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A Christian school is a school run on Christian principles or by a Christian organisation.
The nature of Christian Schools varies enormously from country to country according the religious and educational culture.
Historically in Europe many schools were founded as religious as well as educational establishment. Religious instruction was considered a normal part of education.
United States
In the United States religion is almost totally excluded from the state-funded educational system. Christian schools are therefore entirely privately run. Often such schools are organized and run in conjunction with a church or a denomination. Parents who want their children educated according to Christian principles must pay to send their children to such schools, unless the school is part of a school choice program.
While some American Christian schools are large and well-funded, many are small and rely on volunteers from the community.
According to the Canadian constitution Roman Catholics, in certain provinces, have the right to have their children educated in Catholic schools, and to have such education paid for by the state. Most areas of Canada therefore have two parallel school boards, one for Catholic education and one for 'public' (or secular) education. Many Christians (and those of other religions) send their children to Catholic schools, preferring an education from a different denomination or religion to a secular education.
Private Christian schools on the American model and run by Protestant denominations also exist throughout Canada.
The Church of England was historically a provider of many schools throughout the country. Such schools (called 'Church of England schools') were partially absorbed into the state education system, with the church retaining an influence on the schools in return for its support in funding and staffing. Such schools are required to accept pupils regardless of religious background. The curriculum taught is virtually identical to that taught in state funded schools.
Because of the availability of church-run schools and the tolerance for religious activity in state schools, private Christian schools are a relative rarity.
The Christian school movement began in Australia through the efforts of the Dutch Reformed Church. In 2004 the two leading umbrella organizations are Christian Schools Australia see http://www.christianschools.edu.au/ and Christian Parent Controlled Schools Ltd. see http://www.cpcs.edu.au/
In many parts of Africa Christian missionary organisations have founded schools, often in places where no other schooling is available. Such schools generally provide a complete education in a Christian context.
Associations
- American Association of Christian Schools
- Association of Christian Schools International
See also: Parochial school, Catholic school
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