Christian Boarding Schools: Attending Christian Boarding School

Christian boarding schools offer children and teenagers a chance to pursue formal education before college, and learn key life enhancement skills in the process. Many teenagers are troubled by the pressures of society, making them vulnerable to make poor decisions and lead an unsatisfactory life. Christian boarding schools can help students grow, learn, and follow guiding principles from the Bible. A private Christian boarding school allows students the freedom to learn and socialize with mentors and students who are of the same faith, and learn some fundamental principles about Christ-centered living in the process. Family coaching, counseling, prayer, and spiritual practice are all components of a curriculum at a Christian boarding school, giving students a chance to gain an education unlike any other program offered at a traditional school.

What is a Christian Boarding School?

A Christian boarding school is designed to nurture and foster a relationship with God. Christian boarding schools follow a step-by-step plan each day, giving students time to study, socialize, and learn about God based on Biblical teachings. Here they learn about the power of prayer, genuine listening, dealing with troublesome times in a healthy way, and Godly compassion. Family coaches and counselors are readily available to address a variety of interpersonal and personal issues for students, and can serve as powerful mentors throughout the student’s course of study.

A Christian boarding school requires students to live, work, and socialize on campus as they follow the school’s code of conduct and ethics in all that they do. Teachers and mentors are well-trained in Christ-centered teachings, and regular prayer sessions encourage students to renew and build a strong relationship with God.

Types of Christian Boarding Schools

Christian boarding schools can range from:

• Christian-based military schools
• Christian academies
• Christian therapeutic boarding schools

Christian-based military schools afford students a chance to gain rigorous military-style training along with their Christ-centered curriculum. The program is designed to challenge students physically and mentally, giving them a chance to develop respect for authority, increase self-esteem, and make sound decisions as an adult.

Christian academies are heavily focused on education and encouraging students to pursue a higher education. These academies offer a rigorous educational program in conjunction with Christ-centered learning and regular sessions for therapy, prayer, and counseling.

Christian therapeutic boarding schools are primarily focused on interpersonal relationships and nurturing a strong foundation with God. Christian therapeutic boarding schools allow students to work with family counselors and professional therapists to solve personal conflict and any other interpersonal relationship issues they may be experiencing.

How Do Christian Boarding Schools Differ From Other Types of Boarding Schools?

Christian boarding schools differ from other types of boarding schools in a variety of ways. First, they are almost entirely focused on faith-based learning, by implementing key learning and decision-making skills taught in the Bible. This ensures students learn how to apply the Bible’s teachings into their everyday lives, and prayer and study of the bible is often scheduled as part of each day.

Christian boarding schools put a heavy emphasis on socializing and working with others. Encouraging students to network, collaborate, and learn with other students and mentors helps them open up and renew their faith in Christ during the process. Those that attend therapeutic Christian boarding schools learn how to manage unhealthy patterns in their lives, especially in situations of conflict where they must learn new coping skills to overcome social difficulties, divorce, adoption issues, victimization, or death.

Life at a Christian Boarding School

Even though life at a Christian boarding school involves a rigorous and often challenging schedule, many student events revolve on fun and exciting opportunities where students can grow and build self-confidence. Both studying and extra-curricular activities allow students to engage in a balanced set of activities throughout the semester.

Extra-curricular activities may include:

• Team sports and excursions
• Horseback riding
• Tennis
• Skateboarding
• Indoor activities such as racquetball
• Arts, crafts, and photography
• Social events and organized entertainment

Daily life follows a code of conduct and a daily timetable that requires complete attendance by each student. Failure to comply with school codes, ethics, and policies often results in counseling, and student’s are expected to uphold the Christian boarding school’s guidelines and expectations. Behavioral problems are readily addressed by the appropriate department. While academics and schoolwork may not be the primary focus for many Christian boarding schools, the curriculum is structured for students to take classes towards higher education and ongoing learning.

Choosing a Christian Boarding School

Choosing the right Christian boarding school requires learning what the prospective student needs. If they need motivation and training to improve their academic studies, a Christian academy will suit them best. Military Christian boarding schools are well suited for those who need more discipline and challenges in their lives so that they can excel. Therapeutic Christian boarding schools are ideal for troubled teenagers and children, especially those who have experienced severe distress in their lives and have difficulty coping.

A Christian boarding school offers many advantages to other boarding schools and courses of study, especially for troubled teenagers and children who may need counseling and formal training. Christian boarding schools extend a comprehensive approach to learning, offering a core philosophy based in Christ-centered learning, counseling, extra-curricular activities, and academic discipline. Other benefits of a Christian boarding school include:

• Continued access to guidance counselors and therapists
• A nurturing and growth-oriented environment
• Interaction with other students of a similar faith and opportunity to nurture healthy relationships
• Strong spiritual emphasis based on spirituality and the gospel, in addition to Bible Studies class
• A relaxed atmosphere that encourages growth and healthy living skills

Students who graduate from a Christian boarding school can mature into healthy adults with fundamental skills to manage their lives. They can enjoy a variety of activities and discover their passions, talents, and hobbies; interacting with other students with a similar faith helps them build self-esteem and encourages them to maintain a strong relationship with God.

Christian Boarding School Accreditation

Christian boarding schools can be accredited by the National Christian Association of Schools, as well as the Commission for Higher Education and Learning in each respective state.

Costs of Attending a Christian Boarding School

Each type of Christian boarding school ranges in cost depending on the type of school and length of program. Some Christian boarding schools offer limited programs that range in length from 30-90 days; this provides a short-term solution for students who need a specialized program or course of study for a limited period of time. Short programs can range from $11,000-$13,500 per month, covering tuition, room and board. Other programs that are offered on a monthly or semester basis range from $4,100-$10,200 per month. The average cost for therapeutic treatment-oriented programs is $9,224 per month. Coaching and consultations also range in fees, depending on the length of program; coaching and workshop sessions can range fro $450-$1,000 per month. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid may also be available for eligible students and families.