning to be integrated into all subjects.

• • Many parents desire a Biblical worldview to be taught, where children learn to see the world through a Christian lens and have a solid foundation in their faith. This includes learning to live a life that honors God.

• • Parents want their children to be taught about Jesus and to have a relationship with Him. They want the school to partner with them to raise their children in faith.

• • Some parents want their children to be able to pray freely at school and not be ashamed of their faith.

• • Parents want their children to learn Christian values, morals, and ethics to guide their lives. They want the school to support what they are teaching at home.

• • Some parents see Christian education as the most important thing for their child’s life.

• • They want a faith-based education that is consistent with their beliefs.

2. High-Quality Academics

• • While a Christian focus is paramount, parents also want a school that offers a strong academic program that will prepare their children for college and beyond.

• • They want their children to receive a well-rounded education. Some parents feel the school provides a higher level of education than the public schools.

• • They want a school that is committed to excellence and challenges students appropriately.

• • Parents appreciate when a school uses a challenging curriculum and has high expectations for its students.

• • Some parents want their kids to receive individualized attention and support, and they value small class sizes that can allow for this.

• • Some parents want the school to be focused on college preparation.

• • Some parents want schools to offer AP courses.

• • Some parents are looking for a classical education.

3. Caring and Dedicated Teachers and Staff

• • Parents value teachers who genuinely care about their children.

• • They want teachers who are passionate about their jobs and who are not just there for a paycheck.

• • They want teachers who are strong Christian role models and who live out their faith.

• • Parents want a loving and nurturing environment for their children.

• • Parents appreciate it when teachers are accessible and communicate well.

• • They value teachers who are helpful, supportive, and understanding.

4. Safe and Positive School Environment

• • Parents prioritize a safe and secure environment for their children.

• • They want a positive, friendly, and welcoming school atmosphere.

• • They like it when the school feels like a family and a community.

• • Some parents want the school to have clear rules and discipline policies.

• • Some parents want to protect their children’s innocence.

5. Parental Involvement and Communication

• • Parents value a school that encourages parent involvement and partnership.

• • They want open communication with teachers and administration.

6. Practical Considerations

• • Some parents appreciate a school that offers extracurricular activities.

• • They want a school that is well-organized, with good facilities and resources.

• • Some appreciate the convenience of bussing to and from school.

• • Affordability is also a consideration for some parents.

In summary, parents want a Christian school that is not only academically excellent but also deeply rooted in Christian values, providing a nurturing environment where their children can grow in their faith, character, and knowledge.

What do Students Want from their Christian School, in Priority Order?

1. Strong Christian Education

• • Students want Jesus at the center of their school and the Bible to be a priority.

• • They want to learn unequivocal Christian beliefs and solid Christian teachings that reflect their personal beliefs.

• • A Christ-centered culture and the integration of Biblical principles in every aspect of school life is important.

• • Students want a Christian environment where they can freely discuss the Bible, praise the Lord, and have prayer.

• • They want to be taught Christian values and morals that come alongside those taught at home.

• • Students want to learn how to live as Christians and followers of Jesus.

• • They want biblical truth to be the foundation of their education rather than secular agendas.

• • Students desire schools that don’t compromise on sound doctrine and have a statement of faith required from every family.

• • Students appreciate the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with other Christian children.

• • They want to be part of a Christian community where Christian character is emphasized and students aspire to follow God.

2. Quality Education

• • Students seek academic excellence and a challenging, college preparatory curriculum.

• • They want a curriculum with a religious focus and challenging academics.

• • They want the school to teach them not just information, but how to study.

• • Students want teachers who are excellent educators and dedicated to their profession.

• • They want a school that has somewhat high standards for students and is committed to providing a high-quality environment and education.

• • They want to develop critical thinking skills alongside knowledge.

• • Students want teachers to care about their education as well as spiritual goals.

3. Caring Teachers and Staff

• • Students value teachers and staff who genuinely care about them and their families.

• • They want teachers who are loving, supportive, and willing to help students succeed.

• • They appreciate teachers who are dedicated, take extra time when needed, and are excellent Christian role models.

• • Students want teachers and staff who are sensitive to and supportive of students with special needs.

• • Students want a close relationship with teachers and staff.

• • They want teachers who really love the kids and teach them about God daily.

• • They appreciate a staff that is friendly, competent, and makes the school feel like a family.

4. Safe and Nurturing Environment

• • Students desire a safe and secure environment free from bullying.

• • They want a nurturing community where they feel welcomed, loved, and respected.

• • They want a school that feels like a family, where everyone knows and supports each other.

• • Students want good discipline and a code of conduct that is enforced.

• • They want a Christian atmosphere with positive peer pressure among students.

• • They want a clean and presentable school with a family-like feel.

5. Extracurricular Activities

• • Students want a variety of extracurricular activities, including music programs, sports, and mission trips.

• • They want opportunities for sports involvement and team sports.

• • They want a quality curriculum and an abundance of extracurricular activities.

• • They want opportunities to develop their talents, explore their interests, and serve their community.

Summary Table

Aspect	Parents’ Priorities	Students’ Priorities	Similarities
Strong Christian Education	Christ-centered education, Biblical worldview, relationship with Jesus, Christian values	Christ-centered culture, integration of Biblical principles, unequivocal Christian beliefs	Both groups prioritize a Christ-centered education with the integration of Biblical principles in all subjects.
Caring Teachers and Staff	Caring, passionate, Christian role models, loving environment	Caring, supportive, Christian role models, supportive of special needs	Both groups value teachers who are caring, supportive, and strong Christian role models.
Quality Education	High-quality academics, challenging curriculum, college preparation, individualized attention	Academic excellence, challenging curriculum, critical thinking skills, dedicated educators	Both groups value academic excellence and a challenging curriculum.
Safe and Positive Environment	Safe, secure, welcoming, family-like, clear discipline policies	Safe, nurturing, family-like, positive peer pressure, good discipline	Both groups desire a safe, nurturing, and positive school environment.
Extracurricular Activities	Variety of activities, well-organized school, good facilities	Variety of activities, opportunities for talent development and community service	Both groups appreciate a variety of extracurricular activities.
Parental Involvement and Communication	Encourages parent involvement, open communication	Not a primary focus	Parents prioritize open communication and parent involvement.
Practical Considerations	Good facilities, affordability, convenience (bussing)	Not a primary focus	Parents consider practical factors like facilities, organization, and affordability.
Peer Relationships	Not a primary focus	Building lifelong friendships, part of a Christian community	Students emphasize the importance of peer relationships and being part of a Christian community.
Personal Development	Not a primary focus	Developing critical thinking skills, learning how to study	Students want to focus on personal development and effective study skills.

Summary: In reality, what students and parents want is very similar.