Why Christian Education Is No Longer Optional

Pathway Christian Prep Academy

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

For decades, Christian families have sent their children to public schools with the hope that faith formed at home and in church would be enough to counter the influences they would face. But today, the world our children are growing up in is drastically different. The culture, curriculum, and climate of many educational institutions have shifted so dramatically that Christian education is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

1. Public Education Has Changed - Dramatically

What was once considered neutral ground for learning has increasingly become a battleground of ideas. From curriculum changes that emphasize secular worldviews to policies that exclude or marginalize traditional Christian beliefs, the education system is no longer silent on moral and spiritual issues; it’s actively speaking into them.

In fact, a 2022 Gallup poll found that just 28% of Americans expressed confidence in public education, down from 60% in the 1970s. The erosion of trust is real, and parents are paying attention.

2. Discipleship Can’t Be Outsourced

We cannot afford to delegate the discipleship of our children to institutions that do not share our faith. Scripture makes clear that the responsibility of raising children in the Lord lies first with families and the church (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). When education directly contradicts what children are taught about God at home and in church, confusion and compromise take root.

Christian education provides alignment: the ability to educate the mind without compromising the soul.

3. Our Children Need More Than Academics

A well-rounded education is about more than math and reading scores. It's about identity, purpose, and truth. At Pathway Christian Prep Academy, our goal is not simply to help students succeed academically but to empower them spiritually, to know who they are in Christ, to defend their faith, and to impact the world around them.

Today’s children are bombarded with messages about who they should be, what they should believe, and how they should live. Christian education roots them in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

4. Culture Is Discipling the Next Generation, Whether We Want It To or Not

Let’s be honest: our children are being discipled—by someone, somewhere. Whether it’s through media, peers, or education systems, they are being formed in worldview, values, and beliefs. The only question is: who is doing the discipling?

Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. That command includes our children. Christian schools are not a shelter from the world, they are launchpads into it, preparing students to stand strong and shine bright.

5. School Choice Is Making Christian Education More Accessible

Thanks to the growing expansion of school choice legislation across the U.S., Christian education is more attainable than ever before. Many families now qualify for $7,000+ per student through state-funded programs, including in Arizona, Alaska, New Hampshire, and Alabama.

These opportunities are opening doors for parents who never thought they could afford private education. And Pathway Christian is ready to welcome them with academic excellence and a Christ-centered mission.

In Closing: It’s Time to Rethink the “Optional” Mindset

Christian education is not just an alternative, it is a lifeline. In a time where truth is contested and identity is confused, we must offer our children clarity, conviction, and community rooted in Christ.

At Pathway Christian Prep Academy, we are raising up the next generation of disciples — academically strong, spiritually grounded, and ready to lead with courage and compassion.

🎓 Enrollment is open now. Join the movement.
📩 Visit www.pathwaychristian.org or contact admissions@pathwaychristian.org to learn more.